Close-up of a piano keyboard showing black and white keys.
A black Boston grand piano with its lid closed, positioned in a room on a decorative red and beige area rug, with a black adjustable piano bench nearby and abstract artwork leaning against the wall.

Piano Lessons in North Austin & Cedar Park

Dr. Brad Emerson is accepting students of all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, and all ages (4 to adult).

  • Location: In-person instruction is provided in-studio in North Austin/South Cedar Park; online lessons are also available.

  • Performances: Students participate in two annual Studio Recitals as well as local events such as ADMTA Festivals.

  • Advanced Curriculum: Highly motivated students can prepare for RCM exams, state theory tests, competitions, auditions, solo recitals and/or masterclasses.

Currently offering free trial lessons to interested students.

About the Pianist

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Brad Emerson received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016, where he studied as a pupil of Nancy Garrett and Anton Nel. He was awarded the William C. Race Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Piano and taught individual and group piano lessons as a graduate assistant. A community minded musician, Dr. Emerson regularly works as a choral accompanist in church and school settings.

In addition to performing and teaching, Dr. Emerson presented on the Russian composer Nikolai Medtner for the Semiotics Society of America, and at the International Medtner Conference in London. His doctoral treatise addresses the religious symbolism found in the composer’s Sonata-Ballade Op. 27.

Student Accolades

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Dr. Emerson’s pupils have received the highest marks in ADMTA events, TMTA Theory exams and Texas UIL state final competitions. His students are frequent participants in public lessons, including masterclasses with Sophia Gilmson, Bradley Bolen and Tim Woolsey. Additional honors include solo recitals at Austin Community College, selection for the Baylor Summer Piano Institute, and ADMTA honors recital participation.

A previous collegiate student and working civil engineer, Grant Gayle, performed with the Fort Worth Symphony as a winner of the PianoTexas Festival Amateurs and Teachers Concerto Competition, as well as in a masterclass with Cliburn gold medalist Vladym Koledenko.

Four concert programs and a handwritten note about a piano recital, listing composers and pieces, with acknowledgments to Mr. Brad, parents, and family.

  • Spring Recital: Saturday, April 25th at Steinway Gallery

  • TMTA Fall Theory Exam: November 8th

  • ADMTA Solo Contest: November 15th

  • Fall RCM Exam: November 29th - December 11th, by appt.

  • TMTA Spring Theory Exam: February 8th

  • ADMTA Baroque/Classical Festival: February 14th

  • TMTA Performance Contest: February 21st

  • ADMTA Romantic/Modern Festival: April 4th

  • Spring RCM Exam: May 10 - 31st, by appt.

Events Calendar

 Musical Objectives

Magnifying glass with music note icon inside.

Playful Discovery
and Enrichment

  • Selections are chosen individually based on each student's development and interests. Lesson books are supplemented early on for exposure to additional styles, composers and genres.

  • Properly developed technique facilitates the fun and ease of playing the piano, which in turn builds a student’s capability to take on greater challenges.

  • Sight-reading and conceptual listening skills are taught to reveal less apparent details in scores, and to ensure faster progress.

Reflective and
Attentive Listening

Outline illustration of a human ear.

  • Developing a musical ear begins with learning to love and appreciate the sound of the piano as you play, from a single note, to harmony and textural effects.

  • An engaging performance is adaptively goal-oriented: each note heard informs the direction of the longer musical line.

  • To convey a sense of place or character believably, a musical idea should first be heard internally. The ear’s role is then to evaluate how well the intent is communicated.

Independent
Musical Thinking

Abstract illustration of a person with musical notes in the background.

  • Students are encouraged not to merely imitate another performer’s approach, but to discover their inner voice’s own expressive potential.

  • Music theory and history are taught not just for labeling and categorization, but as tools to enable students to play with richer interpretive understanding.

  • Practice efficency is achieved by asking intentional questions, such as how to improve flow or highlight different musical elements.

Testimonials

  • From the moment our son began lessons with Dr. Brad Emerson, we knew we had found someone truly extraordinary — a God-sent teacher whose combination of technical mastery, artistry, and genuine care is exceedingly rare. It’s not every day you encounter a classically trained pianist with a doctorate who brings such humility, warmth, and purpose to every lesson. We are profoundly honored to have him as our son’s piano instructor. His guidance goes far beyond teaching notes and rhythm; he instills discipline, patience, and a deep love for music that has transformed the way our son approaches not just piano, but learning itself.

    - Vielka G.

  • Dr. Brad has been the best piano teacher for my 3 daughters.  We have known him for almost ten years and have the utmost respect for his skill and the passion he brings to his craft when teaching.  My daughters have been blessed to have him as their teacher. He is well versed in teaching piano and in music in general. He applies his concepts outside of just the piano keys to make them more well rounded students.  As parents we are beyond grateful to know him and have him as a positive influence for our girls over the years. He’s truly a piano genius!

    - Alba F.

  • My daughter studied piano with Dr. Emerson for 7 years. She came to him as a 7 year old with no experience and later played pieces like Grieg’s Berceuse and Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor while still in middle school. He had a subtle way of keeping her outside of her comfort zone, and it allowed her to constantly grow. His belief in her, combined with encouraging her to believe in herself, was invaluable. He is also as good of a person as he is an amazing pianist. He is intentional and truly cares about his students’ success, and is always willing to work with them at their pace with patience and kindness. He is a true gem!

    - Christina G.

  • Dr. Emerson taught me piano for 7 years. I learned so many piano skills and expanded my horizons to play several incredible pieces by many composers. He was an incredible teacher who taught with patience, skill, and experience. I learned so many great lessons from him, ranging from piano theory to learning how to play Chopin, and am so grateful for his teaching and expertise.

    - Sydney G.

A young man with a beard and wavy brown hair, wearing a dark blazer over a blue shirt, smiling in front of an abstract painting of a grand piano with textured, earthy tones.

Interested in piano lessons? Fill out some information and I’ll be in touch about current rates, scheduling, and to answer any additional questions.

Alternatively, you may email me at: dremersonpiano@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you! I’m privileged to teach and collaborate with wonderful students and families.

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