Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance
Learn up to 5x faster from a two-time Top Steinway Teacher.
Steinway & Sons Scottsdale Top Teacher, 2024 & 2025
Now Accepting New Students
Whether your child is beginning or you are ready to advance your own playing, lessons combine exceptional training with clear, encouraging guidance to build strong technique and musical confidence.
What to Expect
Patient, step-by-step instruction
Clear practice goals between lessons
Music chosen around each student's interests, pace, and goals
Encouraging coaching that builds confidence and independence
Every student arrives with a different reason for learning. Lessons are shaped around the person at the piano, with the right balance of challenge, encouragement, and musical depth.
Build a strong musical foundation, productive practice habits, and the confidence to play music they are proud of.
Learn with clarity and purpose at a pace that respects your goals, experience, and the music you want to play.
Deepen technique, interpretation, and performance readiness through highly individualized study.
Their experiences reflect what matters most in lessons: clear guidance, encouragement, musical depth, and meaningful progress.
"Michael makes everything so easy to learn. His passion for music is infectious."
— Shweta M.
"He was able to keep my son focused and engaged. My son walked out encouraged to continue learning."
— Lisa W., parent
"As an older student, he helped create a plan that was interesting and doable."
— Ron Z.
"His patience, knowledge, professionalism, and kindness made a huge difference for my granddaughter."
— William K., grandparent
"He struck the perfect balance between technique and interpretation."
— Annika H.
"He found so many small subtleties in my technique, tone, and style for me to improve on."
— Jackson L.
Let's get you started.
Schedule Your First LessonPlay with control, freedom, and a beautiful sound.
Build a repertoire that keeps you inspired and excited to practice.
Learn new music with increasing fluency and confidence.
Hear relationships within the music and understand what gives it meaning.
Move beyond the notes and develop phrasing, character, and artistic imagination.
Prepare thoroughly and learn to share your playing with composure.
Every student's path is different, but the first months are designed to make progress clear, rewarding, and musically meaningful.
Become comfortable with the keyboard and play your first notes.
Begin playing a simple piece with both hands, with each new skill building naturally from there.
Develop the reading and practice skills to begin exploring new music on your own.
Add expression, imagination, and personality as your playing develops.
Lessons take place at Dr. Guida's private studio in Scottsdale's McCormick Ranch area, where students learn on a carefully maintained Steinway grand piano in a quiet setting devoted to music. Weekly lessons last 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on each student's age, level, and goals.
Students may also participate in recitals, festivals, competitions, and ensemble opportunities throughout the year.
A focused introduction for young beginners
The most popular choice for steady, well-rounded progress
In-depth study for developing and advanced pianists
In-person lessons in Scottsdale - McCormick Ranch, AZ
Virtual lessons also available
Tell me a little about what you or your child hope to achieve, and I'll help you choose the right starting point.
Start Your Piano Journey