For students going further
Performance Prep & Music Theory in Lakewood Ranch
Music theory tutoring and preparation for festivals, competitions, and auditions, for students ready to take the piano further. Taught in person by Dr. Marjorie Hohlstein, DMA, at her Lakewood Ranch home studio, with students from Bradenton and Sarasota.
01Going further
For students ready to go further
Some students reach a point where they want more than a weekly lesson: a competition to prepare for, an exam to pass, an audition that matters. This is where decades of performing, adjudicating, and teaching make the difference. Dr. Hohlstein holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance, won the concerto competition with the North Carolina Symphony, and has guided students toward festivals, competitions, and conservatory study.
Whether the goal is AP Music Theory, a college application, or a polished competition piece, preparation is built around the student and the deadline in front of them.
02Preparation
Auditions, competitions, and festivals
Yes, Dr. Hohlstein prepares students for festivals, competitions, and conservatory and college auditions.
Preparation covers choosing and polishing the right repertoire, shaping interpretation and musicianship, and the practical skill of performing with composure when it counts. Years of adjudicating festivals and competitions mean she knows what judges and admissions panels are listening for.
03What is covered
Theory, repertoire, and stagecraft
Lessons are private and in person, shaped around the student's goals. Depending on what you are working toward, this can include:
- Music theory for AP exams and college courses
- College-entry and conservatory audition preparation
- Festival and competition preparation
- Repertoire selection, interpretation, and musicianship
- Technique for advanced playing and performing with confidence
Theory can be woven into regular lessons or taught as focused sessions for a specific exam or application.
04Your teacher
Taught by Dr. Marjorie Hohlstein
Dr. Hohlstein holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a minor in music theory. She has performed as a soloist and collaborator, won the concerto competition with the North Carolina Symphony, and presented lecture-recitals, including research on the composer Joel Engel. As an adjudicator and mentor, she brings that experience to every student preparing to perform.
05In their words
Students who keep growing
I've been studying under Dr. Marjorie's wing for almost three years now. She has helped me build my knowledge in piano and music history, develop my musicality, and deepen my understanding of music theory. Each lesson she uses her experience to help me build my repertoire. She is a kind, charismatic and overall amazing teacher.
06Questions
Theory and audition prep, answered
Do you offer music theory tutoring for AP exams?
Yes. Music theory tutoring is available for AP Music Theory, college music courses, and college-entry preparation, taught at the level each student needs.
Do you prepare students for festivals, competitions, and auditions?
Yes. Dr. Hohlstein prepares students for festivals, competitions, and conservatory and college auditions, drawing on decades of performing and adjudicating.
Do you help with conservatory and college audition repertoire?
Yes. Lessons can focus on choosing and polishing audition repertoire, shaping interpretation, and performing with confidence under pressure.
Does a student need to be advanced to work on theory or auditions?
Not necessarily. Theory and performance preparation are tailored to the student's level, from motivated students building fundamentals to conservatory-bound players.
Is music theory taught on its own or within piano lessons?
Either way. Theory can be woven into regular lessons or taught as focused sessions for a specific exam or application.
How do I book a free trial lesson?
Reach out through the contact form, or call or email. Dr. Hohlstein personally replies within 48 hours to arrange your free, no-obligation 30-minute trial.
07Start playing
Book a free 30-minute trial lesson
Tell me what the student is preparing for, an exam, an audition, or a competition, and I will reply within 48 hours to set up a relaxed first lesson at the piano.