Children and teens · from age 5

Music lessons for children in Miami, at a child’s pace

Private piano, voice and beginner guitar lessons for children and teens, at Josefa’s West Miami-Dade studio or online. More than 45 years of teaching children, in English or Spanish.

Young girl at the grand piano with her teacher's hand guiding her on the keys
Curriculum

What a child’s lesson looks like

Who it's for

The children who learn here

Ages 5 to 7

A first instrument

Short lessons, lots of repetition, plenty of play. The measure of success at this age is simple: the child wants to come back next week.

Ages 8 to 12

Reading and technique

Where the real progress shows. Note reading, both hands together, scales, and pieces a child is proud to play for the family.

Teens

Their own music

Usually arriving with songs they want to learn, an audition coming up, or a school ensemble to keep up with. Lessons follow what they care about.

Teenage boy singing into a studio microphone with a grand piano behind him

The first teacher decides whether a child keeps playing.

Most children who quit an instrument quit because the first months were boring, confusing or embarrassing, not because they lacked talent. Josefa has spent more than 45 years making sure that does not happen: slow enough that nothing important gets skipped, interesting enough that the child practices without being told twice.

Ask about lessons
Practical

How children’s lessons work

30, 45 or 60 minutes, twice a week recommended

Younger children usually start at 30 minutes. Two lessons a week is where children move fastest, because a mistake is corrected before it becomes a habit. Once a week is the minimum.

At Josefa’s studio in West Miami-Dade

A real piano, a quiet room and somewhere to wait. Parents are welcome to sit in, especially in the first few weeks.

Or online by video

Useful for school holidays, rainy weeks and families further out. Josefa teaches children online as well as in person.

In English or Spanish

The lesson runs in whichever language the child is most comfortable thinking in.

Josefa Cabiedes
Your teacher

Meet Josefa Cabiedes

Master's in Music from the Universidad de las Artes (ISA) in Havana, more than 45 years teaching piano, voice and guitar, and a working composer and arranger with prizes in international competitions. Patient, demanding in the right way, and bilingual.

Read her full story →
Service area

Kids' lessons near you

In-person lessons at Josefa's studio in West Miami-Dade (33174) and, with limited availability, at your home in these nearby areas. Online lessons anywhere in the United States.

FAQ

Common questions about children's music lessons

What age can my child start?

From about five, as long as the child can sit and concentrate for a short lesson. Josefa starts the youngest students at 30 minutes and builds from there. If you are not sure your child is ready, send her a message and she will tell you honestly.

Do we need a piano at home?

A child needs something to practice on from the first week. An acoustic piano is ideal, but a weighted 88-key digital keyboard is fine to start on, and for guitar the correct size for the child matters far more than the price. Ask Josefa what to look for before you spend anything.

What if my child does not practice?

Very common, and it is usually a sign the practice goal was too vague. Josefa sets one small, specific task for the week and tells you what good practice should sound like, so you know what you are listening for.

Are there recitals?

Only for children who want one. No student is ever made to perform. Children preparing for a school audition or a recital get focused preparation for it.

Can both of my children learn?

Yes, each with their own lesson. Children progress at different speeds, and a shared lesson usually ends with one of them bored and the other one lost.

Which instrument should my child start on?

Piano suits most children first, because every note is visible and reading music follows naturally from it. Voice and beginner guitar also work well. Tell Josefa your child’s age and what they are drawn to, and she will give you an honest recommendation.

Does my child need to speak Spanish?

No. Josefa teaches in English and in Spanish, and switches to whichever the child follows more easily. Bilingual households are the norm here.

Also teaching: piano lessons · voice lessons · guitar lessons · adult music lessons · online music lessons · studio work

Students

What her students say

Every review below is on her Google profile, written by a student or a parent.

5.0 Reviews on Google
Caren PichardoAdult student & parent
October 2026

Ms. Josefa has changed my life in ways I never imagined a piano teacher could.

As a 40-year-old medical professional with a very demanding and unpredictable schedule, I had always dreamed of playing the piano but convinced myself that I was too old to start. Instead, I was living that dream through my son when Ms. Josefa began teaching him. But she saw something in me that I had stopped believing in myself. She encouraged me to give it a try, believed in me, and helped me take the first step toward a dream I had carried for years.

Since then, she has been so much more than a piano teacher. She has been patient, encouraging, flexible, and understanding of the demands of my life. She meets me where I am, celebrates my progress, and reminds me that it is never too late to learn something new or pursue something that brings you joy.

Her impact on me goes far beyond music. She has helped me reconnect with a part of myself that I had put aside for so long. In a life filled with responsibilities, deadlines, and caring for others, piano has become something meaningful that I do for myself. She has reminded me that we are never too old to grow, to dream, or to surprise ourselves.

I genuinely feel that my life has a before and after Ms. Josefa. I am so grateful that she came into our lives, first as my son’s teacher and then as someone who helped me believe in myself again. I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are thinking about learning piano but feel that it is too late, that you are too busy, or that you are not talented enough, I hope you find a teacher like Ms. Josefa. She will make you believe that you can.

Thank you, Ms. Josefa, for teaching me piano, but even more importantly, for helping me rediscover a dream and giving me the courage to pursue it.

Response from Josefa

You are a great student and an excellent person. Thanks for your kind words.

Phet PhanitdasackParent · 3 years
October 2026

We have been with Teacher Josfia 3 years. There is not another more talented, incredible & professional music instructor than Ms. Josfia. She is always giving her ultimate best to all her students. She’s nurturing and guides her students to strive for more. Shes honest & does not allow you to fall behind. We highly recommend her!

Response from Josefa

Thank you so much, Phet! These past three years have been a joy. I truly appreciate your trust, kind words, and heartfelt recommendation.

MolenilloAdult piano student · since 2023
October 2026

I started keyboard lesson in tenth grade. After high school graduation I continued piano lessons with for about 1 year. I enrolled for higher education in the medical field, time during which I took private piano lessons for 5 yrs. I got to play Mozart’s Turkish March, Bethoven’s Für Elise, Massenet’s Le Cid Aragonsise amongst others classical compositions.

Then…life… no more piano lessons. For many years I played and practiced on my own…without guidance, next you loose what you’ve learned. My piano kept gathering dust until one day I said to myself “either I go back to study piano or I’ll sell my upright instrument”. I found Josefa Caviedes through a local conservatory. I started taking private piano lessons March 2023, at first for one hour weekly, then as I evolved started lessons two hours weekly.

It’ll be four years this coming March 2027 and plan to continue taking lessons with Josefa for years to come. During the last 3 1/2 years with solfège and piano technique, I have advanced in my piano learning. Josefa’s goal is for me not only to learn to play classic piano (in deed I just finished studying Beethoven’s Piano sonata #14 and Chopin’s Prelude in E minor op 28 but also I’ve learned to play modern songs such as My Endless Love or The Notebook).

I highly recommend Josefa to be your first or next piano teacher. Josefa will truly teach you how to learn, play and love the piano… she will support and inspire you to really learn piano the right way… also you’ll love her chamomile hot tea with honey. May God grant Josefa with a long and healthy life to continue being my piano teacher.

Jose.

Response from Josefa

You are a perfectionist and that makes your learning process more successful. Proud to be your teacher.

Miguel RodriguezAdult piano student · 3 years
October 2026

Josefa has been teaching me piano for a little over three years now. As an adult I have made amazing progress as a Pianist and I get to play songs that I love to my friends and family. She is patient and makes sure to explore all the aspects of Piano skills that one can acquire. Josefa also tailors her teaching if there are specific skills or songs that I wish to focus on. If you really want to learn how to play Piano, your best bet is with her.

Response from Josefa

Hi Miguel, your consistency and discipline are key to your success. Proud to be your teacher.

Gretel RParent · guitar
September 2026

Josefa has been teaching my daughter guitar for over a year, and I can't thank her enough for her attention and patience. She takes her time to explain and demonstrate the correct technique, always with kindness and dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend her.

Translated by Google
Response from Josefa

Gracias. Tu hija tiene un gran talento y es un placer enseñarle.

Jeannine BlandonVoice student
October 2026

Josefa is very pleasant to work with and creates a comfortable environment during lessons. I appreciate her time and the opportunity to continue developing my voice.

Response from Josefa

You have a beautiful voice and a great interpretative sense. It's a pleasure to teach you.

Already a student? Leave a review

Contact

Ready to start children's music lessons?

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