Piano Academy of North Carolina
Bill Chen at the piano as Dr. Frank Pittman guides him

Piano Academy of North Carolina · Durham

Everyone deserves the joy of music.

Personalized piano instruction for students at every stage.

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Dr. Frank Pittman seated at a grand piano MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher
Dr. Frank Pittman Founder · Teaching since 1983

I began teaching piano in 1983 and soon realized that sharing music with others was my calling. Every student brings individual potential to the piano, and each lesson should meet that person with patience, flexibility, and a clear path toward growth.

Dr. Frank Pittman, NCTMArtistic & Executive Director

Biography & credentials

Dr. Frank Pittman

Artistic & Executive DirectorNCTM

Dr. Frank Pittman seated at a grand piano
Dr. Frank PittmanFounder · Teaching since 1983

Biography

Dr. Pittman’s students have participated in national and international festivals and performance competitions, and former students have become musicians and music educators. He has taught at the Governor’s School of North Carolina, UNC–Chapel Hill, Meredith College, Campbell University, the Actors Center in Philadelphia, and the Durham School of the Arts, and served as a guest Lecturer of Music Theatre at Temple University.

He has performed as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician in the United States and Europe, regularly adjudicates piano competitions, and is a recurring examiner for the Hong Kong Schools Music Competition.

Credentials

  • Doctor of Musical ArtsUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • Master of MusicTemple University
  • Bachelor of MusicUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Permanent Professional Certified Teacher of Music in Piano

Areas of study

  • Individual piano lessons: beginning through advanced
  • Adult learners and senior adults
  • Music theory and technology
  • Group piano and recreational music making
  • Virtual learning and performance preparation

A course of study shaped around the student.

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Swipe to explore all three lesson paths

A teacher and a young student playing at a keyboard

Beginner Fundamentals

Patient attention, practical training, positive encouragement, and engaging activities give younger learners a confident start at the piano.

A young pianist playing a grand piano

Intermediate Piano

Students extend their technique across the keyboard while developing repertoire, sight-reading, theory, and greater musical independence.

Printed sheet music with a baton and eyeglasses

Advanced Piano Study

Advanced repertoire, interpretation, performance preparation, and music theory support ambitious study with experienced guidance.

Our pianos

In partnership with Ruggero Piano and Yamaha. PANC is an exclusive Yamaha educational institution.

5′8″ Grand Piano

Yamaha DGC2 ENSPIRE ST Disklavier

Full recording and playback, Yamaha SILENT Piano™ technology, and DSP Servo Drive expand this acoustic grand’s possibilities.

5′8″ Grand Piano

Yamaha GC2 SH Silent Piano

Acoustic resonance meets SH-type SILENT Piano™ functionality and a Yamaha CFX sound source.

Digital Upright

Clavinova CLP-635

Concert-grand sounds and rhythm accompaniment support ensemble study and focused musicianship.

AvantGrand Hybrid Piano

Yamaha N2 AvantGrand

AvantGrand technology delivers true grand-piano performance in an elegant, slim vertical cabinet. Available through Ruggero Piano.

Digital Upright

Clavinova CLP-625

Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial concert-grand voices offer a responsive digital study experience. Available through Ruggero Piano.

Practice becomes performance.

Recitals, showcases, and performance classes give students a welcoming place to share their work.

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Frequently asked questions

Where are lessons held, and are online lessons available?

Lessons are held at the Piano Academy of North Carolina in Sutton Station, 5836 Fayetteville Road, Suite 101, Durham, North Carolina—one mile north of the Streets at Southpoint on Fayetteville Road. Online lessons are also available.

How does the weekly lesson contract work?

Individual weekly-lesson contracts include 38 lessons during the academic season. Tuition may be paid in full, every six months, or in monthly installments: $240 for 60-minute lessons and $180 for 45-minute lessons. Group-class tuition varies by class, but group classes are currently suspended.

When is tuition due?

Monthly tuition is due on the first of each month. PANC fees are tuition-based rather than lesson-based, so 12 equal payments are required regardless of the number of lessons in a particular month. Lessons beyond the 38 included in the contract are billed separately.

What qualifications do the artist faculty have?

All artist faculty have degrees in either piano performance or piano pedagogy and have considerable teaching experience. Faculty members are active in local, state, national, and international professional activities.

Current-site photograph of a pianist and attendees at a PANC performance
Current-site photograph

A good teacher makes a difference in a student's life. My son’s passion for music and playing piano bloomed under Dr. Pittman’s constructive guidance and constant support. His love for music and patience helps the kids to thrive, excel but above everything enjoy the beauty of playing such an alluring instrument.

MAR, parent of current student