Piano lessons in Toronto can offer the creative type respite from the oncoming gloomy winter months. Maybe you have an inner jazz pianist struggling to break free or you want to impress someone special (your inner critic?) with your Beatles medleys or Beethoven concertos. While piano is often the kind of thing you learn in a cobwebby eclectic neighbour's house, there are a number of schools in Toronto with a solid reputation behind them. For beginners and up, here are our best bets to put your fingers in good hands.

Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory of Music was founded in 1886 by Edward Fisher as The Toronto Conservatory of Music. Here, you can learn piano and jazz piano in a building designated a National Historic Site — and as a bonus you can also grab a pretty cuppa at B Espresso Bar between classes. Private and group lessons are offered. Beginners are welcome.

Long & McQuade
At Long & McQuade students can study piano and keyboard under a pop music or graded Royal Conservatory curriculum. Lessons are one-on-one and students can chose between theory, technical studies, improvisation and performance. Bonus: you might see that cute tuba player from band class stepping in to renew rental forms. Various locations around the GTA.

Allegro Music
Established in 1971, this specialty store also offers custom private lessons in all musical styles based on playing level for many instruments including piano and keyboard, as well as songwriting, theory, and digital recording. Learn to play, then learn to conquer the air waves. Lessons start at age 5 and up.

Toronto School of Music
Located in North York, private and group piano lessons are available at Toronto School of Musical at all levels, and for students young and old. Classical, contemporary and jazz music are taught with special consideration for each student. If you think you've got what it takes, master-classes are also available.

Classical Music Conservatory
This 15 year old Roncesvalles conservatory offers private lessons for kids, teens, and adults. Classes include classical, pop, rock, and jazz improvisation. Potential Classical Music Conservatory students can browse through the teachers on their website.

Canadian Music Academy
Canadian Music Academy offers classes in Toronto in piano, piano pop & rock, piano jazz & blues, keyboard, and organ. Teachers are divided into neighbourhoods such as The Annex and The Beaches, and you can decide if you'd like to study in your home, or the home of the instructor. It's like ordering food... for your mind. Various locations.

Toronto Faculty of Music
This Etobicoke music school began in 1979, and teaches students aged 3 and up. Toronto Faculty of Music offer personalized private piano lessons in jazz, classical and pop, as well as ensemble jazz combo classes.

Perfect Pitch Downtown
For those looking for a place to study piano downtown, Perfect Pitch at Front and Spadina might be the answer. Weekend and evening classes are instructed by Susanna Ordine, who comes highly recommended and has been teaching for over 15 years. Your first lesson is free.

Elite Music Academy
Located on the Danforth, Elite Music Academy offers a diverse array of music lessons including Greek bouzoki, Turkish saz, and Arabic oud -- as well as the good old piano. They offer consultations, free keyboard rentals for two months, recording opportunities, and you can incorporate your blossoming piano skills into their rock band courses.

ABC Academy of Music
ABC Academy of Music at St Clair and Oakwood offers students from 0 (yes 0) to adulthood a ride range of options, including piano and keyboard. They're open to teaching you classical, popular music, jazz, and rock styles, and also offer various camps and tutoring options for kids.

BONUS

Concert Pitch Piano Services
Nestled beside Broadview Station, Concert Pitch Piano Services are a go to for tuning, repair, appraisals and accessories, but their website also has comprehensive listings of piano teachers in Toronto Central, as well as neighborhoods from Oshawa to Markham to Brampton. They will list piano teachers for free via a form on their website.

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Photo by kaeko in the blogTO flickr pool