Testimonials
"Truly, I feel so lucky that my daughter has Tonya in her life. Tonya offers the trifecta: terrific personal warmth, high expectations, and an infectious passion for music. She inspires and challenges, all while maintaining a nurturing, supportive atmosphere."
— Kathy (Parent)
"Ms. Plinsky has been a blessing to my family. I have two kids who absolutely love learning piano. Her teaching style is unparalleled. She is gentle yet firm. She has high expectations and my kids rise to it. My daughter has progressed from elementary level music to playing Sonatas and using pedal in just one year. My six-year-old loves practicing and is already playing “real” classical pieces. Ms. Plinsky is always positive. Even when the kids are playing incorrectly, she is very patient with them and spends a lot of time to correct their mistakes. She is never frustrated or upset at them. She has inculcated a deep appreciation for classical music in us. She has also instilled a discipline of practice. I don’t have enough words to write about how wonderful she is. I feel so lucky to have Ms. Plinsky in our life!"
— Anita (Parent)
"Our daughter began studying with Ms. Plinsky about five years ago, and from her very first studio recital that year, we knew we had found a most exceptional teacher. Every student, from the youngest beginner to the most advanced, performed with outstanding musicality, showing the incredibly high standard Ms. Plinsky holds them to, as well as the deep love of music she helps to instill in them. In the years since, Ms. Plinsky has been a wonderful teacher for our daughter, with the perfect combination of high expectations and a gentle spirit. As our daughter has progressed, she has encouraged her to pursue her individual musical tastes and interests, while reinforcing the basics and standard repertoire."
— Lianne (Parent)
"Learning the piano from Ms. Plinsky has been absolutely wonderful. When I first started out with her, I never imagined how far I would get with my piano studies. In only one year I have progressed from beginner pieces to more advanced ones. Not only is Ms. Plinsky a magnificent piano teacher, but she is also a very delightful person. Ms. Plinsky always greets me with a smile and is always encouraging, even if I play my piece incorrectly. Ms. Plinsky has planted the love of music in me and I am so grateful to have a wonderful teacher like her."
— Sonia (Student)
"As a former military family, my daughters had experienced several piano teachers since they began their lessons over ten years ago. Tonya Plinsky is, by far, the very best they have ever had. Tonya’s professionalism and attention to encouraging my daughters to strive for their very best; her warmth and friendliness, allowing them to feel comfortable and welcomed in her studio every week; her open communication in regards to my children’s progress, ensuring their success in their music education and performance; and, perhaps most importantly, her love and dedication to music. All of these, plus her affection for rescued animals, have made this military family feel more than blessed to have found her."
-- Raphaela (Parent)
"I’ve been playing piano with Ms. Plinsky for almost 9 years. Ms. Plinsky always supports her students, inspires them and praises them on their accomplishments and success. She always encourages me to challenge myself and take on more difficult pieces. It’s not just about the notes with Ms. Plinsky; it’s about the composer, the dynamics, the expression, and the overall feeling that the piece is meant to have. Ms. Plinsky’s students advance every year and I assure you that anyone who is taught by her will excel as a pianist and a musician. We have two Recitals every year, and if you hear some of her more advanced students you will be amazed. Even her younger students show progress and improvement at their young age. I personally love playing piano — it's become my life, in a way. I won’t say getting where I am now wasn’t hard work, but the outcome was well worth it. It has opened up opportunities for me in school and music programs in the community. I love what I do and Ms. Plinsky’s a big part of it."
— Shannon (Student)
"Tonya Plinsky is a wonderful piano instructor! She has taught all three of my children beginning in 1st grade through middle school and high school. Each one has become a strong musician under her tutelage. Her combination of high expectations and gentle encouragement consistently produces very dedicated students. She does expect consistent practice from her pupils, but as their talent at the piano grows so does their appreciation of classical music and their desire to continue playing... Ms. Plinsky offers both high-caliber professionalism and performance opportunities to her students... The quality of playing from students of all ages makes her private Winter and Spring Recitals a pleasure to attend... Gifted with both young children and older students and adults, Ms. Plinsky is truly a remarkable teacher, and comes with my highest recommendation."
— Margaret (Parent)
"Our son has been a student of Ms. Plinsky’s for two years now and we are very pleased with his progress. Amazed really. He has been playing for 7 or 8 years and the last two have been, without question, the most accelerated when compared to the rate of progress he made with his other piano teachers. At her recitals we always enjoy watching the little ones having fun just starting on their piano playing adventures but we are just as astonished at the quality of play and virtuosity displayed by the older high schoolers nearing the end of their run with her. But, because of the progress our son has made these past two years, we see that he has a real chance to join that elite group as he continues to advance and work while relying on her expert and tender guidance.
Tonya is so successful because of her dedication to her students. She thinks about and worries about her student’s success and progress all during the year. Often, we and our son get emails from her making suggestions to help us and him get the most from the coming week’s practice.
If your child is just exploring music and the piano, there is no teacher better than Tonya to lay the best foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment. If your child is more advanced and dedicated and wishes to move ahead as quickly as possible during the limited time available during his or her school career, Ms. Plinsky is your perfect choice. Ms. Plinsky was enthusiastically recommended to us and we do the same at every opportunity.
PS: If you don’t fall in love with her dog, someone stole your heart while you slept! You’d better go find it.
PPS: Your piano playing child will feel the same about Tonya Plinsky."
— Carl (Parent)
"Plinsky Piano Studio has been a wonderful place for our kids, going on 10 years now. Tonya is a superb musician, a gifted teacher, and a delightful person."
— Carrie (Parent)
"Ms. Plinsky has made playing the piano immensely enjoyable for me. I've been taking piano lessons with Ms. Plinsky for over seven years. She is one of the nicest people I know. She is an excellent piano teacher who never fails to give her students the best piano experience possible. Ms. Plinsky is encouraging and loves to see her students thrive at something they've worked hard on... The time I've spent playing piano alongside Ms. Plinsky has been wonderful."
— Daniel (Student)
"We moved to Virginia a little over a year ago, and were looking for a piano teacher for our daughter (she had 9 years of piano lessons, and wanted to continue). But how to find a teacher when you are new in such a metropolitan area? We were blessed to meet a college student employed at a nearby music store, and asked her if she knew anyone. Without hesitation, she spoke glowingly of Tonya Plinsky, her piano teacher for years. We were looking for someone who could impart music theory as well. We met Tonya and started lessons in the fall. The past year has been wonderful, and our daughter has progressed tremendously over the course of the year. Tonya challenges the students, yet is so encouraging and warm, they WANT to do better. She is knowledgeable, professional and amiable. I am grateful for Tonya's former student leading us in the right direction! Perhaps we will be able to direct future students to her as well!"
— Jeannine (Parent)
"Ms. Plinsky has been a wonderful piano instructor. My son has blossomed under her tutelage the past few years. His first piano teacher gave him the building blocks to start, but Ms. Plinsky's emphasis on the classics has helped him grow by leaps and bounds. I love attending the Recitals and listening not only to my son, but to the other students in her studio as well. It is obvious that the students both respect and admire her."
— Richard (Parent)
"Ms. Plinsky made music simple for me. She taught me that I had to want to be a better musician first, or else I wouldn’t have any motivation to improve myself. At times, practicing may seem like a chore and I have to make time in order to practice piano. Other times it’s something I can go to when I want to relieve stress and just relax. Practicing may be hard, but at the end of the day, I notice myself enjoying the music more than ever before. Ms. Plinsky has an amicable personality and her zeal of music is apparent when she animates a passage of the piece with emotion. I love how she is completely engrossed in the music as I play and follows along the piece like a storybook. I appreciate Ms. Plinsky doing everything she can to make me into a better pianist... She has inspired me to play the best I can and has given me something I can share with others."
— Candace (Student)
"Nothing brings me such joy as watching my seven year-old son interact with Tonya Plinsky. Ms. Plinsky truly has a gift for teaching. My son has always been musical, but under her guidance he is so motivated to hone his skills. We have seen tremendous growth in just one year. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!"
— Lori (Parent)
"Ms. Plinsky has been my teacher for six of the ten years that I have been playing piano... When I first came to Ms. Plinsky, I was playing short little pieces from basic books, but as soon as we started she gave me classical music. It took me a while to adjust, but I thoroughly enjoy it. I always look forward to lessons and have improved immensely under Ms. Plinsky's tutelage. It's rare to find a teacher with the patience and the brilliance of Ms. Plinsky. As pianists we memorize all of our pieces, which not only immerses us in music but also aids in school work and study habits. We learn not only to play an instrument, but to work diligently and effectively without procrastination. Piano is a big commitment with more rewards than not and Ms. Plinsky has shown me that."
— D.J. (Student)
"I’ll never forget the first time that I saw my first Plinsky Studio recital--all of the students performed far beyond my expectations. I was floored! Their performance skills were nothing short of amazing."
— Chris (Parent)
"What I most appreciate about Ms. Plinsky is that she brings out the best in her students. Under her direction, each piece is carefully perfected, with attention to all important details. At the recital, performances are not "cute," but beautiful, a delight to listen to. Ms. Plinsky helps her students excel. Not only that, she is a kind, caring person. Every week, she asks me how I've been and is excited to hear about my week. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a piano teacher."
— Sheila (Student)
"I have taken piano with Ms. Plinsky ever since I was 5 years old. I have changed in the last 8 years from being a little kid playing simple songs to playing amazing pieces. I love playing piano. My interests and hobbies have changed so much but I have always played the piano. Going to lessons is so fun because Ms. Plinsky is always so nice and encouraging but she makes sure that you are doing the best that you can possibly do and a little more on top of that. "
— Roxanne (Student)
"I've known Ms. Plinsky for almost fifteen years. She has been a wonderful piano teacher for both of my children. It's so fulfilling to see your children starting with a simple piece at a young age and growing up to play beautiful classical music perfectly. Our family enjoys watching children of all ages perform at recitals twice a year. Under her teaching, my children received superior scores at all Piano Festivals and National Guild performances. I feel so fortunate to have found Ms. Plinsky for my children!"
— Joan (Parent)
"It's just like taking piano from your best friend. Not only that, but week for week I have learned more from Ms. Plinsky than from any of my other piano teachers."
— Joey (Student)
"I have been Ms. Plinsky's student for two years and counting. Ms. Plinsky is the kind of teacher that people speak of when they give a speech at the Grammys or when they win the Nobel Prize. She encourages me to always improve and is a constant reminder of why music is a wonderful gift. Ms. Plinsky has such a beautiful passion for piano and naturally passes that on to her students."
— Anna (Student)
"I’ve been taking lessons with Ms. Plinsky for almost eight years now. The lessons are structured and always emphasize improvement. Most of all, Ms. Plinsky teaches you how to practice. Learning how to practice is essential when learning any kind of musical instrument."
— David (Student)
"It is an honor for me to recommend Ms. Plinsky as a piano teacher. We were very fortunate to start piano lessons with Ms. Plinsky right from the beginning, as she was our son's first teacher. Our son has now taken lessons with Ms. Plinsky for the past seven years. Ms. Plinsky is all one could want from a piano instructor and more: She is kind, patient, firm and highly skilled. She is also extremely organized and reliable. It is a pleasure to watch all of Ms. Plinsky's students perform at the Recitals."
— Emmebet (Parent)
"The Plinsky Studio is a great place to learn piano. All the time you are working towards something, whether it is the next Recital or finishing the next page in your book. This really helps you to progress quickly, and you get to practice wonderful pieces by great composers..."
— Grace (Student)
"Ms. Plinsky is the best teacher ever... She's very supportive and is the nicest teacher! I have been taking lessons from her for almost 10 years, and I love piano so much. It's hard work, but it definitely pays off. She is the kind of teacher who really cares about her students, and I definitely recommend her as a piano teacher."
— Lily (Student)