Forty years of playing for Houston. Now she'll teach you.
Piano, guitar, voice, ukulele and songwriting — for eight-year-olds and for adults who have been meaning to start for thirty years. In person across Houston, or online.
40+ years teaching & performingB.A. Music Education, University of HoustonUltimate Music Theory certified teacher
Hear it before you book
Her own recordings, her students at the keys, and Martin on a Friday night. Not a promise about lessons — the actual playing.
Now you go.
A real keyboard, in your browser, with sound. Switch to Learn a song and it lights the next note until you have played a whole melody. That is roughly how minute four of a first lesson feels.
Try the keyboard
Play a key — your notes land on the stave
Or type ASDF …
Six ways in
Every lesson is built around what you actually want to play. Nothing here is a fixed curriculum you have to survive.
Classical, jazz, pop and video-game music, taught side by side. Students have gone from a first lesson to auditioning for Houston's performing-arts schools; adults have started from nothing at thirty-three.
Chords and songs from lesson one, with the theory arriving underneath as you need it. Taught by a player with thirty years of Houston stages behind him.
Breath control and correct placement first, repertoire second — the order that fixes bad habits instead of decorating them. Singers here learn to accompany themselves, too.
Four strings, soft nylon, and a real song in the first week. The usual on-ramp for younger students and for anyone who wants to be playing rather than practising.
Start with a lyrical idea, add the melody, then the harmony — and finish with your first original song. Written and taught by two people who write and perform their own material.
Theory & improvisationThe part that unlocks the rest
How to build your own melody, and how to harmonise it with voice leading that actually sounds good. Taught as a tool you use, not a subject you pass.
Lesson programs
Private lessons once a week in piano, guitar, voice, songwriting or ukulele, 30 minutes, 45 minutes or an hour. Pay month to month, or pay three months in advance and save. The six- and twelve-month programs are built on 30-minute lessons. Group classes are below. Our goal is to help every student experience the joy of making music through supportive instruction, consistent progress, and opportunities to grow beyond the weekly lesson.
Month to month
Month-to-Month Lessons
from$45a lesson
One private lesson a week, four a month. Choose your lesson length:
Group classes are online. Each class is one subject: piano, guitar, voice, or songwriting and theory, and meets twice a week for one hour. Choose three, six or twelve months, paid in advance in full or on a payment plan. Miss a class? Send a video and get feedback by email.
3 months
Group Classes: Three Months
$1,500for three months
Two one-hour online classes every week
One class of your choice: piano, guitar, voice, or songwriting and theory.
Online: learn and make music alongside other students.
Miss a class? Send a video and get feedback by email.
Three working tools, free, no sign-up, no app. Students here use them between lessons — so they live on the studio's own site instead of on somebody else's.
Metronome
Tap four beats to find your tempo, or drag. Downbeat is accented.
88
BPM · Andante
Reference pitch
A sustained, in-tune note to tune a string or find your starting pitch by ear.
A4440.00 Hzno tone
Guitar strings, low to high
Ear training
Two notes play. Name the distance between them. This is the skill that makes everything else faster.
Ten questions. Nothing is stored, nothing is scored against you.
Resonance Academy
Three months, online, ending with a song you wrote and recorded yourself. Built for students who are past "learning pieces" and want to make something of their own.
Month one — your own path
Piano, guitar or voice — the plan is written around your goals, not a syllabus. Technique and theory start together on day one.
Customised learning path
Theory alongside the instrument
Month two — writing with other people
You work with other students in the programme — trading ideas, arranging, and learning what collaboration actually demands of a musician.
Collaborative music creation
Songwriting and composition
Month three — record your own song
You write it, you perform it, you record it, and you play it for the group. The confidence comes from having done it, not from being told you can.
Two working Houston musicians. Between them, seventy years of playing for people who paid to be there.
Amy Lauro
Amy Lauro
Music Teacher, Performer & Musician
Welcome to Creative Music Solutions! I’m Amy Lauro, a professional musician and dedicated music educator with more than 40 years of teaching experience and 30 years of performing throughout the Houston area. My passion is helping students of all ages discover the joy of music, build confidence, and develop skills they can enjoy for a lifetime.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Houston, am certified to teach K–12 in Texas, and am an Ultimate Music Theory certified teacher. My background as both a music educator and a working performer allows me to bring practical experience, creativity, and a love of music into every lesson.
Personalized Lessons for Every Student
At Creative Music Solutions, I offer private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, and ukulele for children and adults, from complete beginners to more advanced musicians. Whether you are learning your first notes, returning to an instrument after many years, preparing for a performance, or finally learning to play your favorite songs, I tailor each lesson to your individual goals, interests, and learning style.
My teaching approach combines solid musical foundations with the music you actually want to play. I believe learning music should be both educational and enjoyable, with an emphasis on building technique, musical understanding, creativity, and confidence at a comfortable pace.
Learn Music Your Way
I especially enjoy helping adult students rediscover their love of music, explore new musical interests, and accomplish goals they may have put aside for years. For younger students, I strive to create an encouraging environment where they can grow, express themselves, and experience the satisfaction of making music.
In addition to private instruction, I organize student recitals and musical events that give students opportunities to share their progress and celebrate their accomplishments. I also offer flexible scheduling and both in-person and online lesson options.
Whether your goal is to play for family and friends, accompany yourself while singing, perform your favorite songs, or develop a deeper understanding of music, I would love to help you get there.
40+ years teaching30 years performing in HoustonB.A. Music Education, University of HoustonCertified to teach K–12 in TexasUltimate Music Theory certified
Martin Shotwell is a songwriter, performer, and dedicated music teacher with 30 years of experience performing, writing songs, and teaching throughout the Houston area. A graduate of the Art Institute in Houston, Texas, Martin brings creativity, musical versatility, and a genuine love of connecting with people to everything he does.
Music Lessons That Make Learning Fun
Martin believes learning music should be an enjoyable, rewarding experience. His teaching style is relaxed, encouraging, and often filled with humor, while still helping students develop solid musical skills and reach their goals. He teaches guitar, ukulele, and voice to students of all ages and experience levels, from beginners learning their first chords to more experienced musicians looking to refine their abilities.
As a songwriter and working performer, Martin brings real-world musical experience into his lessons. Students learn more than just notes and techniques; they develop confidence, creativity, and the ability to express themselves through music.
Find Your Voice. Build Your Confidence. Enjoy the Music.
Martin is especially known for his ability to connect with an audience and create a welcoming, engaging atmosphere wherever he performs. He brings that same personal connection to his teaching, helping students feel comfortable, discover their musical strengths, and develop the confidence to share their music with others.
Whether you want to learn your favorite songs on guitar, accompany yourself while singing, explore the ukulele, or begin writing your own music, Martin will help you enjoy the journey and celebrate your progress along the way.
At Creative Music Solutions, Martin welcomes students of all ages who are ready to discover the fun and satisfaction of making music.
30 years performing, writing & teaching in HoustonGraduate of the Art Institute in HoustonGuitar · ukulele · voiceAll ages
Published reviews from the studio's own students — a six-year piano student, and adults who started from scratch.
I have been studying piano with Amy for six years, and she has taught me many musical styles — classical, jazz, and video game music. Thanks to her guidance, I was accepted to MPVA.
Jackson W.Piano · 6 years · accepted to Houston's performing-arts middle school
Amy Lauro is an INCREDIBLE piano teacher! I have made tremendous progress since I started taking lessons with her. I started at the very beginning with her - I was unable to even read music - and now I am playing more and more challenging pieces, both classical and pop. And she has made the whole process fun. I give Amy my very highest recommendation!
David S.Piano · started from the very beginning · Google review
I'm grateful for her patience, which has made learning at my own pace comfortable even when I get frustrated with my slow progress. She explains things clearly and doesn't mind repeating herself, especially for the more complex theory. As someone with a unique schedule, I truly appreciate her flexible availability.
Ifoma O.Adult piano and voice · 6 months
I was nervous because I was starting from scratch at the age of thirty-three and knew it would be a slow process. From the beginning Amy made me feel very comfortable and was incredibly patient. Her guidance has kept me motivated and inspired to keep going.
Salima D.Piano · since August 2023
Great instructor. My eight-year-old son improved his vocal ability and corrected some bad habits. He enjoyed the lessons and was inspired to learn piano so he can accompany himself.
Caprice LeJeuneVoice, then piano · her son, age 8
After a previous unfulfilling learning experience elsewhere, I am so grateful I started taking piano lessons with Amy. Her method has allowed me to build a deeper understanding of the piano and of music. I would recommend her to anyone wanting to learn.
Blakely B., 28Piano · 1 year
She has helped me master the basics of singing, including breath control and correct placement. I highly recommend her for all singers wanting to improve their sound quality.
Amy's own shop: instruments, piano benches, microphones, guitar accessories and music books, from a $1.80 guitar strap to a mandala-engraved steel tongue drum. For guitars, keyboards and microphones, Amy's recommended gear goes straight to Sweetwater and Guitar Center.
