FUN-FIRST MUSIC CLASSES IN FOREST GROVE
Music should be fun. Period.
At HeartStrings, beginners start out in group classes because music is just better when it's shared. Our group classes are an interactive experience where kids learn so much more than music: teamwork, cheering each other on, confidence, and the pure joy of showing you what they can do.
Come join the fun! Drop in to a class for free!
2230 PACIFIC AVE, FOREST GROVE - AGES 5-ADULT
Why do beginners start in groups?
Because something special happens when kids make music together. Yes, they'll learn piano, but watch a class for five minutes and you'll spot a whole lot more growing:
❤️ Growing brains: reading music and keeping rhythm is pattern-play for young minds. Research links piano study to stronger memory, focus, and even math skills. (Shhh, don't tell the kids. They think it's a pizza-slice game.)
❤️ Growing hearts: music gives kids a way to express feelings too big for words, and finishing a tricky song delivers the proudest kind of proud.
❤️ Growing friendships: playing together teaches real listening, taking turns, and cheering for someone else's win, skills that follow them right out of the classroom.
❤️ Growing imaginations: improvising and making up songs is part of class, so kids don't just play music, they create their own!
❤️ Growing confidence: playing for a friendly room every single week turns "I can't" into "watch this!" one small brave moment at a time.
❤️ Growing love for it: when class is the best part of the week, kids practice more, stick with it longer, and keep on growing.
Group classes grow the love. Private lessons grow the craft. That's why beginners start in classes here, and students who want to go deeper move into private lessons when they're ready.
Find Your Class
Music Makers Group Piano
Ages 5 to 8
This class takes students on a music adventure through fairytales they already know and love! Each session, the class learns the songs of a new story like Goldilocks, The Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, and performs the whole tale at a recital while Miss Lila narrates. It’s fun, silly, and you’ll be humming along to these tunes as your kiddos play them at home.
Rhythm Riders Group Piano
Ages 9 to 12
Rhythm Riders mixes games, movement, and teamwork with real piano skills, rhythm, reading notes, both hands, then graduate into ensemble pieces where every student plays their own part of one piece.
Piano Project Group Class
Teen & Adults
Always wanted to play? This is your sign. Piano Project brings teens and adults together for real piano skills at a comfortable pace, total beginners welcome, rusty returners even more so.
Beginner Violin Group Class
Ages 6 to 10
Group violin classes start this fall! Kids ages 6 to 12 learn together from the very first note, bow holds, rhythm, ear training, and real songs, with the same playful story-and-level approach our piano families love. Ten students max per class, and we'll help you track down a perfectly sized violin rental.
Private Lessons: Piano & Violin
When a student finds their spark and wants to go deeper, private lessons are the next step. One-on-one time with Miss Lila, tailored entirely to your kiddo's pace and goals. Openings are limited and offered to continuing HeartStrings families first, one more reason to start with a class
Weekly Summer Music Camps
Each week is its own adventure: cracking rhythm escape-room puzzles, composing original songs, playing movie and video game themes, and more, with games, crafts, and plenty of piano. Ages 5 to 10, Monday through Thursday, 9 to noon. Pick one week or collect them all.
What makes HeartStrings different?
❤️ Ten pianos, one for each kiddo: they play as a group, they take turns playing solo, and along the way they learn to listen, wait their turn, and cheer for each other.
❤️ Free drop-in visits: come join a class and try it out! Play the games, meet the friends, and see what the fun is all about. No cost, no pressure.
❤️ Workbooks designed by Miss Lila: every class uses materials built for that exact class at no extra cost.
❤️ Recitals that feel like celebrations: from storybook concerts to first ensemble pieces, every student gets their proud moment in front of the people who love them. Cookies included.
❤️ A comfy family lounge: free WiFi, snacks, and drinks while you wait, or drop off and enjoy some time to yourself.
❤️ No piano at home yet? rent a digital piano from us at a low monthly cost and start playing at home!
We are very impressed with the overall experience!
Our daughter has developed a love and passion for learning about music and playing piano. I can see the confidence it gives her when she tackles a new song, and how excited she is when it’s time to go to her lesson with Miss Lila. Fantastic teacher who is very passionate about teaching music!
Katrina G., Piano Parent
It’s one of the best decisions
we’ve made for our kids
Our son is learning that practice and perseverance will propel him towards his goals in such a profoundly concrete way, and he uses that knowledge to improve daily. These lessons have brought such a positive dimension to our lives, we highly recommend Miss Lila!
Alisha C., Piano Parent
Her skill and confidence have grown tremendously
Miss Lila provides a calm, supportive, and encouraging space for my child to learn and thrive. I’ll always remember the time my child got stuck during a performance, but with Lila’s calmness and encouragement, she was able to continue the piece and be proud of herself.
Shereen K., Piano Parent
The best music teacher we have ever had the honor of working with
The positive changes I’ve noticed in my daughter since starting piano lessons include her self-confidence and a much deeper enjoyment of music. The personalized instruction, care and respect for my daughter’s process, and seemingly unending patience and infusion of fun make us feel so lucky to have found Miss Lila and highly recommend her!!!
Maxine D., Piano Parent
Miss Lila is awesome!
Our girls love piano lessons!
Our daughter is very excited for her performances and really proud of herself for getting up in front of people and playing a piece she practiced. We love seeing our girls sit down and spontaneously play something at the piano. And ultimately, they enjoy playing. My girls love Miss Lila - they think she is very nice and patient and she encourages them in a kind manner.
Suzanne C., Piano Parent
Hi, I’m Lila Riley
Though, my students know me as Miss Lila. I’m the Founder of HeartStrings School of Music.
I’ve been teaching private piano and violin lessons for over twenty years, and for much of that time, I’ve dreamed of creating a space where students could learn, play, and grow together. In 2025, that dream became a reality. We officially opened HeartStrings School of Music, a place where kids, teens, and adults can discover the joy of music in a warm, supportive community.
As a music teacher, I’ve learned one key lesson that is at the heart of my approach: music education should be fun. At HeartStrings, we combine movement, ear training, rhythm games, and more for a full multi-sensory learning experience. My teaching blends the structure of the Alfred's Basic Piano Library with the Suzuki method's listen-first philosophy, and of course, musical storytelling! We celebrate every milestone no matter how big or small, and always take a fun-first approach to learning music so that kids not only learn but also have a blast!
Come see a class in action
Drop into any group class for free. Your kiddo can join the fun and games and see if it’s a good fit. No commitment, just music.
Have a question? Drop us a line, and we’ll be happy to connect with you!