Welcome to McKee Music Studios
We are Renée Hyche McKee and Richard McKee. We founded McKee Music Studios after moving to North Carolina from New York City in 1980. We have taught private piano since then, now bringing years of teaching experience into our students’ lessons. McKee Music Studios is based in classical piano technique and repertoire, and also offers improvisation, theory and composition.
We bring technology into the lessons by using dedicated software for sight reading, theory and listening to the great artists who have recorded music throughout the years. For students who are interested in composition we teach how to use music notation software and can even take them through the steps necessary to get their music published. We strive to be clear in our communication with parents and students. Our students leave each lesson with a clearly written assignment sheet for that week's practice at home, and we encourage parents to read the expectations and progress notes each week. We encourage conversation with parents that gives us insight to each child's interests inside and outside the music studio.
Located in Cary, N.C., our studio is known in the Raleigh area for excellence in music-making and also for teaching according to the individual learning styles of each student. We have individually received the Steinway Top Teacher Award, an annual award given to teachers for outstanding instruciton and leadership in music education. Recipients must demonstrate an unceasing commitment to their piano students by helping them to fulfill their highest potential as musicians and pianists.
We teach beginning through advanced students including adults. Students have the opportunity to perform through recitals, musicales, optional competitions and class performances. We look forward to helping your student develop their unique talents.
Over 70 years experience
Dr. Richard and Renée McKee have a combined experience of over 70 years of teaching, with multiple degrees in music.
Tailored Teaching Styles
We listen to the interests of your student and can focus on classical piano, improvisation, music theory, or music composition.
Digital Teaching Tools
We use interactive computer programs and gaming to improve sight reading, music theory comprehension, and music composition
Music Composition & Publishing
Richard and Renée will teach their students how to use music-writing notation software and how to publish their new creations.
Close Parent Communitation
We send weekly reports to parents about their students, and love to talk with them about their students' interests and potential.
Public Performances
Our students have multiple oppurtunities to perform publicly via recitals, musicales, class performances, and optional competitions.
Renée Hyche McKee
Renée Hyche McKee has taught classical piano lessons since 1980 both as a private teacher and adjunct instructor at Campbell University. As an arranger, composer and improvisationalist she brings more than just classical teaching skills into her teaching studio. She has performed her original compositions, arrangements, as well as piano works of the great composers on concert stages since childhood. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Birmingham-Southern College where she studied with Juilliard-trained artists, and received classical performance scholarships.
While living in New York City she worked with Columbia Artists Management, developed a duo-piano partnership with pianist-husband Richard McKee and with him launched a family of four sons, all of whom and their wives are musicians. Renée’s favorite memory as a duet team with Richard is their performance at the Kammermusiksaal, Bonn, Germany as part of the Beethoven House concert series.
Renée's Steinway Top Teacher Award is reflected by her students' high level of successes. They have achieved one-hundred percent admittance rate to undergraduate music programs, superior ratings in Raleigh’s Young Artists Competitions, and multiple First Place Winners in the Young Artists Composition Division. Renée is also an adjudicator for Piano Festivals and Competitions throughout North Carolina.
Renée's current role as Immediate Past President of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association seats her on the Executive Board as consultant and mentor. She remains active as chair of two RPTA committees, and participates in North Carolina Music Teachers Association events; both are affiliated with their national parent organization, Music Teachers National Association.
In April 2015 Renée released her first professional recording of piano solos, Preludes of Peace: Meditative Hymn Settings. Print copies of these arrangements may be viewed or purchased as digital downloads through sheetmusicplus.com.
Richard McKee, Ph.D.
Dr. Richard Miles McKee attended Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, receiving the Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance. There he studied with Delores Hodgens Howard. He holds a Master of Music Degree from Manhattan School of Music where he studied piano with the late Constance Keene and with Marc Silverman. He holds a Master of Arts degree and a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Dr. McKee was a Professor of Music at Campbell University from 1994 until his retirement in May, 2024. At Campbell, he served as Director of Piano Studies and Professor of Music History. From 2015 - 2023 he was Chair of the Division of Fine Arts. At Campbell he taught Applied Piano, Music History, Piano Pedagogy, and Piano Literature. His love for teaching is carried over into the private studio as well, where he has been teaching classical piano as well as improvisation to all ages from beginners to advanced since 1980.
As well as receiving the 2020 Steinway Top Teacher Award, Richard was selected for the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award at Campbell, and continues to present lectures and lecture-recitals to professional music organizations at the local and state level. In recent years he has performed as soloist with the Campbell University String and Wind Ensembles, and performed at the Beethoven House with Renée in Bonn, Germany, where he also accompanied soloists from the Campbell Wind Symphony. Dr. McKee is an experienced and much-sought-after adjudicator for numerous piano competitions including the National Federation of Music Clubs, NCMTA Regional Auditions, the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association Young Artists Auditions, Raleigh Music Club Scholarship Auditions, Cary/Apex Piano Teachers Association, and the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum.
Dr. McKee has authored the book, No Notes? No Fear! Lead-Sheet Improvisation for the Classically Trained Pianist and has composed works for choir, piano, and instrumental ensembles. His newest duo-piano work, "Fantasy on Wade in the Water" debuted in 2018 to a standing ovation. As a lecturer he has covered topics such as: "What Was He Thinking? Performing Beethoven's Slurs on a Modern Piano" and he has delivered lecture-demonstrations on No Notes? No Fear. He attends the North Carolina Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association conferences regularly in order to stay current with the latest in academic and teaching ideas for the studio. Richard performs in duo-piano concerts with his wife, plays piano with his church music team, enjoys model railroading, Alabama Football, and Star Trek (Kirk and Spock, of course).
Our Instructional Philosophy
We believe that music is a gift from God, and that to participate in the performance of it is a privilege. Our teaching reflects our conviction that students are individuals, each bringing their own ability, interest and circumstances to the lessons. Through encouragement on our part, and work on the student’s part, we will use our expertise to help develop each student’s own natural ability. Our goal is to see our students become independent readers and performers of music so that they may enjoy a lifetime of music-making.
Testimonials from some of our students
We moved from San Francisco Bay Area to the triangle last summer and I was trying to find a good piano teacher for the kids... I was so fortunate to get a friend’s referral and have my 8- year-old daughter Keira study under Mrs. McKee’s teaching since October, 2017.
She had been through a few other music teachers earlier, I did not know what to expect this time. Now about 6 months into the program, I am delighted and grateful to see how Mrs. McKee nurtures Keira through her music journey with patience, love and discipline. I’m particularly thrilled about the semi-annual music recitals that the McKee family puts together. What a great way to form a fun music loving community! And we are so grateful to be part of it...
I’m looking forward to continuing this journey...
About 7 years ago, we discovered the McKees through a friend. We say "discovered" because they are truly like precious jewels. Mrs. Renee McKee taught our oldest son, then our second and now our youngest. The McKees have not only an impressive resume but they have a proven record of their students performing well on recitals and competitions.
They care for the whole child by giving kind and gentle encouragements; firm yet positive feedback when needed. I have seen all three of my sons blossom under her teaching.
Our son David started piano with Dr. McKee in middle school. Dr. McKee has always treated David’s musical pursuits with respect and high expectations. Because David knows expectations are high, and the work important, he has tried hard, practiced willingly, and grown exponentially as a musician. David now spends his free time composing and creating new music. Dr. McKee has helped shape him as a musician, but also as a young man. We are so grateful for all he has done and continues to do for David. We know whether or not he becomes a professional musician when he grows up, piano is a joy he will possess for a lifetime. What a gift!
Dr. McKee and Mrs. McKee are the best. They play wonderful duets and provide so much inspiration to the students. They are knowledgeable, kind, and supportive. My children have improved so much technically and musically. They love their piano teachers! In addition to solos, students are also encouraged to play in ensembles or compose. We have switched piano studios a few times, but we are so glad to have found McKee Music Studios!
Our Tuition Rates & Payment for Piano Year 2024-2025
What we Provide
36 musical learning events per Piano Year (September 3, 2024 - July 31, 2025). These 36 musical learning events are:
- 32 Private Lessons
- 1 Group Performance Class at McKee Music Studios (MMS) — Nov 12-14
- 1 Ensemble Rehearsal and Recital at Peace Church — Nov 19-21
- 1 Group Performance Class at MMS — April 15-17
- 1 Solo Rehearsal and Recital at Peace Church — April 21-24
Additional performance and competition opportunities may be available as options throughout the year. Those dates, fees, and locations will be communicated as the information becomes available.
What we Charge
| Students/Lesson Length | Monthly | Twice/yr | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Student, 45 minutes | $262 | $1441 | $2882 |
| 2 Students, 45 minutes each* | $445 | $2448 | $4895 |
| 1 Student, 60 minutes | $340 | $1870 | $3740 |
| 2 Students, 60 minutes each* | $578 | $3179 | $6358 |
| 1 Student 60 min + 1 Student 45 min* | $512 | $2816 | $5632 |
| 1 Student 60 min + 2 Student 45 min* | $734 | $4037 | $8074 |
| 2 Student 60 min + 1 Student 45 min* | $800 | $4400 | $8800 |
| Option for Adult Students: 60 min every other week | $180 | - | - |
*Families of two or more students receive a discount of 15% off their total tuition (included in prices listed above).
How you can pay
For the entire year
Payment is due at the first lesson of the Piano Year. August start dates are included in the September monthly payment.
Twice per year
The first half of the payment is due at the first lesson of the Piano Year, the second half is due at the first February lesson.
With monthly payments
Payment is due at the first lesson of each month paid in eleven equal payments (September through July).
A$25.00 late fee is added when payments are not received on or before the 10 of each month.
Payment Methods
- Automatic Bank Check - most banks will allow you to set up a monthly payment to be received by McKee Music Studios via U.S. Mail. In order to avoid a late fee, we recommend setting the pay date a few days before the 1 of the month to get the payment processed by the 10th.
- Personal Check — make all checks payable to McKee Music Studios
- Paypal — send payment via PayPal.Me/ReneeMcKee.
- Venmo — send payment to @Renee-McKee.
Additional Fees
- Recital Fee — a $25 recital fee per family is due by the first Fall Lesson. You may combine the recital fee with your first monthly payment, semester payment, or annual payment.
- Materials Fee — $55 per student. This fee is OPTIONAL. If you choose to pay it you are giving your teacher permission to purchase printed music on your behalf through the piano year. No unspent funds will be rolled over to the next year. You will not be billed for any overage incurred during the current piano year.
- Competition, festival, and audition fees — These fees are OPTIONAL and are due only if and when the student, parent, and teacher agree to participate. Fees vary according to the event.
- Recital Recordings — Recordings by a videographer will be available after each student recital. The price of the recording will be announced at each recital if you choose to purchase a copy.
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, & life to everything." – Plato
Our Studio's Policy
Signed Agreement
In order to maintain clear communication about tuition, fees, summer scheduling and practice expectations, we ask that the parent(s) read, print out, sign and return to us the Policy Agreement that will be sent to you as an email attachment the week before Fall Lessons begin. Please return the signed document to us at your student's first Fall Lesson.
Inclement Weather
Our studio will be open no matter the weather, even if schools have been closed. If you are able to safely come to lesson on time, please come. If not, call us before your regularly scheduled lesson and together we will schedule a make-up lesson on the soonest weekend available.
Make up Lessons
Make up lessons are not offered. Exceptions: 1) if the teacher cancels or 2) inclement weather. We will try to work with you if you have an urgent situation that may require missing a lesson.
Practice Expectations
Recent studies have shown that learning to play an instrument greatly increases brain function. Practicing and playing a musical instrument makes patterns in the brain that make it easier to learn other information. This is why students who learn to play a musical instrument well by practicing regularly do better in school than those who don't.
Any activity that coordinates the brain with the body requires consistent, persistent repetition. In order to master any skill, especially one as multi-tasking as reading music and playing the piano, students need encouragement both from teacher and from home. Parents who provide a designated practice time each day with a well-maintained instrument, and who are willing to enforce the practice time at home will be giving their child the necessary tools for success and confidence.
The rule of thumb for the amount of practice time is to spend 6 sessions per week, each session being the length of the lesson. So a student taking a 45-minute lesson each week should be practicing 45 minutes each day, 6 days a week.
"Music causes us to think eloquently." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dates to Note for the 2024-2025 Piano Year
What Do Our Students Say?
Get in Touch with us
Still have Questions? Contact Us using the Form below.Send us an Email
Our LocationCary, North Carolina
Call Us(919) 270-7104
The Recital@ Peace Presbyterian
Youth Competition@ Meredith College
"Music is the universal language of mankind."
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Preludes of Peace
by Renée Hyche McKee
Classical renditions of much beloved hymns, these pieces will ease your heart and sooth your soul.
McKee Sheet Music
Available online at Sheet Music Plus!
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Traditional Easter Hymn Order Online
Morning Has Broken
Advanced Piano Solo Order Online
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
with excerpts from Arioso by J.S.Bach Order Online
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
with excerpts from Chopin's Fantasie Improptu Order Online
Be Thou My Vision
Traditonal Irish Melody Order Online
Amazing Grace
Traditonal American Melody Order Online
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Advanced Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
Take My Life and Let It Be / He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought!
Order Online
It Is Well With My Soul
Advanced Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Easter Piano Duo Order Online
What Wondrous Love Is This
American Folk Hymn Order Online
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
13 Century Plainsong Order Online
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
Morning Has Broken
Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
There is a Fountain Filled with Blood
Advanced Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
All to Jesus I Surrender
Advanced Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online
Be Still, My Soul
Advanced Intermediate Piano Solo Order Online“I see my life in terms of music.” ― Albert Einstein
Affiliate Teachers
McKee Music Studios is proud to be associated with these fine local musicians who teach private lessons. Contact them directly for scheduling and rates.
Bethany McGehee McKee
Bethany lives in Raleigh and has been teaching since 2011. She graduated from Campbell University summa cum laude in May of 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy. Bethany loves giving her students the opportunity to pursue an art that not only teaches discipline and patience but is also emotionally rewarding and fulfilling. By teaching her students classical techniques, she hopes to give them a foundation that will inspire life-long musical passion and appreciation. She teaches piano and vocal lessons for beginners through advanced levels at KinderVillage Music Studio in the Lochemere Pavilion in Cary. To set up lessons with Bethany, you can contact KinderVillage by calling (919) 467-4398 or emailing info@kindervillage.com.
Alex McKee
Alex McKee is a piano/guitar/bass and songwriting teacher who lives in Raleigh and teaches at McKee Music Studios in Cary. In addition to playing with several local artists, he is also the songwriter and producer of the national touring band Waking April along with his wife Bethany. Waking April’s music can be found on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and anywhere else music is streamed.
