The Austin Keyboard Orchestra (AKO) has brought innovative and exciting style to  learning the piano for the last eight years, in Northwest Austin. Our approach to music helps students appreciate learning as a fun challenge and our shows are guaranteed to entertain audiences.

 AKO accepts students of all ages and skill levels. After a private audition with the director, students are assigned to groups of similiar age and skill level.

 Students learn standard music repertoire, theory and technique, while also learning how to play in an ensemble group. 

It's very frustrating for a new piano student to learn that it may take several years for them to be able to play "Fur Elise", "The Entertainer" or other pieces that originally drew them to wanting to learn piano.  We take pieces that would normally be far too difficult for the individual student and divide them into parts like a band or orchestra would play.  From a very early age, students are able to play much more interesting music and this keeps them wanting to come to lessons.

The benefits are that the audience hears a very unique performance and the students are a part of something bigger than themselves.  They also have a lot of fun together.  Many of the students have grown up with Ms. Richards and have learned the social benefits of playing music.  Many have gone on to learn other instruments that Ms. Richards incorporates into performances.  Even the youngest and newest students can play drums or special effects on the keyboard and participate in performances.

Playing interesting music in exciting venues with friends is the goal of the Austin Keyboard Orchestra--and what keeps students coming back.