Piano teacher · In-home lessons · Music and psychology
Piano lessons with Carson Aldrich
Carson Aldrich brings fifteen years of piano experience, a background in music and psychology, and a patient, personal approach to Naji Piano School. He offers private in-home piano lessons in Edina and surrounding communities, helping children, teens and adults develop musical skills and enjoy learning at their own pace.
A background in music and an understanding of people
Through his teaching at Prince Music Company, Carson has worked with students of various ages. He takes time to understand each student’s interests, strengths and goals, building a connection that helps them feel comfortable asking questions and trying something new.
Carson graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts, double-majoring in music and psychology, and received the Christiansen Music Scholarship. Alongside piano, he studied trombone and performed with the St. Olaf Band, traveling to Chicago, California and Japan. Piano has remained the instrument he feels most personally connected to.
His music studies developed his understanding of theory, performance and effective practice. His psychology education and professional work in mental health bring an appreciation for how motivation, emotions and individual needs can shape learning. Together, these experiences inform his thoughtful approach to teaching piano.
Carson’s approach to teaching piano
Lessons built around the student
Carson aims to be a friendly, trusted guide who listens, encourages and celebrates progress. He adapts explanations, pacing and practice goals to the student, connecting new skills with music they enjoy. For children, the aim is to make piano an engaging part of their week, with room to explore and learn through mistakes.
For younger students, Carson helps parents understand what to practice and how to support learning at home. No musical background is needed. Clear, manageable steps give families a way to encourage progress without turning practice into a race.
Practice that fits real life
Teens and adults help shape their musical goals, whether starting piano, returning after years away or developing existing skills. Carson helps students plan manageable practice around busy weeks and build toward the music they want to play, using simpler arrangements when helpful.
Regular practice supports progress, but a difficult week does not mean starting over. A lesson can provide guided practice, a chance to ask questions and encouragement to get going again. Progress takes time, and perfection is never expected.
Patient, supportive piano lessons for neurodivergent students
Carson has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children and teens, including autistic students and students with ADHD. His work in mental health has strengthened his ability to listen carefully, respond patiently and recognize that engagement can look different for each student.
In piano lessons, he adjusts activities, explanations and pacing to help students build musical skills without feeling rushed. Families are welcome to share interests, support needs and approaches that have helped before. The goal is a trusting connection and an enjoyable experience of learning music together.
Carson comes to your piano
Carson offers in-home piano lessons in Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park. Students learn on the piano or keyboard they use for practice, with weekly lessons arranged around Carson’s availability and your location.
In-home lessons have the same rates as studio lessons, with no added travel fee within our service area. Prefer learning at our Edina studio? Studio lessons are taught by Soroush at 7300 Gallagher Drive.
Carson teaches piano lessons in these cities
In-home piano lessons across all five service cities, with no added travel fee. Available times depend on your address and Carson’s schedule. Explore our lesson locations.
Meet the rest of our piano teaching team
Our teachers bring different musical interests and teaching experience. Explore their profiles, and Soroush will help you find a teacher suited to the student’s needs and goals.
Cathy Chang 
Leslie Halverson 
Soroush Naji 
Noah Tankersley 
Brett Tennyson No card, no commitment
Book a free 30-minute trial lesson
Contact Soroush to share the student’s age, interests, learning needs and availability. He aims to respond within 24 hours and help arrange a free 30-minute in-home trial with Carson, subject to availability.
Afterward, Soroush follows up privately to hear how the lesson felt. There is no obligation to continue, and another trial lesson with a different teacher is available to explore a better fit. Support continues once weekly lessons begin, with Soroush available for questions along the way.