The Piano Department offers a variety of classes and private instruction which aim to develop students’ pianistic and musicianship skills, as well as to broaden their understanding of theory, history, and musical collaboration. These classes include, but are not limited to, sight-reading, keyboard harmony and literature, jazz piano, and collaborative piano studies. Students also participate in the Instrumental Department, taking courses in music theory and solfege, and playing in large and small ensembles.

Every CAPA pianist receives a private bi-weekly lesson. Within these lessons, students study scales, technique, and a variety of styles from the classical piano repertoire. A weekly master class is offered to students in grades 9-12 to supplement the lesson material and provide extra performance practice. Yearly recitals, featuring all piano students, emphasize the importance of public performance. Other performance venues are available throughout the school year in the form of whole-school recitals, inter-departmental collaborations, and outreach community events. Students are also adjudicated at the end of each semester at a piano jury for the faculty.