For the Rau family, music has always been more than just an activity, it’s part of their story. From grandparents who sang in church choirs to parents who shared music together, it’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations. So when it came time to give their own kids musical opportunities, it felt like a natural next step.
Before coming to 232, there was already a keyboard at home…and plenty of enthusiasm. The kids loved to play and dance, and Anna loved watching them slowly move from simply enjoying the sound to actually understanding the instrument. “It’s so cool to watch them go from little understanding to being able to read music and play their own songs,” she shared.
Finding 232 Music Studios took a bit of courage. The process felt more intentional and structured than she expected at first, but once they started, it all clicked – especially for Cyra. The clear leveling system, progress tracking, and instant feedback were exactly his speed. “I came home and told my husband, ‘If Cyra is going to learn piano, this is how he’s going to do it,’” Anna said. Seeing his progress so clearly gave him motivation that catered to his learning style.
“I came home and told my husband, ‘If Cyra is going to learn piano, this is how he’s going to do it.'”
Anna Rau
Over the past year and a half, that motivation has grown into confidence and commitment. Beyond just practicing, Cyra dove into creativity too – especially during the studio’s composition month. He kept asking for more sheet music and started writing his own pieces. “They’re very avant-garde,” Anna laughed, “but he wrote his own music. That’s pretty amazing.”
Some of the most joyful moments have been tied to milestones like graduations from one level to the next. Anna shared the joy of seeing Cyra light up with pride, and watching him experience that feeling of “I’ve accomplished something hard, and I’m ready for the next challenge!” As a parent, this is exactly what she has been wanting to see – goal setting, problem solving, and perseverance.
What’s made the experience even more meaningful is the community at 232. From memorable outdoor summer concerts to everyday interactions, Anna has been struck by the kindness and care of the staff. “You might think the teachers wouldn’t really know your kids because they teach so many—but they do,” she said. The encouragement, specific feedback, and openness to questions have made a big difference for their whole family.
When asked what she’d tell another family considering 232, Anna put it simply: it’s worth the investment. Especially for kids who thrive with structure, clear goals, and feedback, it can be a rewarding fit. For their family, 232 has been about more than learning piano, it’s been about watching their child grow in confidence and creativity, contributing to their family’s musical legacy.
