At the heart of Modern Music Studio are Sam Stearns and Dale Chaplin, whose partnership is built on friendship, trust, and a shared love of music.

Sam created the Piano Made Easy method in 1987, and in the years that followed, Dale became an invaluable colleague, supporting the vision with her dedication, encouragement, and care.

Together, they have poured countless hours into teaching, refining the books, and guiding students of all ages.

Their teamwork has inspired confidence, nurtured talent, and helped many discover the simple joy of making music.

Sam Stearns

Founder of Modern Music Studio & Creator of Piano Made Easy

Sam is the founder of Modern Music Studio and the author of the Piano Made Easy series of books, a groundbreaking method that has helped thousands of students learn to play piano with ease.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Sam is passionate about making piano lessons fun, accessible, and rewarding for students of all ages.

As a dedicated piano educator and mentor, she continues to teach, train new teachers, and develop innovative resources to help students succeed. Her unique approach allows beginners to play with both hands in their very first lesson, making learning the piano an exciting and stress-free experience with instant gratification.

Sam is primarily based in Bryanston, Johannesburg and is available for online teaching internationally.

Dale Chaplin

Piano Teacher, Trainer & Business Development Manager

Dale is a dedicated piano teacher with a formal background in education and decades of teaching experience. She has helped countless students of all ages build confidence, develop skills, and discover a lifelong love for music.

As a certified Piano Made Easy instructor, Dale designs lessons that are engaging, stress-free, and fun, ensuring her students progress quickly while truly enjoying the journey of learning piano.

Beyond the studio, Dale has trained and mentored many successful teachers who now run their own thriving studios. Her passion for teaching is matched by her commitment to expanding music education.

She also serves as the Business Development Manager for Piano Made Easy, working to bring this innovative method to more teachers and students worldwide.

Dale teaches from her home studio in Ballito, Durban.