Piano Lessons in Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Piano

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Yes, I usually use piano adventure series for basic to intermediate level. And from intermediate level I use Alfred sonatinas, artists literatures by FJH, Hal Leonard. These are very organized books for students.

When will I start to see results?
Practice makes perfect! If you practice 30mins to 1 hour at least 3 or 4 times a week continuously, you will achieve amazing results that will even surprise yourself.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, my piano instructor advised me to read extensively across various genres, cultivate a deep interest and empathy for people, and listen to a wide array of performances, ranging from young students to virtuosos. In practice, these principles have wielded significant influence and provided substantial assistance in shaping both my performances and teaching endeavors.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Chopin sonata

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love Romantic and Impression. My favorite composer is Chopin. I

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
In any instrument, technique is highly important, but especially in the case of the piano, it demands a significant amount of practice and effort. This is due to the endless endeavor of traversing a wide range of pitches, establishing a balance between both hands to bring out the melody line, and not only achieving fortissimo but also delicately shaping pianissimo tones, all of which require constant and dedicated work.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes, many of my students won awards Satori piano competition, SYMF, Charleston international competition and state honors at CM test. Several reasons contributed to the students' success in various competitions, and I believe that some of these reasons were their choices and focus. They prioritized selecting pieces that allowed them to showcase their abilities to the fullest and then dedicated themselves to practicing with maximum concentration, resulting in impressive outcomes.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I challenge myself by practicing and completing a difficult piece of music, but I experience an even greater sense of achievement and fulfillment when I see the students I teach progressively improve and help them bring out the hidden potential within them through our collective efforts.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
The first step is to read the sheet music - when looking at the sheet music, practice slowly from start to finish, and for the challenging parts, break them down into sections for extra practice. The second step is to practice with rhythmic accuracy and musical expression in mind. The third step is to add the pedal and create the complete musical piece. Finally, in the fourth step, gradually increase the tempo, aiming to match the original tempo, as you continue to practice.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
To gauge if your child is ready for lessons, observe their reactions when exposed to the subject. If their eyes light up with curiosity and they ask questions, it's a positive sign. Also, if they can focus on an activity for a reasonable amount of time and seem excited about learning, they might be primed for lessons. Remember, readiness is a blend of their age, interests, and ability to engage, so trust your parental instincts too. Also If your child knows numbers and alphabet they're ready to start lesson.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I have always been captivated by the rich tonality and expansive range of the piano sound, which I find to be more profound than any other instrument. The role of the piano in enhancing the brilliance and beauty of other instruments when accompanied by its melodies is something I deeply cherish and love.

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