Piano Lessons in Yorba Linda, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
My practice sessions usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on my schedule and goals that day. I like to start with a warm-up — whether that’s vocal exercises like breathing and scales, or finger exercises on piano — to prepare my body and mind for focused work. Next, I’ll focus on technical skills, such as refining tricky passages, working on pitch control, or improving rhythm and timing. This part is all about precision and building solid foundations. Then I like to spend time on musicality and expression — maybe working through a song, experimenting with phrasing, dynamics, or storytelling. For songwriting, this might mean brainstorming lyrics or melodies, or arranging a track. Finally, I always leave time to play or sing something fun — whether it’s an old favorite or something new I’m excited about. This keeps practice enjoyable and reminds me why I love music. Of course, every practice is a little different depending on what I need at the moment, but balancing technique, creativity, and enjoyment is key for me. I encourage my students to find their own rhythm and routine that feels inspiring and doable.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I try to steer away from old fashion teaching methods and books, as they can feel a bit "mechanical" and not very inspirational. But from time to time I use Alfreds for piano and recommend advanced singers or special-interest-singers to read "The Contemporary Singer, Elements of Vocal Technique" and songwriters to read "writing better lyrics" by Pat Pattinson.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I currently have students that got into LIPA, several students that are in "gifted" programs in high school and older students that work as full time musical theatre performers in Norway ! We spent a lot of time audition prepping, which is truly one of my favorite ways to teach.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
For me, as a vocalist, one of the hardest things to master is finding complete control while still keeping your voice feeling natural and expressive. It’s a delicate balance between technique and emotion — too much focus on technique can make singing feel mechanical, but too much emotion without control can strain your voice or cause inconsistency. Developing breath support, pitch accuracy, and dynamic control takes time and patience, and every voice is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why I emphasize healthy technique combined with encouraging students to find their own authentic sound. In piano and songwriting, mastering the ability to translate emotion into music that connects with others is a challenge I deeply respect. Technical skills can be learned, but making music that truly moves people requires heart, vulnerability, and practice. Ultimately, mastering any instrument is a journey — one that requires persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.

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