Group Classes for kids

I'm looking for Group Piano Lesson for beginner 7 year old, in Berkeley. How does it work ? Folks have told me it may be a cheaper way to introduce it and find out if we will pursue it, before we sign up for the $1.00/ hour type of rates being paid for privates. Any leads / links / advice are greatly appreciated.

Piano Teacher for Children - all ages

I am looking for a piano teacher for my 7-year-old son in Alameda or nearby area. Beginning level. Any recommendations? Also, I would like to know what's the difference of regular piano teaching and suzuki method. Thanks for any input! Fabiola

Rita Varadi - is extraordinary. She was recommended to us by our previous teacher who left California a year a half ago. Rita is in fact a music teacher who happens to teach piano. I have seen amazing changes in the piano playing of my two daughters. Rita finds music the girls fall in love with. The variety and amount of music she has and offers to her students to choose from is incredible. She learns about what kids do and like, she knows about their activities and vacations Hello all- I am looking for a teacher for my two children. One has had some lessons already, and the other is a beginner. I want a teacher that is well educated and has high standards, but will not take the joy out learning music. Please email me any suggestions. Thanks! Rosemary

Rebecca is personable and professional, and I highly recommend her as a teacher. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any further information. You may beinterested in her website: www.RebeccaBogartPianoStudio.com I hope this was helpful! Sue

Annie is consistent and nurturing with high standards. She is responsive to the needs of her students. The lessons are focused and Annie is specific in her expectations and with her generous feedback. The weekly lessons are meticulously recorded in the student's notebook and provide an invaluable guide for the week's practices and a reference for later on. She is prompt and reliable about lesson times and has always been accommodating when we have occasional needs for flexibility. She provides plenty of opportunities for recitals according to the child's abilities.

She is looking for motivated students at any level (and any age) who have a desire to improve.

My 11yo daughter's description of her is ''Strict in a warm and loving way and very kind.''

Annie is French, with a wide array of credentials and awards and a wealth of experience as a teacher and a performer. She can be reached at 510 528 4657. maria

Faber method piano teacher

We are new in town, and our 9 year old son started learning Piano in Connecticut with the Faber ''Piano Adventures'' method. Does anyone know of a teacher or school who uses this method? We live in North Berkeley. Thanks!

Piano Teacher who will come to my home

We are looking for a piano teacher who can come to our house in Berkeley and teach our 5 and 8 year old children. They are both beginners. Judy

I am looking for a piano teacher for my two kids, 10 and 12. They have been taking piano and know their basics, how to read, some theory. The piano teacher they have had is an older woman who has been great but I think they are ready for a little more energy in their lessons and someone more inspiring and cool. I would love for the teacher to be able to come to our home for the lessons. Also, we have an electric keyboard rather than a piano and have taken quite a lot of guff from our current instructor how we really need to get a real piano for them to learn. Unfortunately, we can't really accomodate a piano in our budget now so someone who is willing to work with a keyboard would be great. I would appreciate any recommendations. Sharon

Hi, My child is interested in taking piano after school. However, I am not available to drive him. Does anyone have a recommendation of a teacher that can come to my house? Thanks. Pat

"Wednesdays and Thursdays, Albany, El Cerrito, North Berkeley Fridays, Piedmont, Montclair, Glenview, Dimond district

I am currently booked from 2:30 and on on Wed. and Th., and from 1:45 on on Fri. Unless the person were available earlier than those times, the best I could do would be to put them on a waiting list. I teach at my home in Alameda on Mon, Tu, and Sat."

And a little more information about her: Ariel has had Orff training from Mills College, but does not presently give Orff classes per se. Instead, she teaches kids (or adults) to play piano, and to read music, using books and workbooks. She says she also can work more creatively--improvising, composing, etc. if the interest is there. She offers a free introductory lesson. If you are interested in setting up a trial lesson, call her at 865-3943 or contact her by e-mail: "Michael and Ariel Litzky" . Hope this is helpful! Dawn

Nice, friendly piano teacher

Can anyone recommend a good piano teacher? I've already called a couple of teachers (Chip Brimhall, Anna Miller) but they have waiting lists. UC Berkeley music students? Anyone? HELP! lisa

My husband who doesn't want to learn to play piano has been taking music theory lessons from Joe Mumm 530-0264, who has a piano studio above the Dimond District in Oakland. This is Joe's second or third career-- he used to work as a tech for a local TV station, then got a degree in music from Cal State Hayward and was a student at the Berkeley Jazz School for years. He does some group lessons for kids and might be a good choice for boys. anonymous

Piano teacher who teaches Ragtime

I'm looking for a piano teacher that can teach me how to play ragtime. As a child I grew up in a musical family, and the music was always old style jazz. Over the years I taught myself how to play the piano, but I never got far enough with it where I could play jazz. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to play old jazz, especially ragtime. I feel that I have an ear for this kind of music, just not the broader knowledge of the structure of jazz to try to figure it all out on the piano. Is there a piano teacher that can help me to learn to play this kind of music? I have great difficulty reading music, but I am a quick learner when it comes to watching and listening. I would need a teacher who works well with someone like me. Laurey

PS: John Partridge has a new website: www.jpartridge.com. Enjoy! Franziska

Affordable Piano Teacher

Does any one know of sliding scale or other way a very low income, but very bright six year old boy can get piano lessons, or even exposure? He is just bursting with curiosity about the world and is intent on discovering all the wonders it has to give. Unfortunately the world doesn't ''give'' much in the way of music for low income children - but sometimes it's just a matter of knowing what is out there and taking advantage of the opportunities. Any information is welcome.
Determined to keep the bright eyes bright.

The only place I know that gives financial aid based on need for private lessons is the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond. In SF, Capp Street Community Center has a similar aid program. These places are the only places I know of in the area, though there may be many more.

The challenge facing a low-income family that wants piano lessons for a kid is more that the kid needs an instrument to practice on. So, even if the lessons are obtainable with the help of financial aid, there still is an instrument problem. I think Capp St requires students to own the instrument they study. They have a limited number of instruments for loan, but everyone is on their own. Lucy

Help! Our 9 year old takes 4 piano lessons a month for 1/2 hour time slots for $130. It has been a struggle to keep this going and we were just informed the rates are going up and our younger child would like to begin lessons soon. Does anyone have a recommendation for a more affordable piano teacher in the Berkeley/Oakland/Albany/El Cerrito area? (can you tell I'm flexible)

I heard $1/minute was pretty much the going rate for piano and violin -- for a skilled and exprienced teacher -- and I think my kid's piano lessons are money well spent. By the way, I was told that group rates (such as the Piedmont Piano Company) range from $22-$25 for a 30-min lesson. I'm also interested in learning how much other parents pay. Chris

I am a 24 year old who has been banging around on my piano for a few years, but I have not had any formal training and would like to learn how to read music. I live in the University Village in Albany (around Gilman & San Pablo) and I am looking for a piano teacher offering lessons in the evenings or on weekends. Since I am without car, I am looking for someone near enough to walk to or close to public transportation. I am also interested in hearing thoughts about what constitutes decent rates for beginner's lessons. Thanks so much, Sarah

Piano teacher for 3-year-olds

I'd like to know if anyone has recommendations for piano lessons or classes for a 3.5 year old. I'd also love to hear comments people have on starting children with piano lessons this early. My daughter is talks about learning piano several times a day but I have some reservations on starting her this young. Anne

Children at that age don't usually have the capability (coordination nor muscle strength) to do fingering, so this book promotes using only a single finger they feel most comfortable with (usually 2nd or 3rd). Many of the songs use clusters, which is using your fist to play two or three notes together. She plays in rhythm to accompany the melody that I play.

I have been doing these duets with my daughter and she loves it (so do I!). I am super low-key, and always wait for her to ask for a ''lesson'' with me, as I don't want to make a big deal of it and turn her off to making music. When we do sit together to have a lesson, they can last 2 minutes or 20 minutes, depending on her mood. She gets a great deal of pleasure out of performing the songs for her grandma and grandpa.

I think I will start real lessons (with a teacher other than myselft) with her when she turns 5. Amy

I think 3.5 years may be too young to have formal lessons. Have you considered group lessons or another type of music class--Music Together, Kindergym? Still Tickling Ivories

Charlotte, September '06, I started my son's 4 and 6 year olds on piano lessons taught by a Suzuki piano teacher who also teaches Suzuki Piano lessons at Dominican University. They are doing really great. She is the most gentle, kind, yet firm piano teacher. I don't know if you are aware of the Suzuki method of teaching piano. Since your child is so young I think it's the best way to go. The Suzuki method is a method that is geared to teaching toddlers piano. First he'll get ear training through listening to the music pieces and as he demonstrate readiness she teach according to his level of readiness. My kids love her. Her name is Diana Damitz. Her studio is on Marin Ave or Street in Albany. Her number is (510)525-3258 I really like her. Hope you find a teacher who would be a good fit for your child. Mey

I'm looking for a private piano teacher, based in Contra Costa County, who is experienced with working with young children, hopefully someone upbeat and fun, with the kind of attitude that will nurture and encourage my son's cuurent fascination with the piano. I appreciate any help you can provide. DeAnne

Are there any piano teachers out there who are willing to take a child at 3&1/2 years old? Obviously teaching piano to such a young child would require a very special approach. Please let me know if you know of someone who can do this! Thanks! Colene

Hello, we are looking into pre-piano class for our 4 yrs old son. We hope the class is more fun and playful so that he will be inspired to love music than just learns how to play piano. We recently heard that Musical Sprouts offers this type of classes (www.musicalsprouts.net). Could you please share your experience with this class? Or if you know there's any fun piano classes. Thank you. May

I am trying to find a piano teacher for our 4yrs old daughter who took lessons for about 6 months. Unfortunately her teacher had to return to China so we like to find her an another teacher somewhere between Emeryville and Benicia. Please let me know if you know of a good teacher. aware1967

Can anyone recommend a piano instructor, preferably in Oakland/San Leandro, who teaches piano to 4 years olds (and possibly his mom!) Kim

Looking for a piano teacher that would come to my house. My son will be 4 in July. Did not know how young I could start, he seems interested.

As a former music educator (Kindermusik), musician, and parent of a
musically-gifted child, I would like to share some ideas about developing your
son's interest in music.
1. Unless your child is a prodigy, it is really wise to wait on a specific
instrument until the child is older, like 7 (but before 9), when he has the
muscle coordination to realize what he wants to create.
2. Help him develop his natural senses of rhythm and pitch (per Orff and
Kodaly)and general musicality through basic music training such as those
offered by Kindermusik (call 1-800-615-5415- in NC- for classes and schedules
near you). This venue is not only a place to explore music with
age-appropriate instruments and songs but it offers a social experience and a
path for parents to continue this music education at home through play (tapes
and songbooks accompany each semester).
3. If your son continues to show promise, either Marcelle Dronkers
(Kensington) or Robin Goodfellow (Oakland) would be "next step" teachers. In a
one-on-one lesson each week, the child progressively learns, through
play-based activities, theory, notation, keyboard, rhythm patterns, chord
progressions, and so on.
My son has taken from Marcelle for a year and, at age 5-1/2, has better
developed his voice, memory, creativity, and musical self, not to mention
ability to sit down longer and concentrate (!). You can contact me if you
want to talk. 

Suzuki Piano teacher for 4-year-old Oct 2004

I would like any recommendations for a suzuki piano teacher for a 4 1/2 year old. I live in Redwood Heights in Oakland and would like someone relatively close. Sheila

[no replies received]

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Piano Lessons for 5-year-old

Nov 2006

Looking for piano teacher for my 5-year-old daughter in Albany, El Cerrito area. Any recommendations. Appreciate your help. Maksuda

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Sam Rudin, my daughter's amazing piano teacher, will inspire your child (he is wonderful with adults too!) to love playing the piano. Sam works with each student's preferences and musical ability, teaching classical, jazz, popular, and improv. Check out other references to Sam on the website archives or www.hurricanesam.com. Email Sam at sam[at]hurricanesam.com happy piano student

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I can recommend Bill Polits [billpolits[at]comcast.net] as a music teacher in your area. He is a really nice guy and excellent teacher. I believe he teaches piano as well as other instruments. My son took bass guitar lessons and enjoyed them very much. Bill has a lot of experience. gay

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The Crowden Music Center, located at the corner of Rose and Sacramento Streets in North Berkeley, offers private piano lessons and other great introductory music classes for kids. We would be happy to place your 5-year-old with a dynamic and experienced piano teacher! You can contact us at ccmc[at]crowden.org, or 510.559.2941. Crowden Music Center

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We've been very happy with the Golden Key Piano School (www.goldenkeypianoschool.com). We think our son's teacher, Katrin Arefy is just fantastic (attuned, encouraging, structured) and the curriculum is nicely thought out, with fun pieces to play, a good balance of technique and theory, and a very kid-friendly approach Heather

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I know this is a bit out of your way, but I think it's worth it for you to meet Laura Lee at Simply Music in Hercules. My daughter goes there and loves it! (I even wrote an article about her that will be out in December's Marketplace Magazine.) Here's an excerpt: ''(She) uses the Simply Music methodology, based on a unique multi-sensory, didactic program - beginning students quickly play real music with both hands from the start. The key? This program understands and incorporates the brain's inate ability to ''see'' patterns, and integrates movement, one of the most effective avenues to memory retention and learning. It's a bit unusual, but I can see first-hand how effective it is. The result is that songs are more akin to being ''absorbed'' than sight-read from printed music. As some of their own materials refer to, (essentially) ''we don't learn to read and spell before we learn to talk''. Same with learning to play the piano.

Reading music is learned eventually, after building up a repertoire of 30 or so songs, but what is most important is the sense of mastery and self-confidence. My daughter plays the piano for fun, and loves doing it! Instead of plucking out ''twinkle, twinkle little star'', my now eight-year-old is playing classical pieces, popular songs and belting out the blues with panache!'' Please check out her website (www.musikwithlaura.com, (510) 724-0818) and give her a call. I think you and your daughter will love her too! Carol

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April 2000

We are interested in starting piano lessons for our five year-old daughter. Any recommendations for the Berkeley area for an enthusiastic, child-oriented teacher would be much appreciated! Linda

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Julie Tanenbaum from Music together- music class for children- is also a piano teacher. I know her through the music class and I can say that she is very good with children and has a lot of energy. You will find her phone number in the last 2 announcement letters. Paolo

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I would like to second the recommendation for Julie Tannenabum. She was my piano teacher some 15-20 years ago when i was a child. I remember her as one of the best ones that I had. As I remember she had me work on theory, as well as technical skills but also assigned fun pieces. She provided encouragement and feed back that were appropriate for my age level. (Something other teachers did not). I never dreaded going to lessons when I was a student with her. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her name in the Music Together postings, and am pleased to hear that she is still teaching.

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Piano lessons for 6-year-olds

I'm looking for a recommendation for a piano teacher for my 6 year old beginner, preferrably someone who could come to our house. We live in Alameda.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a group piano lesson for a 6-year old beginner? We prefer a weekend class somewhere near Rockridge area. We looked into Piedmont Piano Company but there was no offering of a group lesson on weekends right now.

I have a six year old daughter and would love to find a great piano teacher in the North Berkeley area. I would prefer to find someone who makes learning fun for children and who teaches fun recognizable music in addition to the classics. Any recommendations will be welcome! Thanks, Colleen

Piano Teacher for 7-year-old beginner

I'm looking for a really good piano teacher for my son to begin lessons. Specifically I want someone who prioritizes a love of music over and above being overly serious and strict. At the same time, I want my son to learn to read music and proper technique etc -- but with someone who is engaging and relates well to children. If this person could come to our house it would be ideal -- but if they are somewhere relatively near our home that would be okay too. We're in central Berkeley. Any recommendations?

If you would like to arrange a meeting, I can be reached at 510-526-4689. wholenotes

Piano Teacher for 8-year-old

hi; just wondering if anyone can recommend a piano teacher for my soon to be 8 year old daughter. she just started and had 7 or 8 lessons and liked the teacher, but this was a summer program and her fall schedule only had a couple of openings and none were convenient for us. i only have my girl half the time and we have a really busy schedule already, so i know this will not be easy to find a match, but we were hoping to find some way to continue. we have tried a couple of teachers that were recommended to us and they both had long wait lists (up to a year), so ANY help or suggestions will be much appreciated. thanks doug

I am looking for a piano teacer for my musically talented 8 yr old daughter. Could someone recommend an effective teacher who can make learning piano fun, who is available either one afternoon a week after 4:00 (Wed or Thurs) or Saturday? I prefer the class to take place at Berkeley, Albany or El Cerrito. Thanks! claudia

Looking for a good/creative piano teacher that teaches at her/his studio in Berkeley, Albany or North Oakland. The classes are for a beginner, 7-year old boy. Rosa

Piano Teacher in Alameda

I am looking for a piano instructor in Alameda who teaches adults. The ideal instructor would be someone easy-going who likes jazz/improv techniques. Melanie

Hello, can anyone recommend a piano teacher in Alameda, for a 6 year old girl? Thanks! anon

Piano teacher in Castro Valley

We need a piano teacher in Castro Valley for our 11 year old daughter (beginner, but very talented. She's had 2 years of violin). Also, we need to rent a piano. Any suggestions? Thanks. Brad

I moved to the Danville area almost two years ago. I would like to continue piano lessons for my kids, and possibly me. The kids have had 1-4 years of lessons, but have not had a lesson since we moved. They have ''dabbled '' on the piano at home, but need to get back to real lessons. Can anyone recommend a teacher to me in the Blackhawk-Danville area? Either a studio-based teacher, or a teacher who will come to our home is OK. miss the music

I'm looking for a beginning piano teacher for my 11 year old daughter, preferably a teacher who would come teach at my house. I have already seen the previous recommendations and didn't see many listings for piano teachers who are willing to come to you. I'm also open to bringing my daughter to the teacher but need someone in the Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek area since my work schedule is not too flexible. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Donna

We are looking for a child-oriented piano teacher for my 6 and 8 year olds in the Walnut Creek area. We would prefer to have someone come to our home, but would also be willing to travel. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks. mwarner

Piano teacher for Adult

I'm looking for a piano teacher for an adult with modest and long-ago playing experience. Looking to read music, play by chords, theory fundamentals, but wholly for pleasure. Thanks. Marian

I'm looking for a fun-loving, easy going piano teacher who will come to my house and give me lessons weekly. I need someone who can deal with the chaos of a baby-driven household and have a sense of humor about it all. This is for my mental health, so I want someone who will make it fun and low-pressure-- sometimes I can't practice at all and need someone who will roll with that and not be jugemental, etc. I've had about a year of lessons so I'm still a beginner. Have checked the postings already about this and haven't found someone to fit the bill exactly. Thanks! wanting to play

He teaches children and adults. His focus is on creating a good experience, not creating concert pianists - he loves music, and he wants to create opportunities for people to develop a good relationship with music, rather than being scared off by their lessons. He plays anything from classical and new music, to experimental, to jazz, and he particularly likes to incorporate improvisation into his playing and teaching. He's looking to add some students. Phone number is 510-848-3159.

By the way, we have a toddler, so the ''chaos of a baby-driven household'' wouldn't be an issue! Jen Gall

I'm looking for a good piano instructor for an adult in the Berkeley, Albany, or Pinole area. I've read through previous recommendations, but am hoping to get more suggestions. Thanks! jami

Looking for a piano teacher for an adult, who has taken classical lessons for 9 years, and two children, beginners, ages 9 and 7. Need someone who will come to our house in North Berkeley. I saw the postings on the Websie and found 2 teachers (Michael Rubin and Herb Riffkin) that would come to our home for the lessons and so we are meeting with them. Are there any others you can recommend? kate

My 14-year old son has decided he'd like to add piano to his drum skills. I'd like to find him private lessons to start. I know he's far more interested in jazz, say, than classical. Got suggestions? thanks Patrice in No. Berkeley

I have read the postings on the web, but would like a more recent recommendation for a piano teacher in the Berkeley area. Our teen daughter has a wonderful piano teacher, but we are not sure that he is the one to stay with. His focus is strictly classical training. Our daughter wants do branch out into jazz piano. She is never going to be a concert pianist-- she just wants to continue to play piano so that she can sit down and play a broad range of music, including Broadway tunes. We want a good piano teacher who can understand the goals and needs of an individual student and tailor the lessons accordingly. Thank you.

My 11 year-old son has been taking keyboard lessons from an excellent teacher, Leonard Sherman, for the past two years. (Len also teaches piano and the sax.) He has introduced my son to a range of musical styles (classical, jazz, even movie themes, like Star Wars and Mission Impossible) in addition to teaching my son how to compose, sight-read and do improv. Their relationship is very collaborative and I appreciate how open and responsive Len is to my son's specific interests. The result is my son has learned a great deal and enjoyed it every step of the way.

Len comes to our house (we live in Berkeley) and we pay $40 for 45 minutes, which I think is a great deal and totally convenient! His number is 510-684-6382.

I'd be happy to talk more if you'd like. Christine

Can anyone recommend a piano teacher for a 16 year old boy? My son has been playing guitar for about 6 years and is interested in learning piano. I would like someone who's passionate about teaching piano, works well with teens, is talented and knows many styles of music. Someone who can teach him to read music as well as play by ear. Preferably in or near Berkeley. Asking too much? I hope not.

Re: jazz piano teacher: If you can get your daughter in with Susan Muscarella, probably the best known jazz piano teacher around, you should do it. Susan founded and runs The Jazzschool, on Shattuck between Channing and Durant (ie 5 minutes walk from BHS); she is a really dynamic woman. Several times during the year lessons stop for 3 weeks or so while she handles the enrollment at the school, which includes doing a lot of auditions for combos they put together. If you can tolerate this slight disruption, it'll be well worth it. Most of the kids in the Ensemble haved studied with her. I think the Jazzschool is 845-5373 but if not, it's listed in the phonebook. Nancy (8/00)

2004

Osborne Reager is now teaching in Berkeley! Having maintained a successful studio in the Claremont Colleges Area, he is accepting new students following his recent move. Mr. Reager has studied with Charles Fulkerson, Alice Shapiro, Philip Clarke, Daryl Dayton, and Arthur Hitchcock. He is a composer with a wide range of repertory and a creative approach to music study. For information: (510) 526-9626 marion

May 2004

Our piano teacher, Jean Stites, lives in Kensington and comes to our house in Richmond to give both my son and I lessons. We absolutely love her! I think she is looking for new students. Her number is 558-0271 Ruth

March 2004

We have a fabulous piano teacher who could use more students. His name is Tom Wyse, and although he is in North Berkeley, he will come to your home if you prefer. He is fairly young and rather zany, and although he will teach plenty of technique and sight-reading, he also gives his students a sense of mastery over the instument by showing them the inner workings and the relationships between sounds. He is very good at developing their ears- My son was playing songs by ear within the first 3 lessons! I think he is particularly good with boys as he understands their energy. He goes way above and beyond the usual piano teacher's commitment. Kids think he's really fun, but he is also quite serious about music,and accomplishes near miracles! He can be reached at 528-2945. kim

Feb 2004

Nasus Aransu,510-531-1524, off Fruitvale in Oakland -- has turned our 8 year old son (who is very active and low focus) into an Enthusiastic! pianist in one year. For the last two months he has been running into his lessons and even takes them at his school by himself. Can you imagine an 8 year old boy leaving playtime by himself and marching into a piano lesson? My partner Amy has a lot to do with it -- when the acting out starts at home because he is learning something new-- she just grins and bears it becuase she understands his process. Once he gains skill he is okay with the practising. We talked this through with Nasus and also explained we were okay with some lessons being just ''music appreciation'' and that for right now 2-3 days of home practise plus a lesson was a lot for our family each week. Nasus adjusted to our needs and worked with our son's mis behaving smoke screen which sources from his fear of failure and after a year of patience and innovative ways of inspiring our son (one lesson she used the piano like a drum) we have a pianist on his way. We are thrilled. Nasus is a composer and brings a disciplined method complemented by an appreciation of the unique voice we all have. Allison

2003

Annie has been teaching for twenty years. She teaches children and adults, beginners to advanced. She was trained in Paris, France and can also speak French with your child. Call 528-4657 to set up an introductory lesson. sylviebumblebee AT yahoo.com on-classical piano teacher? Chris

I would like to ethusiastically recommend Leslie Perelman as a piano teacher for children and adults. She has taught my two daughters and myself for the past two years and she recently became a certified ''music together'' instructor for young children. Leslie is engaging, thoughtful,loving and kind. She has been teaching for over 15 years and is also a California credentialed teacher. She may be reached at 524-3858. Karen

I highly recommend my piano teacher, Brian Schacter. (510.295-7383) I've been taking lessons for a little over a year, after having abandonned lessons over 30 years ago. Brian teaches all ages and levels, is extremely encouraging and patient, and, depending on where you live, will come to your house. I'm learning jazz improv, but Brian can teach classical, rock, etc. as well. (Most of his students are kids, not parents like me.) Feel free to contact me if you'd like further information. Lainey

2002

We are two parents looking for a wonderful piano teacher for my two kids (6 and 5), and her son (6). They are in a beginner keyboard program right now, but both of the adults are having a real hard time with some of the ''punishment rewards'' the current teacher. We are hoping we can do better: we are looking for someone comfortable doing small group teaching, and has an uncanny knack at keeping the children occupied in a gentle, respectful way. And, of course, teach them the piano in a fun, engaging way. It would be great if this person lived in the El Cerrito to Pinole corridor, but we're willing to travel for the right person. We've checked the website, and even called a few, but no luck. Thanks so much! ect

For anyone who is considering or looking for a piano teacher for kids or adults, let me reccommend Herb Riffkin 510 559-8658. He comes to YOUR house and will teach on a keyboard if you don't have a piano. He taught my squirmy 7yr old daughter for a year and was very patient and relaxed. Victoria

Greetings - Would love recommendations for a piano teacher for a beginning student (our eight year old daughter), particularly in El Cerrito (near school) or North Oakland (near home - College/Claremont area). Have checked the archives but am hoping for further suggestions. Many thanks, Deborah

2001

Highly experienced and gifted music teacher, having 30 years experience working with adults and children, has openings for piano, recorder, voice, and theory. A graduate of Cal and a Master's Candidate of Hayward State, she has taught in the Young Musicians' Program (Cal), Berkeley Music Camp at Cazadero, SF Boys' Chorus, and the American Recorder Society. She currently directs the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra as well at the Bella Musica Chorus and orchestra. For more information, call Arlene Sagan at (510)525-5393 or email at bellamusic at aol.com. --Nori

Parents of students 5 years and older are invited to call for a free consultation. (But all ages are taught, parents too!) Students learn a progressive piano technique, including theory, sight-reading and ear-training,with an emphasis on creativity and fun. Lessons are 30 minutes a week. Tuition is $100 month for 4 half hour classes per month, once a week (payment due beginning of month) or $25/half-hour, pro-rated per class. Call Hadley at 510-444-3595 or email: hadley at MirageEnsemble.com for more information. (email address updated March 2002)

A wonderful music teacher (and father of youngsters himself!) is Robbie Dunbar. He's in Berkeley and can be reached at 527-1718. He teaches both guitar and piano, has a gentle yet enthusiastic way about him, and has years of experience as a musician and teacher. Tampine

You know that guy that plays piano on upper Sproul noontimes? His name is Scott Fleming, and he is a Cal graduate (French) and also a pre-school and after-school care teacher! He's really terrific with kids and gives piano lessons. He came to our house in Berkeley to give my daughter lessons (before she switched to clarinet), and also was (and, I think, still is) a teacher when she went to The New School. Scott can be reached at 849-2086. Stop by and say "Hi" when you see him on campus and put some money in the jar! Becky

Tamra

Here is a summary of the responses I received to my inquiry about
piano lessons. Thanks to everyone who replied. 

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Can anyone recommend a good piano teacher for a 10-yr-old beginner
who has taken a sudden & unexpected interest in music?

I would prefer someone who'd come to my home in Berkeley.
Also I wouldn't mind taking a lesson or two myself as long as the
kid is taking them.
What is the going rate for piano teachers these days?

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My daughter's teacher was
Katherine,Winter           TELEPHONE  510.527-3839
834 Nielson
Albany
She was very musically talented but did not manage to inspire
the love for piano in my daughter. After 3 years my daughter quit playing.
She is considered to be
a very good piano teacher. I don't know if she does home visits.

Good luck!

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Piedmont Piano/Yamaha Music school gives group lessons, and also has
a number of teachers that they recommend for private lessons.

A new session of the group lessons will be starting in February.
Fee is around $60/mo. for 1-hr/week lessons.

My oldest child takes private lessons from one of their teachers;
it's $65/mo for 30-min lesson/week.

-----------------------------

We pay $68/month for weekly lessons at the teacher's house.  A couple of
times a year the teacher takes a one or two week vacation and we still pay
$68.  I have mixed feelings about the method being taught (Suzuki, I
believe), so won't make a recommendation at this time.

------------------------------
I'm currently taking guitar lessons at Los Medanos College and we
have a couple of youngsters (possibly 10 or 11) in our class.  Maybe
there is a way you & your child can sign up for piano lessons at your local
community college?

When my child was younger she took lessons at the hilltop mall (some piano
store up there)  the lessons for $14.00 per session.  That was 6 yrs ago.
Churches are also excellent places to find teachers.


----------------------------------
 My daughter (5 years old) has been taking  music lessons with emphasis on
keyboard at the Harmony Road Music School in Piedmont and Orinda.
It was formerly called  Yamaha music school and includes
ear training, music reading, and rhythm instruments. The teacher,
Lori Boyd holds group lessons (more fun for kids) that require parent
participation. The cost is around $40 per month. There are classes for
all age groups, 3 years old to adult, and all skill groups.
My daughter and I both love it.

-----------------------

I teach at my home near University and Sixth in Berkeley.  I'm a former
conservatory faculty member (of the Mannes College of Music in NY), but
prefer working with a more general population.  Music is tricky to teach:
there are a lot of reasons why it's best taught by someone who will know
enough to see that habits are learned properly and cleanly... but it only
works for the student if it's also fun!  Regardless of what kids learn or
don't learn, if they enjoy their experience with music, the door to learning
more at some point will stay open.  I think it's fine if people learn to
play to the point where they enjoy it and appreciate listening to music.

The great news is that kids really enjoy learning the elements of music if
they're imaginatively and light-heartedly presented.  Learning piano happens
best in a context of learning *music* - rhythm, singing, listening, making
music with other people, and so on.  Of course there is also an element of
exercising, hand position, technical development (like gymnastics).  The
whole mix is informed by a love of the beauty, structure, history, and
emotion of music.  The role of the teacher is to help all these elements
come together in some sort of coherent way.

I'd be happy to chat with any parent thinking of giving their child the
wonderful gift of making music! People can look me up on the web at
www.members.home.net/jmeites

        Best wishes,
                Judith Meites
                (843-4541)

Suzuki Piano Teacher

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