Piano Lessons for Adults
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Piano Lessons for Adults
Seeking adult 'refresher' piano instruction
Oct 2011
We recently welcomed a piano into our home, and I am looking to refresh
my piano skills. I can still read music, but am seriously rusty, after
having played during most of my childhood. Anyone know a good teacher
with reasonable rates? Kira
I was in a similar situation to yours - played a lot as a
kid, but seriously rusty - and started lessons with Nathan
Birkholz, recent Ph.D. transplant from the midwest. Even
though he's a concert pianist, Nathan is easy-going, warm,
and gives excellent corrections. My 8-year-old and I both
study with him, and it's wonderful to watch how comfortable
Nathan is with both kids and adults. Contact him at
nathanbirkholz@gmail.com.
timsmom
Hi, My daughter's piano teacher is really wonderful! She would be an
excellent choice for an adult who is seeking ''refresher'' piano
instruction, but she's also superb with children and teens. Her name is
Amy Valentine Brookes, and she gives lessons in her home in Berkeley.
Amy is an excellent teacher. She has a calm, encouraging approach and a
tremendous amount of technical knowledge. She uses techniques that are
designed to protect against injuries to the hands, and that also allow a
student to play with greater ease. While Amy is very familiar with
classical repertoire, she has encouraged my daughter in her interest in
jazz and popular music. I highly recommend Amy for students at all
levels. If you would like more information, feel free to contact me, or
you can contact Amy directly at: aimsta.b@gmail.com. eve
Piano lessons for adult beginner
Aug 2009
Hi. I would like to take piano lessons and would appreciate recommendations
for a piano teacher for an adult beginner. I live in the Richmond hills and
would be willing to go anywhere from Berkeley to El Sobrante for lessons, or
to have an instructor come to my home.
Thanks,
Michelle
A wonderful piano teacher for adult beginner as well as kids of any
age is Arlene Sagan. She has been teaching my kids piano for many
years now and we love her. Her phone number is (510) 525-5393. She
lives in the Thousand Oaks district of Berkeley.
Grace
Jan 2009
looking for a piano teacher for an adult student who wants to learn in Oakland/CastroValley/Berkeley area. Any suggestions? available on weekends? music appreciator
There is a woman in Oakland, Tamara Saunders, who is just an
amazing teacher. She teaches all ages, and yes, adults too. She
has a gift for teaching. You will learn quickly, you will develop
quickly, and have a wonderful time as well. I would rave more, but
call her. You will understand for yourself. Tamara 338-1215
love this piano teacher!
I would highly recommend Leonard Sherman for piano lessons. He has
over 12 years experience and I was very happy with his patience,
methods and coaching style. His website is www.leonardsherman.com
if you would like more information.. also he can be reached at
510-684-6382 Scott
Now that I have retired I am studying with Joe Mumm. He is very
patient and thorough and works with me until I have satisfactorily
learned a concept. He is very skilled in always finding new and
imaginative ways to put an idea across. I am confident under his
guidance I will finally achieve my lifelong dream. I
enthusiastically recommend Joe and feel he would work well with
students of all ages. He is located right above 580 near Fruitvale
and can be reached at 510 530 0264. He also has a website
www.treetopiano.com.
Magda Oakland retiree
Jan 2009
I am looking for a piano teacher and would love recommendations. I
would prefer someone who can come to my house, but that isn't necessary.
I am looking for someone who can help me continue to learn and improve,
introduce me to new music, and keep the lessons fun and encouraging.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Robin
Again, it's Tom Wyse - smart, funny and accomplished, he will guide
you through the best way for YOU to learn the instrument. He's in
North Berkeley, but may be able to come to you. 684-8525 kim
Lynda Schneider is a fabulous piano instructor for kids, but has
just started doing adult classes. She is also a composer, has a
degree in Psych. and is really nice (but she'll make you work!). I
think her email is lynda@fluidpiano.com or google her website at
fluidpiano.
kl
I highly recommend our wonderful piano teacher Rita Varadi. I see
amazing changes in the piano playing of my two daughters, aged 14
and 9, who have been taking lessons with Rita for over two years.
The variety and amount of music Rita has and offers to her students
to learn is incredible. She finds a way to bring out the best of
the girls and she finds music they fall in love with. I took a few
lessons with Rita to be able to help my young daughter with her
practices and got inspired by her teaching. I had never taken piano
lessons before, fell in love with them, and have been taking piano
lessons with Rita for two years now.
She gives piano lessons at her studio in Montclair. Her phone
number is (510)482-8224. We live in North Berkeley and go to her
studio for lessons every week.
Elena
I take jazz piano lessons from Sallie Hanna-Rhyne at her house in
Berkeley. My daughter took from her for a number of years and
now I am. I had classical lessons growing up but as an adult was
out of practice and wanted something different. She teaches all
levels, both kids and adults, and will teach you jazz standards,
blues, salsa, and samba. The recitals are unlike anything I had
as a child. They are casual and she invites other jazz students
(sax, trumpet, flute, etc.) to play along with you. Sallie is a
wonderful teacher. Her number is 510-843-1963.
Susan
Phyllis Plotkin is a wonderful, very experienced, and patient
piano teacher who gives affordable private lessons in her home in
the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland. She teaches both kids and
adults, and uses the Taubman technique which helps to prevent
overuse injuries and strain. She stresses enjoyment and fun, both
in playing and in practice. Her number is 655-4939.
Helene
I would like to recommend my teacher, Joe Mumm. Thanks to Joe my
piano studies have become a great joy in my life. I work full time
and canbBPN archives but the recommendations are 2 years old.t practice as much as I would like (although I really
enjoy practicing), but Joe is always very patient and supportive.
He works with my impatience and encourages me to slow down and
learn to play well. He is very thorough and guides me in
developing a well rounded musicianship working with technique,
theory, reading and most importantly playing with a sensitive ear
and musicality. We have even worked on basic voice lessons to
train my ear. You can check out his website at
www.treetoppiano.com. His number is 510 530 0264.
Maggie Oakland Upper Laurel
July 2008
My husband has been wanting to learn the piano. He is musically
inclined (but never formally trained) but doesn't have a lot of time
(full time job, father, etc..) Looking for a low-key, low-pressure, fun
intro to playing piano - maybe focusing on the ''creative'' and less
structured side... Preferably in the Lamorinda, WC or N. Oakland/S.
Berkeley areas. Maybe a class or instruction.
anon
I highly recommend our wonderful piano teacher Rita Varadi. I
have seen amazing changes in the piano playing of my two
daughters, aged 13 and 8, who have been taking lessons with
Rita for over a year and half. The variety and amount of music
she has and offers to her students to choose from is
incredible. Rita is very gentle, she somehow finds just the
right music for every student, and goes at whatever pace you
prefer. I took a few lessons with Rita to be able to help my
young daughter with her practices and got inspired by her
teaching. I had never taken piano lessons before, fell in love
with them, and have been taking piano lessons from Rita for
over a year now.
Rita gives piano lessons at her studio in Montclair. Her phone
number is (510)482-8224. We live in North Berkeley and go to
her studio for lessons every week - would not go to any other
teacher.
Elena
April 2008
Looking for more recent recommendations. I had become an
intermediate-to-advanced pianist by college, but it's been 15 years
since I've played. I'd love to find a wonderful, relaxed piano teacher
for adults, especially one who can give me a huge array of
recommendations for pieces I could play. Looking for someone
especially in Berkeley. Thanks!
My background is similar to yours, and I had a great time studying
with Jerri Witt in San Francisco (415-753-1095).
--Krysten
I would like to recommend, very highly, my son's piano teacher,
Yvonne Donnelley. She also teaches adults and is truly a
''wonderful, relaxed piano teacher.'' She gives lessons at her house
in Elmwood, and is very accommodating and understanding about
schedules changing but is also serious about making progress. My son
has been a student for over 4 years and has made great advances in
his abilities. Her telephone number is: 510 644-3828.
Celia
I have a wonderful piano teacher,Leslie Perelman, who is
knowledgable, enjoyable and patient. She can be reached at
843-6904 or lhperel2@yahoo.com.
Karen
For beginning blues/jazz, I recommend Sallie Hanna-Rhyne in
North Oakland. Her number is 510-843-1963. For classical, I
recommend Linda Schneider, in El Cerrito-her number is
510-527-6202.
Both of these women are very experienced, highly skilled and
devoted teachers.
laura
Nov 2007
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
Try The Alameda School of Music on High St. 769-0195 Lisa
Try calling Alameda School of Music at (510) 769-0195 and explain what you'd
like. They have several good piano teachers and will refer you to someone
who's a good match for you. (Or check out their website,
http://www.alamusic.com/ and pick your own!) Kathy
Oct 2007
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 can highly recommend Kate Stitt as a piano teacher. She teaches both
children and adults. I've been taking lessons with her since last year
(I'm a beginner reg. both playing and reading music), and have very much
enjoyed her teaching style and progressed a lot. She teaches out of her
home in North Berkeley. You can reach Kate at (510) 559-9353.
Have fun!
Anke
Hello Marian,
My 9 year old daughter has been studying with Joe Mumm of Tree Top Piano
Studio for two years. He teaches students of all ages and welcomes
beginners and intermediate students. My daughter enjoys her lessons
enormously due to Joe's unique teaching style. He is a kind and talented
teacher, with kid-friendly teaching methods that she really responds to.
He plays musical games and varies the format of the class so that the
instruction is interesting and fun. My daughter's interest in music
continues to grow and her motivation to learn to play the piano is
exciting for us to watch! We are happy to recommend Joe if you are
looking for piano lessons. Joe is conveniently located off Lincoln Ave
near Sequoia Elementary in the Dimond District of Oakland. You can check
out his website, www.treetoppiano.com, to read other endorsements. Joe's
number is 510 530 0264.
Anne
Aug 2004
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
To the person looking for a piano teacher - I have a
recommendation for you: Eric Glick Rieman. Disclaimer: he's my
partner. But he's also a great piano teacher, who loves
teaching and has a knack for tailoring his teaching to what the
students are interested in. He's been playing music for close to
40 years, he has an MFA in electronic music from Mills, and he is
a professional musician. I have the great luck to be married to
him, so I get to hear his music all the time.
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've recommended Tom Wyse before for people with kids, but he
also teaches adults. He is totally fun, gives you a sense of
mastery over the keyboard, by exploring both classical
sight-reading and chord-based technique, and developing your ear.
He is mid-30's, I'm guessing, very hip and eccentric. You can
go to his house, or he will come to yours. He is out of the
country til 9/5, but his cell phone number is 684-8525. He is a
neighbor, and also teaches my 9 year old son and some other folks
we know.
Robert is an excellent classical piano instructor. He teaches
my two kids (ages 5 and 14) and myself. He has an innate
ability to relate with youngsters, they just all seem to like
him! He currently attends UC Berkeley as a music student and
performs there on numerous occasions. He's very serious and
enthusiastic about what he does. His rates go for $25/half
hour or $40/hour, very much worth it (he also drives to your
home!) He's been our teacher for four years now, and he is
giving us the great gift of music. You can reach him at 510-
704-8430, or I think his email address might still be
rdanipou AT hotmail.com
Katie
Feb 2004
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
My son takes piano lessons from an excellent teacher located in
North Berkeley, near Sacramento and Cedar. His name is Ernie
Mansfield and his number is 524-2055. He is an accomplished
musician and composer, and teaches a variety of instruments,
including piano, flute, sax, etc., to both children and adults.
You can check out his website at www.mansfieldmusic.com .
As for rates, the going rate seems to be $25 per half hour for
music lessons. I pay this for all my kids lessons on piano,
guitar, and drums.
lisa
June 2003
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
Sam Rudin is a gifted, enthusiastic, highly perceptive teacher of
adults (as well as younger people) with nearly 30 years
experience. He has an amazing ability to move among all styles
and impart the 'sense' underlying different musical genres. I've
seen his work with people of quite disparate abilities and
interests, and he's consistently sensitive, patient,
encouraging, and hugely inspirational. As an extraordinary
professional performer, Sam brings a real-life dimension to his
teaching which I think is enriching even if you have no interest
in ever being heard by anyone else! He'll teach either on his
baby grand in his home studio in Oakland, near Emeryville, or
will travel to surrounding areas. His phone is 510-654-3808 and
website is: http://www.hurricanesam.com/lessons.php
(Please let him know that Page referred you -- and have fun!)
I recommend Mary Triest. She teaches piano and voice to all
ages. A number of my friends go to her, my daugher and I have
each taken lessons when it fit into our schedule. She even gave
voice lessons to my rabbi. She has given a lot of adults the
confidence to embrace and succeed at music after we get to
believe that we can't, cause we're past that age of learning new
things. She's fun and yet serious. She's off Mandana - not far
from Lake Shore in Oakland. Do tell her I recommended her when
you call. Her number is 836-0295.
Dawn
January 2003
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
hi, I don't know if you are interested in a particular style...
but, I took lessons from Sam Rudin for 7 or 8 years. I had taken
classical lessons as a kid, but I wanted to learn how to play
jazz.
I feel that Sam is one of the best teachers around. His own style
of music is barrelhouse blues and R&B. He is a very casual guy,
and his teaching style is also casual. His teaching method is
organic and personalized. I loved that he would bring in music
theory only as it came up naturally, rather than in an academic
way. It makes learning music more experiential and relevant.
I know that he has experience teaching adults and kids. Feel free
to contact me if you have any questions.
He has a web site: http://www.hurricanesam.com
his phone: 510-654-3808
Hae
I'd appreciate any leads to a very good classical piano teacher for
advanced students and another teacher who is very good at teaching
voice, particularly in preparation for boroque and opera singing. The
S.F. Conservatory of Music teaches an 8 week class, but I'm hoping I may
be able to find something a little closer since I have a toddler.
Susan
I've taken lessons from Robert Schwartz in San Francisco for several years.
He is an amazingly, wonderfully, rapturously, flawlessly, vibrantly good
pianist! And a GREAT teacher! (And a kind, funny, smart person.) I've
been taking piano lessons for twenty years or so, and Robert is -- by
several orders of magnitude -- the best pianist and the best teacher I've
taken from.
Alysson
My piano teacher is fabulous. Chip Brimhall. He's on Milvia and Parker in
Berkeley. 549-0657. He teaches classical and is really excellent. He's a very
acomplished pianist and teaches in a way that you really learn to hear and
learn the music, as well as technique. He has an array of students from very
young to us older ones. (I'm 47). He teaches all levels. He has some very
gifted and talented advanced students (Sam Adams, son of composer John Adams)
and just average people who love music. Give him a call. He's also an
incredibly kind and really nice person. Good luck with that.
June
June 2003
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
May 2003
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
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