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About
I’m Collin, a university‑level piano instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience. I currently teach piano at Santa Clara University and work as a Senior Piano Content Developer for Skoove, where my piano content reach more than 3.5 million piano learners worldwide.
What I offer:
- Personalized lessons for ages 4–adult
- Strong foundation in technique, musicianship, and sight‑reading
- Support for ABRSM piano + theory exams (I’m a certified ABRSM instructor)
- College‑prep coaching for students aiming for music majors
- A warm, structured teaching style that builds confidence and independence
I travel to your home for lessons.
Education:
UC Irvine — B.A., Piano Performance
UC Berkeley — M.A., Piano Performance
University of Washington — M.S., Music Theory & Composition
My students include complete beginners, returning adults, and advanced teens preparing for university programs. Some have gone on to excel in college‑level music studies.
If you’re looking for a teacher who combines artistry, academic rigor, and real‑world industry experience, I’d love to work with you.
Overview
Hired 18 times
Background checked
17 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Subjects of interest
Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.)
Harmonization
Counterpoint
Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training)
Level of experience
No experience
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Instrument student plays
Piano
Violin
Guitar
Drum
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
24 reviews
5
96%
4
4%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Kishore P.
Jul 31, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Collin goes above and beyond to help my 3 kids learn piano. He is an excellent instructor. He is very patient with each one of my kids and tailors each lesson. Not only does he teach the fundamentals but he keeps them enthused to keep going. I often find my kids practicing of their own when it was a struggle. They have grown and musicians with each lesson. Collin is very responsive to what I want from each lesson. If I could I would give him more than 5 stars. Collin is simply the best.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
Swetha S.
Sep 26, 2014
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Collin was an excellent teacher for my daughter who is 7 years old. He always arrived promptly on time and taught her piano very sincerely. He was friendly, but also had expectations wrt regular practice, proper posture etc. In the time she was learning from him, she learnt and played a lot more than I ever expected from her. Unfortunately, we had to move for work reasons, otherwise I would have continued with Collin as long as possible.
Piano Lessons
Sonal G.
Sep 25, 2015
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Collin taught piano to my 7 year old son for about 9-10 months, until he left the city for further studies. He is a very good piano teacher and works from the basics and gives very close attention to posture and technique so kids don't get unnecessarily tired and stay focused. Collin was always on time and my son learned so much from him! I would definitely recommend Collin for piano lessons.
Piano Lessons
Kathy S.
Nov 7, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Collin is an amazing compliment to our daughters piano aspirations. We are truly grateful for his help with advancing her in piano in a very contemporary, modern approach that is fun yet academic.
Collin is exceedingly brilliant, a wonderful teacher to children. He teaches from vast experience, his double Masters degrees is a testimony to his knowledge.
Collin is truly a gem here in silicon valley. Thank you for teaching the passion of piano with your passion as an educator. The world needs more people like Collin.
Piano Lessons
Jose S.
Jul 19, 2013
My daughter took lessons from Collin for two years in Irvine. He chose books that grab my daughter's interest in learning piano with a lots of cute pictures in them. He liked to ask my daughter to talk about it as a way to grab her interest in learning music. You know, kids are not stubborn and not willing to learn for a full hour straight, but Collin did a good job for keeping my daughter learning for the full hour.
Credentials
Background Check
Collin Chu
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $55 for a 30-minute lesson, $85 for a 45‑minute lesson and $100 for a 60‑minute lesson. These rates include travel to your location.
Please reach out only if you are comfortable with the stated fees, as my rates are non‑negotiable. In return, you will receive a level of professional piano instruction that exceeds what is typically available in the area.
Please avoid reaching out to me for anything beyond what I provide because I will be charged.
Tuition and Payment
Tuition is due during the first week of each month.
Rates for Thanksgiving week, Christmas break, and select summer weeks may vary if you plan to travel.
Scheduling and Attendance Policy
For any schedule adjustments due to personal matters or illness, notification is required 24–48 hours in advance in order to reschedule.
If adequate notice is not provided, the lesson fee will still be charged.
Enrollment
I currently have limited availability and accept only students who demonstrate seriousness and commitment to consistent weekly piano study.
Current Openings
Sunnyvale: Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 PM and 5:45–6:45 PM
Fremont / Newark / Union City: Limited openings on Friday and Saturday.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I offer lessons both at my clients’ homes and in my home studio. Please note that my instruction is designed for serious students of all levels, not for casual or occasional learning. I focus on developing proper technique, strong sight‑reading skills, and a solid musical foundation.
My availability is currently very limited, and I only accept students who are committed to consistent weekly study.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- Senior Piano Content Developer at Skoove
- Professor of Music in San Jose State University
- Musical Minded Instructor in the Los Angeles School District - I ran an afterschool program to teach over 200 youths learning piano.
