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About
Hello! I am a graduate of The Juilliard School where I majored in Piano Performance as the student of pianists Emanuel Ax and Oxana Yablonskaya.
***Please note that I am based in Orange County, California. Students who are out-of-state may contact me for virtual lessons.***
I currently offer in-person lessons for local students, and online via FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype for students who are out-of-town. Prospective students are welcome to contact me for a complimentary, 30-minute online trial/evaluation.
A little background on me:
I have maintained a private piano studio for 25 years in NYC, Los Angeles, and Orange County, and have taught online lessons for over 10 years.
While my training was rigorous and intense, I believe in a nurturing and fun approach to working with my students. Each student's curriculum is tailored to grow their strengths, and encourage them through the challenges.
My goal with each student is to give them the tools to be able to play the music they enjoy, and to inspire students to expand their appreciation for music and all fine arts.
Students who are preparing for conservatory auditions, competitions, and performances who would like a special coaching may contact me for availability.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
2020
Services offered
Musical style
Classical
Work location
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
26 reviews
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Read reviews that mention:
Bobby C.
May 25, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Ms. Sonya, by far, has been the best piano teacher (actually best teacher/educator) for my 9 year old daughter. My daughter started piano at 7, went thru a couple of other teachers before we found Ms. Sonya. She is compassionate, caring, thoughtful, and just knows how to teach children. She is warm, kind, and encouraging. She has a way to teach without every showing loss of patience, and is able to describe it in a way for a 9 year old to understand. Although we cannot have in person lessons due to COVID, Ms. Sonya makes remote lessons a breeze and my daughter is still able to acquire the necessary skill sets to accomplish difficult piano pieces. In fact, my daughter presented a Christmas song she wanted to play to her previous teacher, but that teacher said she could teach after she reaches a certain “level.” My daughter asked Ms. Sonya after we decided to part ways with the previous teacher, and not only did Ms. Sonia say okay, my daughter was able to complete this very difficult piece (Bell Carol, by David Hickens) in 2 months! We’re still 6 months from Christmas, and I thought it would take my daughter at least the whole year to learn it! We are so appreciative of Ms. Sonya’s guidance. I normally do not leave reviews, but I had to leave a glowing review because it is so worth it to let others know what a caring and nurturing teacher Ms. Sonya truly is. She just knows how to pull out the hidden talent from my daughter. I just wish we found her sooner! I would recommend her without hesitation. She also has a pretty amazing resume too!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
Abby D.
Aug 13, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Sonya is a phenomenal piano instructor. She’s really helping me find structure and break down difficult passages in pieces, would highly recommend!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 4+ yrs of formal training • Pop • Yes, the student has a piano • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
Evelyne K.
Aug 20, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
My daughter and Sonya Lee clicked immediately! We learned that both have similar interests in creative arts. Sonya is attentive and showed genuine interest in teaching my daughter.
Sonya and I had a wonderful follow-up conversation after her initial meeting with my daughter. We ended up talking about life and playing the piano. Turns out that she and I share similar values about fostering the love of learning, embracing failure, pursuing excellence. Encouragement and recognizing the student's area of interest is so important.
I was taught piano. I had a great teacher. I just didn't have the desire to learn classical music all the time. I enjoy playing it, but I wanted to learn pop music as well. It was discouraged by my teacher and frowned upon by mom. That just killed the spirit of wanting to play.
I appreciate Sonya's interests in a broad range of musical genres. She wants students to independent and curious. I am excited to see my daughter grow and thrive and it will be teachers, like Sonya who will guide the way!
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 • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Piano Lessons
John S.
May 29, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
If I could pick all 5 choices I would say I still need more good things to say about Sonya. She is the best you can pick hands down. Do not waste your time with anyone else. She is the best!!! She pushes you to do things you can imagine that you would ever do and brings out the Beethoven in you!!!!! So, if you would like to just learn something here or there go elsewhere. If you want to learn music, scales, and etc.... Call Sonya and you will not want another instructor.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Piano Lessons
Steven F.
Jan 25, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Sonya is an incredibly gifted pianist. It’s rare to find someone on such a level and, even harder still to find someone that can teach and share that wisdom. Couldn’t be happier. My daughter is loving piano with Sonya.
Details: Younger than 6 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Classical • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Sonya Kumiko Lee
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Standard Lesson Rates (Beginner/Intermediate Levels):
30 minutes - $80
45 minutes - $100
60 minutes - $120
Advanced/Expert Lesson Rates (Advance level students, students preparing for competitions, auditions, and/or college and conservatory entrance exams/professionals)
60 minutes - $200
90 minutes - $250
*Travel fee applies when I travel to a student's home.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I attribute a great deal of the success I have with my students to having shared goals, and being a good match in personalities. This is why I request all prospective students to schedule a trial lesson. The trial lesson is 30 minutes, and is conducted just as a regular lesson. This gives the student a chance to see what the lessons are like, and a chance for me to assess the student's level, strengths, and areas for growth before we decide to work together.
I use a variety of books and materials, and customize each student's curriculum.
**All adult students are required to schedule a complimentary trial/evaluation via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype to be considered for acceptance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The Juilliard School (Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance)
Primary teachers: Emanuel Ax and Oxana Yablonskaya
