Smart Hands & Minds
Instrument student plays
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About
As a Yale graduate with specialized training at the Grove School of Music ('92), I offer in-home piano lessons in Oakland, Berkeley, and the East Bay, and virtual lessons worldwide. I use AI tools to update lesson plans between and during lessons, adapting in real time to each student's progress and evolving goals. Focusing on jazz, R&B, blues, gospel, and contemporary styles — not just classical.
Drawing on my psychology training from UC Berkeley, I approach each student holistically — identifying their unique strengths and challenges, helping them learn effectively while cultivating a lifelong love of music. Students learn songs they love, making practice enjoyable rather than a chore.
Message me here for a free consultation.
Overview
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
Sun11:00 am - 7:00 pmMon11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, 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
Exceptional 5.0
6 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Ashleigh T.
Jul 8, 2025
From Google
After several lessons, I honestly have nothing but good things to note. As someone that teaches more than just piano, Marshal is first off an excellent communicator. He immediately gauged where to start based on my skills, rather than sticking to a rigid lesson plan. If you want someone to work with you from where your current skill sets are, you shouldn't look elsewhere. I'm looking forward to learning under Marshal for as long as possible, and I genuinely implore whoever might be considering him to do the same! Truly a real educator.
MACK S.
Jun 27, 2025
From Google
Marshal has been very inspiring and very adaptive to my wishes. He didn't keep me entrenched in music theory for months as some teachers do. Instead, I learned theory while learning to play music, which was much more enjoyable and motivating. If I wanted to play a specific song, he would locate an arrangement that was not too challenging for my skill level. Once I could play the piece, he would enhance the arrangement by adding or changing some notes and teaching me how to do that. The results have been wonderful. I have several pieces that I really enjoy playing. And that was my goal when we started-- to play the piano for my own enjoyment. FYI, I am 77 years old and look forward to my lessons with Marshal every week. Playing the piano keeps my mind sharp and my fingers nimble. I highly recommend Marshal for anyone who has the desire to learn to play the piano.
Ian K.
Jun 26, 2025
From Google
I am an adult student taking piano lessons from Marshal. I have found him to be a great teacher who genuinely understands teaching at its core. He does not simply hand you a textbook and tell you to start on page one as if you are a machine awaiting programming. He instead gauged my current skill level and based off of that determined what to focus on or even to postpone an idea if it wasn't relevant/helping at that moment. If you laid out every lesson I have done with him the focus might seem scattered but I know firsthand it's exactly what I needed at the time and my skill progression has felt nothing but smooth and natural through his teachings.
Brady W.
May 29, 2025
From Google
I was concerned about learning to play Chess in my mid 50's, but Marshal, armed with his library of video tutorials, puzzles, crib sheets, and a relaxed, patient, and engaging style, made learning easier and more pleasant than I had imagined. Im beating my wife now and wish that I had met Marshal sooner!
Nicole S.
Jun 25, 2021
From Google
Marshal is not only a gifted musician but also highly skilled at teaching. Marshal infuses music theory into his lessons, helping me understand the meaning behind the notes. He also uses personalized techniques to help with proper hand placement and reading sheet music.As an adult student, I was nervous about picking up an instrument but Marshal customized his curriculum to my learning style, characteristics and ability, making my journey with the piano an enjoyable yet challenging experience!I've been working with Marshal for only a few months and I've made great strides in my ability to both read sheet music and play the piano. He's also very patient and highly personable! I highly recommend working with Marshal. Very excited for my future lessons and continued piano skills growth!
Credentials
Background Check
Marshal Yanowitz