Introduction: ***New Thumbtack Pro*** (registered 8/28/22)
Please read carefully the following before sending a request.
Availabilities-
Monday-Friday: Before 3pm & After 8pm, studio / online / outcalls within 5 miles (transportation fee will apply) only if you have an acoustic or digital piano (no keyboard) at home.
Saturday & Sunday: All day, studio only (no traveling)
Location- Portola district (94134)
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Piano teaching:
I have a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and hold a Fellowship in Piano Performance (Special Candidate Award) - the highest music diploma level awarded by Trinity London of College.
Currently an after-school piano instructor at the French American International School (in-person) and Pixical Piano (remote), I’ve been continuously developing and implementing an innovative, thoroughly integrated basic music history, theory, and aural skills curriculum for approximately 40 students at the age range from 4 to 65.
Throughout my 15 years of teaching experience, I have always challenged myself to incorporate creative methods into studio and classroom teaching. I like to make new concepts fun and easy to absorb. While I constantly assign tasks and pose questions that challenge my students to think critically, I am good at presenting my ideas in a relatable yet profound way.
One time, I challenged a student to play a Chopin’s Nocturne more spontaneously by imagining himself as three different contestants playing the piece in a competition. Not only did I request him to make each rendition different and BETTER from the previous, I also compelled him into imagining that “the piece has never been written but it is something that I AM improvising as it goes along.” The result was magical as he pushed himself beyond his capabilities.
The two main aspects I focus on intensively in self-directed learning are the MINDSET and STRATEGY developed and employed while working on a piece of music. Though our role as educators is to provide guidance to students of all types, I believe that inspiring students to become independent musicians and lifelong learners can be more beneficial. In order to cultivate autodidacticism, I offer students guidelines and methods that serve as a learning compass outside of the classroom.
I prefer to take things slow in teaching. Besides setting goals periodically to motivate my students, each week I am able to find new angles and aspects in an old piece to work on. Because I care about what each student can offer differently in their playing, I always provide feedback that brings out their best. I am also open to discussion with students in which they bring in unique, dynamic, and unconventional ideas. As a result, I discover something new from my students daily.
“Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” has always been my motto. Ultimately, I seek to encourage students to continue learning in a life-long passion for music.
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Lounge Piano Service:
Prior to my relocation to SF (2021), I worked at Claraboya Scratch Kitchen & Bar at Doubletree Hotel (Lubbock, Texas) as lounge pianist, playing various types of soothing music ranging from Movie Soundtracks to Classical, Jazz/Pop, oldies, and Disney music. I’ve also provided similar services at numerous places / occasions (restaurants, grocery markets, clubs, churches etc.). My most recent performance in SF took place at Lion’s Den in Chinatown.
