Insights on piano education, practice, and the path to musical excellence.
MTAC and CAPMT are the two organizations that shape piano education in California. Here's what they do, how they differ, and how families in the Bay Area can get involved.
Read More →Piano competitions can be transformative — or damaging. Here's how to tell when a student is ready, what the preparation involves, and what to expect regardless of the outcome.
Read More →The first year of piano lessons is full of visible milestones. The second year is where real musicianship begins — and where many families wonder whether to continue.
Read More →MTAC's Certificate of Merit program is a cornerstone of piano education in California. Here's how to prepare effectively — from timeline to technique to what the judges are actually listening for.
Read More →A piano teacher's honest take on the acoustic vs digital piano question — what matters at each stage of learning, and how to make a practical decision your family can live with.
Read More →The answer isn't a simple number. Here's how to tell whether your child is ready for piano lessons — and why starting at the right time matters more than starting early.
Read More →The Russian piano tradition shaped some of the greatest pianists in history. Here's what that lineage looks like in a modern teaching studio — and why it matters for students at every level.
Read More →Everyone says 'practice slowly.' But effective practice requires more than just reducing the tempo. Here's how we teach students to make every minute at the piano count.
Read More →A practical guide for parents evaluating piano teachers in Cupertino, San Jose, and the greater Bay Area — what to look for, what to ask, and how to find the right fit.
Read More →Silicon Valley is known for technology, but it has a deep and often overlooked classical music culture. A look at the tradition that makes this region a remarkable place to study piano.
Read More →Starting piano lessons can feel like a big step. Here's what parents and students can expect from the first lesson at a private piano studio.
Read More →A breakdown of private piano lesson pricing in the San Francisco Bay Area — what to expect, what affects cost, and how to evaluate whether you're getting real value for your investment.
Read More →A detailed comparison of ABRSM and Certificate of Merit (CM) piano exams — structure, difficulty, recognition, and which program best fits your student's goals.
Read More →A guide to the top piano competitions available to young pianists in the San Francisco Bay Area, including MTAC, CAPMT, Junior Bach Festival, and US Open Music Competition.
Read More →How classical piano lessons develop discipline, cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, and lifelong abilities in children — backed by research and decades of teaching experience.
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