About
Hello all!
I am a professional musician with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a Master's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Michigan. I am working on obtaining my Doctoral degree from University of Michigan. I have taught piano for over 10 years, in applied-music collegiate classes and privately for students of all ages, levels, learning disabilities, and backgrounds.
I provide students with practice strategies and problem-solving skills during the lesson, so they can experience progress and enjoyment from mastering challenges. I want students to leave the lesson thinking: "I CAN do it!" I am always communicating and setting individual goals and expectations. I promote proper technique to support healthy practice and greater expressive ability. All the while, I strive to develop a student's critical listening skills and self-awareness. I aim to introduce students to a variety of the best piano literature so they can discover the excitement, beauty and enjoyment of playing music. My ultimate goal is to peak my students' curiosities and their desires to learn with each new piece we study. The goal is to get students to fall in love with the learning process, through music.
Lessons take place either online/remotely via Zoom/Google Meet/Facetime. I also teach music theory. I currently teach full-time with a studio of adult beginners/intermediates, young beginners, and pre-college students. At least 1 hour weekly lessons are highly recommended for serious progress, but let's talk and discuss what would be the best lesson option for you/your child. I offer student recitals for all ages and examinations with ABRSM and RCM. I have prepared my students for CM, RCM, ABRSM exams, NYSSMA exams, high school auditions, pre-college programs, and college auditions (to major in music). I have also taught many students who are learning just for leisure or just for themselves. If you are a beginner and/or don't know how to read sheet music, I can definitely help you! If you are interested in learning how to play the piano to advance your technique, I can definitely help you as well.. Finally, I also welcome serious students of piano who are thinking about making classical music into a career choice.
Please feel free to message me with any questions you might have. I am genuinely passionate about teaching and sincerely care about each of my students. And if you are a part of my studio, you will find that I am very responsive and willing to help however I can. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Thank you!
Bio:
Hillary Santoso has captured prizes in numerous competitions. She was recipient of the “Judges’ Award” for the American Protégé International Concerto Competition and was subsequently invited to perform in Carnegie Hall for the Gala Winners’ Concert. She was also a finalist of the National YoungArts Foundation and International Washington D.C. Competition. She received second prize in the 14th Biennial Los Angeles International Liszt Competition and a cash award, which led to a performance in the 2017 American Liszt Society Festival. She has starred as a soloist with numerous orchestras in the United States and Europe. Her most notable concerto performance was with the Glendale Youth Orchestra, which led to a debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, after an audition with the LA Phil Youth Orchestra Mentorship Partners. Hillary has presented a solo benefit recital performing piano and violin to raise a total of $3,500 in funds to benefit the American Red Cross and Tzu Chi Foundation for the Tsunami Relief Effort. Additionally, she has provided voluntary piano lessons to children with various forms of autism. She is a passionate and active teacher, with teaching experience ranging from toddler group classes to university classes, to teaching private students. She has presented her research topics at the 2019 Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) conferences at the national and collegiate level. Additionally, her students have achieved high marks at the Royal Conservatory of Music exams.
hillarylinsantoso.com
Music explores everything I value about the human experience, such as our ability to listen, to express emotions, to connect with others, and ultimately, to create. Learning how to play the piano is not an end in itself, but a tool to aim for these higher goals. In turn, these goals provide a guiding star meant to inspire each student to achieve the highest level of musical excellence within themselves.
I believe in the art of teaching...I believe in music. I know a little something about communication without words. Words are powerful, but the majority of human communication does not have to do with opening our mouths. Music is an essential part of humanity and expression; it is essential to my entire life and being. Great music grounds me, elevates me, humbles me, opens my eyes, more than anything else in the world. I know how it feels to channel the flow of music through my body and mind as the communicator. I am filled with wonder of this force that is so above us, and humbled with gratitude that we are able to tap into its powerful sound, and feel its love. I believe that is truly unfortunate that not more people are brought to a deeper relationship with great music, and I believe my contribution in this world is to create more avenues of communication between classical music and humanity. To learn, teach myself and others how to become balanced human beings, fortified by faith, hope, and truth.
Creativity may come in different forms as it relates to music: improvised music, improvised movement, free composition, or in a determined style. For a beginner student this may mean improvising on a determined set of notes, while for an advanced student it may be the challenge of composing. In each of these forms, the process of creation encompasses the capacity to listen (as we listen within), express ourselves, and connect with others through our work. Join in me in your journey through music!
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
On our first lesson, we will discuss what kind of pieces/songs/repertoire you'd like to play and your long term goals. We will discuss your theory, music background, and talk about some method books or pieces I would introduce to you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Pre-Candidate of the Doctoral of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at University of Michigan in the fall. Currently, I recieved my master's degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Michigan, studying with Dr. Logan Skelton and Pedagogy with Dr. John Ellis. I received my Bachelor’s degree in piano performance under the tutelage of Yoshikazu Nagai at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I have also worked with Bernadene Blaha and performed in many masterclasses for renowned pianists such as John Perry, Gary Graffman, Leon Fleisher, and Jerome Lowenthal from the Juilliard School and Curtis Institute of Music. I began piano studies with her mother, Michelle Santoso.
Bio:
Hillary Santoso has captured prizes in numerous competitions. She was recipient of the “Judges’ Award” for the American Protégé International Concerto Competition and was subsequently invited to perform in Carnegie Hall for the Gala Winners’ Concert. She was also a finalist of the National YoungArts Foundation and International Washington D.C. Competition. She received second prize in the 14th Biennial Los Angeles International Liszt Competition and a cash award, which led to a performance in the 2017 American Liszt Society Festival.
She has starred as a soloist with numerous orchestras in the United States and Europe. Her most notable concerto performance was with the Glendale Youth Orchestra, which led to a debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, after an audition with the LA Phil Youth Orchestra Mentorship Partners.
Hillary has presented a solo benefit recital performing piano and violin to raise a total of $3,500 in funds to benefit the American Red Cross and Tzu Chi Foundation for the Tsunami Relief Effort. Additionally, she has provided voluntary piano lessons to children with various forms of autism. She is a passionate and active teacher, with teaching experience ranging from toddler group classes to university classes, to teaching private students. She has presented her research topics at the 2019 Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) conferences at the national and collegiate level. Additionally, her students have achieved high marks at the Royal Conservatory of Music exams.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $45-50 per hour, and $35 for the half hour.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught group piano classes - for music majors and non-music majors. I also have taught beginning group classes for toddlers. I've given private instruction to students ages 5-60, preparing students for recitals, competitions, and Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations at University of Michigan and at the Russo School. I've also worked with students with various learning disabilities.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Give it a go! - I can't wait to work with you!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my long term goals?
How much time would I spend on the piano per week?