Matoush Melodies Piano Studio

Offers online services

About

ONLINE & IN-PERSON: Professional teacher (Berklee educated) with a BA in classical piano performance and over 20 years performing and teaching offering customized, enjoyable lessons. I maintain standards of excellence with tailored technical exercises, theory, and sight-reading practice customized to each unique individual. Detailed curriculum provided as well as weekly practice instructions.

My students have 2-3 recitals a year at either my home on my C3 Yamaha 6'1 Grand (audience sits outside watching a live performance on a large-screen TV) or at a gorgeous recital hall with a Steinway grand. The home recitals allow students to perform without the usual fear of stage performance.

I customize lessons to fit each individual and also ensure they enjoy learning with a variety of teaching approaches. If your child or you study with me, you will see clear and rapid progress, yet you or your child will really enjoy the journey. I work with many students; my students include those more skilled at playing by ear, creative students who want to learn to compose or make pop or rock covers, as well as students with disabilities. (I have a students on the spectrum currently who has been with me for a year and really improved).

My main goal is to make sure my students learn to love music as I do and to get them excited about music. I have over 30 years experience teaching both at a university as a professor and at my home studio. I have also been performing, and composing for over 10 years and am currently collaborating on several albums with other performers as well as making an EP of my own originals.

*SEE YouTube LINK BELOW for Student Performance Videos..I absolutely love teaching piano and watching my students blossom into accomplished pianists. I use a variety of innovative teaching approaches, games, and apps and also teach music literature and history. I mix classical repertoire with popular pieces.

All levels accepted; I love to work with advanced and intermediate students and help them with RCM ABRSM exams, but also enjoy working with beginners. All my RCM students passed their tests with FIRST CLASS HONORS this year. RCM and ABRSM tests provide a holistic experience for students and ensure they become skilled musicians in all fields of music (performing repertoire, sight-reading, technical ability, ear-training, and theory).

Highlights

Hired 11 times

1 employee

18 years in business

Serves San Jose , CA

Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Paypal, Zelle

Social media

Photos and videos

Halloween 2023 Recital (Some of my students at the end)

2017 Recital Student Gracie Plays Original Composition

2017 Matthew Original Composition Piano Recital

Reviews

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melissa Y.

We have been absolutely thrilled with the piano lessons our twin 7-year-old girls have been receiving from Samantha over the past 9 months. Samantha has a remarkable ability to engage them by incorporating their music preferences into the lessons, whether its by letting them choose some of their songs or by introducing them to simplified versions of more complex tunes. This personalized approach has not only kept the lessons fun and exciting but also ensured that they remain highly motivated and eager to learn.

Samanthas patience and positivity shine through in every interaction. Her feedback is encouraging and supportive, which has been fantastic for building our girls confidence and skills at the piano. She has also done the extra step of sending videos of how the songs should be played for additional help during home practice. Thanks to her guidance, weve seen significant progress in their playing abilities and musical understanding. We feel fortunate to have found such a dedicated teacher for our daughters.

April 15, 2024

alison G.

I really like her teaching style and that she lets me play piano for fun and enjoyment, not for perfection. If I wanted perfection, she could also help me with that. But I’m really glad she is fun to play with and has helped me with my goals of enjoying playing the piano.

November 10, 2023

mike P.

I am a adult beginner and a slow learner. It has been a wonderful experience in the four months since I started with Samantha. She is very patient with me and allows me to progress at my own, slow, pace. There was one lesson when I was not able to play anything, even pieces that I had played the previous week. I was totally embarrassed. Yet Samantha offered words of encouragement. I also like the written down assignments for the week. It gives me a structured approach to learning. Another thing that helps with my positive experience is that Samantha would give me well known but simplified pieces in addition to the ones in the methods book. It certainly puts a smile on my face when I could play these famous pieces.

November 09, 2023

amrith R.

My son (age 9) has been learning from Toby for the past year, and we couldnt be happier. We really wanted a teacher who could help develop passion and joy around music, while maintaining a structured learning approach needed to progress. This is exactly what has happened. My son has found his own expressive musical style and Toby encourages him to play pieces that keep him engaged. At the same time, he was able to prepare for the RCM music exam, and did well with excellent preparation.

Toby herself is an excellent musician, and so all of her students learn how to perform music, whether through the multiple recitals that she organizes throughout the year, or the online contest submissions such as the RCM Festival of Lights.

Finally, I have had only positive experiences when it comes to interacting with her as a parent. She is very professional and diligent, coupled with a pleasant and empathetic approach.

August 18, 2023

Radhika G.

Toby taught piano lessons to my children, now teenagers for past 4 years. She is an excellent teacher, kind and encouraging. Both my children improved their skills consistently under Tobys guidance. Highly recommend her.

March 06, 2022

•Hired on Lessons

Jennifer F.

May 30, 2019

•Hired on Lessons

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

I offer a discounted trial lesson to allow a potential student to see my light, airy studio, play my wonderful Yamaha 6'1 grand, and get to know me a bit. It's a good chance to ensure I am the best choice for the student.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

BA in Classical Piano Performance, multiple performances, over 20 years of teaching experience

Multiple piano master classes including University of the Pacific Master Class at a young age.

Berklee College of Music Training/Classes in Composition and Songwriting (Berklee is the best music college in the country for Composition and Songwriting)

Have curriculum/template for teaching songwriting and have taught songwriting and composition to gospel vocalists, EDM performers, and New Age pianists.

How did you get started teaching?

I have been teaching since I was a teenager. Helping others learning and seeing the spark that happens when one learns to love playing music is amazing. Teaching music has always been a passion of mine.

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

Please don't choose a teacher solely based on location. I often get students who had amateur teachers who did not teach proper hand position and theory. I have had to start over with these students and improper hand position is very hard to break. It's not worth saving 5-10 minutes of driving when your child does not learn proper playing habits and foundations such as hand position and scales. They will be hampered by that poor training and it will be difficult, though not impossible to fix. Find an experienced teacher who teaches the right foundational skills. Don't pick teachers solely based on location and price.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

1) What is your teaching experience? 2) How do you customize teaching to each unique individual? 3) What kind of training did you have prior to teaching? 4) What levels do you teach and do you teach RCM and ABRSM which requires the teacher to be at an advanced level of playing?

Services offered

Piano

Music Theory

Synthesizer