About
I was born in Japan of Russian-Japanese musician parents, My father, Vladimir Takenouchi studied in Vienna under Emil Sauer, renowned student of Franz Liszt. From my early age, I was coached by Russian concert pianists and professors from Russia. At age 15, I went to Rome, Italy, to study with Professor Renzo Silvestri who was head of the Santa Cecilia and also with the famous pianist Carlo Zecchi. I am a graduate of Royal College of Music, London, De Paul University (M. Mus.) and Doctorate from Northwestern University (1987).
I am laureate of several international competitions including the Viardo Int'l Piano Competition. The competition was judged by international jury that included Dan Thai Son, winner of the Int'l Chopin Competition, Warsaw, Poland. I have given many concerts in USA and internationally. I teach all levels. I always try to develop the best potential in the student, be it for relaxation or competition.
Teaching from 1980, I have many prize winning students who have won recital opportunities at Carnegie Hall or have been accepted to Juilliard with full scholarship.I also teach and prepare students for either Royals testing or Certificate of Merit evaluations. I teach from absolute beginners to advanced, from 5 year olds to adults.
There are many things I enjoy about teaching music. Music is a way to better understand yourself. It is like a meditation in sound. We begin to pay more attention to our strengths, how we use our wrists, how power is generated, and to make beautiful color of the sound as we press the piano key. Even a 5 year old can do this. Often, they are underappreciated at that small age and usually, teachers just use a standard way of teaching. I disagree. Each person is different and in this world when we are all occupied with doing this and that, the piano teacher must take it into account and find ways to accelerate, to make faster the progress of the anyone studying piano.
Because of my approach, my students have been able to make fast progress and also win competitions, including performing at the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall which holds 3,000 people.
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
R.S
R.S
R.S
R.S
Ryan C.
Delia C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Patience and understanding. A student is not always able to practice during the week, but by taking the piano lesson, s/he keeps that thread of music alive. The teacher's duty is to understand this and have patience, guiding the student to love music and not be frustrated.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Doctor of Music,Northwestern University, 1986
M. Music, De Paul University, 1981
Bachelor Degree in Music (equivalent) Royal College of Music, 1976
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing depends on age and also distance (if I have to commute)
How did you get started teaching?
My parents were musicians. My father was Professor Emeritus at Kunitachi Music College in Japan for 30 years and my mother was also a piano teacher. Both of them studied with Leo Sirota who was a very famous pianist and student of Busoni and my father also studied in Vienna in 1930s with Emil Sauer who was a disciple of Franz Liszt and has edited all his piano works.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with real beginners as well as very advanced to have become professional concert pianists.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I like Olympic opening ceremonies as well as many of those events. But especially, the opening ceremonies. Why? It shows dedication and at that specific moment, there is no rivarly, no competition.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I am performer. By understanding shortcuts to better results, I am able to help the student achieve better results, faster. Just search on youtube, videos of the teacher's performances or his students' performances. It will show a lot.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is the level of your patience?