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Smart Hands And Minds
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Smart Hands And Minds

4.9Exceptional(13)
•
Oakland, CA & Online

About

Looking for piano lessons that actually keep you engaged and progressing?

I specialize in lessons that adapt in real time to each student’s level and learning style. Students learn songs they actually enjoy while building strong fundamentals in technique and rhythm.

Ideal for beginners and intermediate students of all ages.

In-home lessons (Oakland/Berkeley) or online. Free consultation.

Highlights

Hired 11 times
1 employee
26 years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Venmo, Zelle

Social media

Photos and videos

    • Reviews

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    CB

    cheryl B.

    Marshal has been very inspiring and very adaptive to my wishes. He didnt keep me entrenched in music theory for months as some teachers do. Instead, I learned theory while learning to play music, which was much more enjoyable and motivating. If I wanted to play a specific song, he would locate an arrangement that was not too challenging for my skill level. Once I could play the piece, he would enhance the arrangement by adding or changing some notes and teaching me how to do that. The results have been wonderful. I have several pieces that I really enjoy playing. And that was my goal when we started-- to play the piano for my own enjoyment. FYI, I am 77 years old and look forward to my lessons with Marshal every week. Playing the piano keeps my mind sharp and my fingers nimble. I highly recommend Marshal for anyone who has the desire to learn to play the piano.
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    October 20, 2025
    IK

    ian K.

    I am an adult student taking piano lessons from Marshal. I have found him to be a great teacher who genuinely understands teaching at its core. He does not simply hand you a textbook and tell you to start on page one as if you are a machine awaiting programming. He instead gauged my current skill level and based off of that determined what to focus on or even to postpone an idea if it wasnt relevant/helping at that moment. If you laid out every lesson I have done with him the focus might seem scattered but I know firsthand its exactly what I needed at the time and my skill progression has felt nothing but smooth and natural through his teachings.
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    June 26, 2025
    RS

    Rameez S.

    Marshal is a great teacher. My son is getting home lessons and I am quite happy with his progress. Marshal understands my child and tries new techniques at his level. Marshal listens to my child and talks to him which makes it easier for him to learn. Marshal is a decent man who talks less but makes sure he is working hard. Would definitely recommend him!
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    July 03, 2021
    NS

    Nicole S.

    Marshal is not only a gifted musician but also highly skilled at teaching. Marshal infuses music theory into his lessons, helping me understand the meaning behind the notes. He also uses personalized techniques to help with proper hand placement and reading sheet music.
    As an adult student, I was nervous about picking up an instrument but Marshal customized his curriculum to my learning style, characteristics and ability, making my journey with the piano an enjoyable yet challenging experience!
    Ive been working with Marshal for only a few months and Ive made great strides in my ability to both read sheet music and play the piano. Hes also very patient and highly personable! I highly recommend working with Marshal. Very excited for my future lessons and continued piano skills growth!
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    June 25, 2021
    CG

    Cindy G.

    Marshal is a fabulous teacher. I am 54 years old and learning piano for the first time. Marshal makes it fun, easy to understand and just challenging enough to keep me on my toes! Im surprised by how much I have learned in only a handful of lessons.
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    June 18, 2021
    PB

    Phuong-Mai B.

    My son had a unique school project, in that he was challenged to learn a new skill in a few months and document that journey. He decided to pick a complicated piano song to learn, despite having no prior musical experience. I knew that working with a talented and flexible instructor was going to be key to keeping him engaged with this project. I chose Marshal as a piano instructor due to his accomplished musical and educational background, and his willingness to experiment with a different teaching style. Ultimately, Marshal was the perfect choice, as he patiently and professionally worked with my son through his many moods and incessant questions, even with doing lessons over Zoom. My son got an A+ on his project, and is continues to be interested in piano lessons even though his project is over. I dont think thats a very easy feat for a teacher to keep an active kid engaged to learn the piano. Our family enjoys working with Marshal and really appreciates his intelligence and openness. If you are looking for a smart, skilled and flexible piano instructor, give Marshal a call or drop him an email!
    ... Show more
    June 16, 2021

    Frequently asked questions

    I ask their parents and them what are their goals for working with me, what are their favorite subjects and activities, and how they enjoy learning (i.e. reading, working through questions, watching videos, computer games). 

    I also ask how much homework they have, in order to avoid overburdening them in an already challenging learning environment. 

    I hold a BA in History from Yale College, and an MS/MBA from Purdue.  I  have earned certificates in jazz piano and songwriting from the Dick Grove School of Music, along with a teaching certificate from Kaplan in Math and English.  

    To further enrich students' learning experiences, I've completed 10 courses in Psychology, including Developmental Psychology.

    Pricing is on a case-by-case basis, which depends primarily on frequency and location of sessions.

    I began tutoring in high school when the academic dean asked me to help his daughter with Math. My Freshman year in college I taught underprivileged students at a public high school in New Haven, CT.

    After graduating from music school, I began offering private piano lessons to grade and high school students, in addition to substitute teaching English and Music classes at a private school in Hillsborough.  

    I have worked with students of diverse ages and fluency with English-- ranging from 7 to 75 years of age;  ESL to native speakers in English; neurodivergent (ADHD, autisim, dysgraphia)

    Most of my piano students have ranged from beginner to intermediate levels.

    Select a teacher whose personality allignd with yours (i.e. laid back, serious, or detail-oriented)

    Look for a teacher who combines multiple methods and utilizes technology (i.e. instruction book, music apps, you tube videos) that engages all of students senses and leaerning styles

    Try to figure out if the teacher seems interested in your progress, and isn't just teaching to supplement their income. 

    How much time they are able to commit to practicing? 

    Why do they want to learn how to play the piano (to play for themselves or friends and family; play in a band; or, to keep busy)

    Why are they choosing piano, as opposed to guitar, drums, violin, or singing? 

    What styles do they like to listen to and/or what style would they like to play?

     

    Services offered

    Music Theory
    Piano
    Synthesizer
    Chess