About
I'm a classically trained pianist and composer of 36 years and am passionate and take pride in helping others learn and master the piano as well as unleash their creativity. Most importantly we have fun in the process! I started teaching piano in Marin County in 2001 for many of the familes that I nannied for and have also taught all over Orange County and the Hawaiian Islands.
I provide professional and results-oriented piano lessons for children and adults of all ages and experience levels. My unique approach fosters a passion and a "want to" rather than "have to" attitude toward learning to play piano. Each session and program I provide is tailored to each students desired goals. The peaceful environment in which I teach, also contributes to maximizing creativity, focus and overall success and sustainability of each session.
I am a 5 star rated piano teacher on My Google Buisness and Yelp.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tenayas-piano-lessons-san-diego?osq=tenaya%27s+piano
I very much look forward to speaking with you and setting up a day and time for either you or your child's lessons!
The thing I enjoy most about what I do is teaching the gift of music itself and being able to watch my students learn and grow along their musical journey.
Details
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Photos and videos
Reviews
Brooke M.
Homayra Y.
Brooke M.
Christine S.
Jun H.
Melina J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always begin each lesson with the stretching of fingers, wrists, shoulders and neck and move our bodies to get energy flowing or release any nerves or tension. I then will go over proper body mechanics while sitiing at the piano. I do not introduce books until their 5th lesson. I believe learning the piano is like learning a new language. I emphasize on visually learning where each note is and the sounds of each note. I will allso introduce different note values through clapping, shakers, tamborines etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was classically trained for about 10 years and have been composing, playing and performing for about 30 years. I have been teachig piano since 2002
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My lessons start as low as $30
How did you get started teaching?
I have been in childcare for most of my life and when I became a nanny in 2002 it seemed all the families I worked for had a piano. So I was able to start my teaching practices through the families I worked for.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children starting at the age of 2 years old, my oldest adult student was 83 and every age in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event I am fond of is a new student of mine who wanted to learn to play his wife's favorite song on piano so he could sing and play it for her. After only his third lesson, he was able to sing and play her favorite song. It was quite moving. Also every year there is an event called Flower Piano at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. It features opportunites for the public to play pianos spread throughout the gardens, performances by professional musicians, free piano lessons and a community sing-a-long. Highly recommended!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice for a student looking to hire a piano teacher is to 1) have a goal in mind, whether small or large. That way it gives the teacher a clearer idea of steps needed to help that student achieve their goal 2) Make sure you you can set aside enough time for practice that is in an area where you will not be distracted as well as putting aside any phones or tablets during that time is crucial 3) Having the proper instrument is key as well. Whether it's a properly tuned piano or a keyboard with enough keys on it. Preferably at least 66 to 72 keys, however the full 88 keys is also welcome, but not needed.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The student or parent should have a clear idea of the goals, whether small or large, that they want to achieve before they begin to learn piano. Such as what genre of music would you like learn (classical, jazz etc)? Or do you want to learn how to compose your own music? Is there a song you have been dying to learn? Do you want to perform?