About
I have bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance and have been featured as a concerto soloist with orchestras in Kansas, Texas, and California. I continue to perform as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and duo-pianist, both in paid gigs and as fundraisers for non-profit organizations like the Young People's Symphony Orchestra and Contra Costa Interfaith Housing.
I enjoy helping students make discoveries about themselves and their talents and guiding them so that they can achieve their true potential. Perfection is a goal that will drive you crazy, but excellence is possible for anyone at any playing level. My students and I strive for excellence and celebrate it when it happens!
Specialties
Years experience
0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Student can read music
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Student has instrument
Students who have a piano, Students who have a keyboard, Students who have neither
Interested musical styles
Classical, Pop
Photos and videos
Reviews
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DH
Daisy H.
He is patient.
June 22, 2021
•Hired on Lessons
JK
Jeanne K.
I am an older student who over the years have had several teachers, Mr. Morley is superior to all of them. He plays beautifully but most importantly he can teach. He brings out the best in each of us and does it with patience. I use to dread my lesson but with Mr. Morley I have actually started to look forward to them. There is no better teacher in the Bay Area.
February 22, 2018
EK
Elke K.
We love Martin! He is a beautiful pianist and thoughtful teacher. My stepdaughter is learning to read music and play notes on the piano, but she is also learning musicality, elements of theory and training her ear in a way that will serve as a strong foundation for learning about and appreciating music throughout her life. I wish I would have had him as a teacher when I was younger!
February 22, 2018
JN
Jane N.
I had studied piano as a child, and I began to play again after I retired. When I moved to Walnut Creek I transferred my piano lessons to Martin. I found that his lessons were much more comprehensive than my previous teachers. In addition to helping with the basics, he teaches more subtle aspects of interpreting each piece that results in greater musicality than I had achieved before. Although this is more demanding, he is very supportive and encouraging, and I look forward to each lesson.
February 22, 2018
PA
Paul A.
I studied the flute as a music major in college and returned to the piano later in life for my enjoyment. I have had many excellent music teachers throughout the years, and Martin ranks with the very best. He always starts by telling me what he appreciates about my playing in the lessons. He then goes on to make suggestions about how I can play as musically as possible. Lessons with Martin are always lively and interesting. He never assigns any of those horrible technical exercises that have been written for the piano. Instead he helps me develop my technique by suggesting fascinating and beautiful pieces to work on. I always leave my lessons musically inspired, and this carries through into my practicing between lessons. He has helped me enjoy playing the piano more and more. Martin is extremely intelligent, yet humble. He has a terrific sense of humor. And of course, his piano playing is beautiful. I cannot recommend Martin highly enough!
February 22, 2018
MD
Mary-Marie D.
I knew from hearing Martin perform many times that he is a tremendously gifted, knowledgeable, and accomplished musician. But studying with him is a special joy because he strives to make all aspects of his total musicianship available to his students. With his guidance, I am delving into the repertoire with new understanding of each composers style and intention, techniques and tools, and with more feeling and excitement about being at the piano.
February 22, 2018
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We begin with a free 20-minute mutual interview where the potential student plays, we talk about musical goals, and get to know each other a little. Then we decide whether we are a good student/teacher fit. My process is then to meet the student at whatever level they are, and build upon their strengths while strengthening areas that need more support.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance (with Distinction)--University of Kansas
Master's Degree in Piano Performance--University of Kansas
Performances in Master Classes with several famous pianists, including six years of monthly master classes with Leon Fleisher
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I recently did some pricing in the area and found out I was undercharging...so I have just adjusted my rates to $45 for a 30-minute lesson; $70 for a 45-minute lesson, and $85 for an hour lesson -- and I won't adjust these rates upward again for a long while.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching younger students when I was in high school. I have taught university level courses in piano skills to undergraduate music majors. And then there's a bit of everything inbetween!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students but am currently specializing in work with adult students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My student recitals, usually in May and November, are a joyful opportunity for my students to showcase their talents and share the fruits of their labors.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask yourself: why am I desiring piano lessons? What do I hope to get out of it? What motivates me to want to play more/better? What would make that as enjoyable as possible?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
See above.
Services offered
Piano