The Piano Studio Of Richard Woo

I meet with the student for a free trial lesson and see how and what they had been working on if they have prior experience.  I make sure to ask them what they want to accomplish with piano study with me.

I have taught private piano since 2008.  I serve on the executive boards of the NJ Music Teachers Association and the Piano Teachers Forum of central NJ, and I adjudicate for statewide piano performance events.  I hold Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance/Pedagogy and Music Education.  I am a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association.

I speak to the student about business logistics at the free trial lesson.

I wanted to pass on the knowledge and appreciation along with the struggles that I experienced with classical music in my childhood and college years.  I wanted to make it easy for adolescents and adults to play non-classical music through lead sheets and using popular chord notation.

I work with all types of students including the young student preparing for music festivals and competitions, the high school student preparing for college music auditions, adult beginners, and everybody else who does not fit into these categories.  My students have entered events through the Music-Fest Rising Talents and Golden Key Music Festivals, the NJ Music Teachers Association, and the Piano Teachers Forum of central NJ.  Examinations like the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) programs can also be motivating.  At the college level, I have taught keyboard skills to non-piano majors (i.e. voice and instrumental music majors as well as non-music majors).  I have also worked with adolescents and adults with non-classical music using popular chord notations.

I have been so excited seeing my students do well with the sudden transition to online lessons in March 2020.  I always love seeing the student motivated to play on their own between lessons.

Please see if the teacher meets your needs and has adequate experience.  Please also see if you can imagine the relationship between you and your teacher in maintaining your motivation to play the piano.  This relationship is so important and would have ample benefit compared to a self-guided piano instruction program.

What do I want to get out of piano study?  How much time will I devote to the piano throughout the week?  Are there event types or examinations that would help me along my piano journey?