Getting Started with Private Lessons

  • I primarily teach with WunderKeys Piano for Preschoolers by Andrea and Trevor Dow and Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber. A child's starting point is determined with both age and readiness in mind.

    Preschool-aged students begin their musical education with me through WunderKeys, a thoughtfully sequenced, three-book curriculum designed to prepare young children for traditional piano study. Rather than introducing formal music notation before children are developmentally ready, WunderKeys makes the most of these early years by building essential skills in auditory awareness, rhythm, pattern recognition, coordination, keyboard familiarity, and early mathematical understanding. Through stories, movement, games, and teacher-student duets, each book builds upon the last, gradually developing the musical understanding and physical skills needed for future study. By the time students are ready to transition to traditional music notation, they're encountering familiar musical concepts in a new form, rather than learning everything from scratch.

    Kindergarten-aged students and older progress through Piano Adventures (including My First Piano Adventures), a comprehensive and sequenced curriculum that emphasizes musical understanding, technique, creativity, and artistic expression.

    These methods provide the foundation for my teaching, but no two students follow exactly the same path. I thoughtfully tailor each lesson to the student in front of me, drawing on my experience and a wide variety of teaching resources. Some students thrive working through a method series in its entirety, while others benefit from a combination of method books, supplemental repertoire, and other activities.

    Supplemental repertoire plays a central role in my teaching. Beyond the music in their method books, students have opportunities to explore pieces they might not otherwise encounter, often discovering new favorites along the way. These selections also provide fresh opportunities to reinforce musical concepts, strengthen developing skills, and apply what they've learned in new ways.

    Ultimately, my goal is to provide each child with a thoughtful, well-rounded music education that nurtures confident, independent musicianship.

  • Private lessons are a meaningful, long-term investment in your child’s growth, discipline, and creativity. To better understand the value and typical cost, you may find this article helpful: How Much Do Piano Lessons Cost—and Why They’re Worth It.

    My roster is organized into 40-minute appointment blocks. Every enrolled student receives a designated block, for example, the Johnson family: Tuesdays from 5:30–6:10 p.m.

    If a family has a scheduling conflict and cannot attend their lesson, rescheduling into another family’s block is not permissible. However, I utilize their reserved block to ensure the time remains valuable and their investment in lessons is put to good use.

    Examples of how a block may be utilized without in-person attendance include live virtual lessons, recorded video instruction, detailed practice notes, take-home or self-guided lessons for older students, joining a sibling’s lesson on another day, and more.

    Monthly Tuition

    • Children’s lessons: $280/month (weekly, 42 lessons annually). Of the 46 lessons scheduled each year, tuition covers only 42, allowing for four absences due to illness or other conflicts on either end.

    • Adult lessons: $160/month (approximately every other week, 24 lessons annually).

    Click here for a more in-depth billing overview included in the contact form.

  • A great first step for parents is to visit the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) website and explore their Guide to Your Child’s Musical Future. It offers a clear and comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to support your child’s musical journey from the get-go and as they grow.

    • New acoustic pianos: Kim’s Piano in Tustin or Field of Pianos in Santa Ana

    • Used acoustic pianos: Contact Emily directly for trusted referrals

    • Digital pianos: Visit International House of Music (formerly Jim’s Music) in Tustin

    • Budget-friendly rentals: pianorentals.com

  • All students have several opportunities to perform and celebrate their progress throughout the year!

    • Studio recitals are held annually at local Newport Beach churches.

    • Community performance recitals are also available through CAPMT, where students can share their music at local assisted living facilities.

    • Piano Adventures exams (including a performance element) are optionally available—they are designed to be low-pressure and engaging, helping students reflect on what they’ve learned and celebrate their growth.

    EJPS is generally a non-competitive studio. However, if a family wishes for their child to compete or play in a local festival or competition, arrangements can be made provided the student’s readiness and playing-ability meet the audition criteria.

  • Reach out with a few goals you have in mind, and I’ll be in touch—I’m looking forward to connecting with you!