Seeking musically flexible piano teacher for 12-year-old
I am seeking a friendly and flexible, but educated, piano teacher for my 12-year-old daughter, who wants to play rock and pop in addition to the standard repertoire. We’ve been told she’s very musical, but prior teachers have either been strict in sticking to the classical tradition and not receptive to her interests, or conversely, willing to let her play anything but not able give her a solid musical education. I am in north Oakland but would be willing to drive anywhere in the western part of the east bay for the right teacher.
Oct 12, 2016
Parent Replies
I recommend Chris Houston, who teaches in Berkeley, off Claremont Ave (very close to Star Market). He sounds like he could be a great fit for your daughter. My son has been taking piano lessons with Chris for the past year, and absolutely loves him. Chris is a highly skilled teacher, who focuses his instruction on the student's musical interests, while providing a very solid musical education. My son had taken lessons with two other teachers before we found Chris, and I feel like his musical skill, as well as his love of playing the piano, have both increased enormously since working with Chris. Give him a call- he is wonderful! 510.907.1324
I wanted to do the recommendation my self but my daughter volunteered, so, I thought that will be even better. If you want to contact me or my daughter let me know, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Hello, my name is Carolina and I've been taking piano classes with Annette Skloot since I was 4 years old. Now I'm in high school and even with all the homework I have I still make time for piano class because it makes my day so much better.
Anette is an amazing teacher. normally we fallow the pieces of a book but if i want to bring a piece in she is more then willing to help me learn it. I do not think of Annette as a teacher she is more then a friend to me. She is nice and caring and welcoming to all. She will guide you to become the best piano player you can be.
You can read Anette Skloot's info in the BNP. Good luck
I highly recommend Scott Fleming 510-849-2086. He teaches at his place off of College Ave. near Derby or will come to your house. He teaches kids of all ages. Our daughter started when she was around 8 through 15. He allows the students to select music for lessons and works to keep them interested. He is very nice and has mentored some amazing musicians.
Kristin Davidman
510-848-2268
She is in Berkeley with over 30 years experience.
We went through three piano teachers, none of whom was a fit for my musical (but hard to please) 15y-old daughter, before finding the amazing Janet Somers in Rockridge. I think Janet fulfills what you’re looking for. She has a B.A. in Music from U.C. Berkeley, so she is clearly educated. But I actually think the best thing about her may be her sense of humor. Many times I’ll pick up my daughter from her lesson and she is still laughing over some joke or something funny that happened and insists on telling me about it. My daughter is playing the classics, but also simple arrangements of pop and rock songs that Janet has created just for her (not out of a book! She just asks what tunes my daughter likes, listens to them on youtube, and makes an arrangement suitable to her level). There are even some jazz and boogie woogie pieces. I am certain that my daughter’s enjoyment of the material and the lessons are the basis of her motivation to practice now, compared to before. Her progress compared to previous teachers has been nothing short of amazing. One caveat I should mention: Janet IS a stickler about making sure my daughter practices, she will notice if she hasn’t practiced by the lack of progress and will question her about it. So I would call her “strict” in that sense, and also in the sense of teaching music theory (far beyond whatever I learned as a child). But I feel that on balance, this is actually a good thing. Janet’s email address is janetsomersmusic [at] gmail.com (janetsomersmusic[at]gmail[dot]com) and her phone number is 510-990-2152. One more caveat, she tends to be very booked up and we found it difficult to get a place in her regular schedule at the beginning. But now that we have an established relationship, I have found her to be very flexible when times need to be changed.
The piano teachers recommended by other parents all sound great! I'd just like to add the name of my own child's piano teacher.
Jane Webber has been teaching piano to our child for six years, and her studio is located just across from Live Oak Park in North Berkeley. She teaches flute as well as piano, and is excellent at meeting her students exactly where they are and guiding them to the next level. Moreover, she is extremely kind and supportive. Here's her website: http://janewebbermusic.musicteachershelper.com/
I recommend Roland Sayn, he teaches my very independent 7 year old guitar and piano, and he has a great repoire with him. He graduated from sf state in music theory, is a practicing musician and I really appreciate the way he interacts with my child. Respectful, creative and firm. Good luck! 510 387 5721
My kids go to Jim Carmichael, who teaches from his house very near Chabot Elementary School in Rockridge. He is a very patient teacher, and a very skilled pianist, with definitely the musical education you seek. As far as flexibility, you can email him the same description you put here, and see what he says. My kids have played a variety of styles, but leaning more toward classical. They really love working with him, they have been taking lessons since pre-teen age and are in high school now. You can email him at jc88 [at] att.net .