Stephanie Emery,
Piano Teacher
Hello! Thank you for your interest in piano lessons. I teach piano to ages five and up at my studio in Thousand Oaks, CA. If you're interested in piano lessons I'd love to hear from you!
My studio is a positive and enthusiastic environment. I teach on a grand piano in a welcoming studio setting.
I teach a variety of styles so that students can enjoy playing music they love, and parents are always invited to observe lessons, or they may drop off students. Some parents do their shopping during the lesson time since we're so close to major shopping.
Piano lessons are in wonderful way to add arts enrichment to your or your child's education. For adults and children alike, there are many benefits in learning an instrument, such as increased cognitive abilities, increases in self-esteem, mental focus and discipline, pattern recognition, long-term mental health, relaxation, patience, joy, and sensitivity to nuance.
Piano Teaching Style
With a balance of creative study and personal connection, my goal as a piano teacher is to inspire each student, helping them develop a life-long love for playing piano while providing an excellent foundation of music education.
During piano lessons we focus on:
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learning to read music
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developing graceful and powerful technique
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keys to stylistic interpretation
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music theory
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ear training
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enjoyment of the process
I believe in my students. I care about their development and strive to maximize our time together. I'm methodical and structured in my teaching approach, balancing structure with empathy and an intuition developed from many years of teaching so that each piano lesson is fun, fruitful, and packed with learning!
Training and Affiliations
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Classically trained pianist from age five
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BA Music from Western Washington University
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Full-time piano instructor
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Active member of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC)
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Active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
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Recording artist, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
Why I Love Teaching Piano Lessons
Teaching piano is very rewarding. I love seeing the smiles as a child discovers the magic of music-making; how they bound into the studio to show you their exciting progress, or their joyful faces when they ace their performance.
I also enjoy teaching piano lessons to adults...those coming back to lessons, or those who've dreamed of learning piano and are finally making it a reality.
I'd love to hear from you!
Reviews and Testimonials
Tel: 206-613-9123
"My daughter is in her 3rd year taking piano lessons from Stephanie and I am continually amazed by her progress, both in her advancements with technique and with the artistry she is already able to add to her pieces. Stephanie is a caring and supportive instructor with an infectious enthusiasm for music, who also knows how to challenge her students to keep growing as musicians. My daughter adores Stephanie, and her piano lesson time with her has long been one of the highlights of her week. Being able to watch the confidence grow in your child as they improve at something they love and are passionate about is simply wonderful as a parent, and Stephanie's contribution to that has been immeasurable." - Aaron Eversman
"It is hard to know where to start! Stephanie taught piano lessons to my daughter for 6 years from age 12 - 18. She is extremely insightful and came to understand my daughter quickly, then skillfully challenged her at exactly the right level through the years. Music came to be a great way of self expression for our daughter and also a way to relieve the kind of stress that sometimes visits during adolescence. Stephanie managed to walk the line of commitment to high standards and understanding that life is busy in the teen years.
She has been, without a doubt, an important part of our daughter's development as a musician and as a person. We are forever grateful to have had her in our lives. (I also took piano lessons from Stephanie - she is also very patient :) . It is bittersweet that I write this in the past tense - our daughter is going off to college halfway across the country! She would definitely be continuing piano lessons with Stephanie if she were to stay in Seattle. We highly recommend her to any other families seeking a piano teacher for their child. We would also happily answer any questions from any families considering Stephanie as a piano teacher." -Barbara Ford
"We've loved having Stephanie teach our son to play the piano. He started as an eager 1st grader and, under Stephanie's guidance, is now growing into a Beethoven playing confident 5th grader (with an ample amount of Star Wars music to keep us on our toes). Stephanie finds a strength in her students and nurtures it along in a beautiful way. She is equal parts encouraging, thoughtful, patient, and focused. Best of all, she delights in her students and the joy of music education." - Amy Low
Stephanie has given our son piano lessons for five years, and in that time has become such a vitally important part of our lives. She helped him discover a genuine love for music, for the piano, and confidence in himself and his abilities. She has a remarkable balance of patience, enthusiasm, encouragement, and discipline that was just perfect for him. He loves piano, and practices for the sheer joy of it, but he also practices because he wants to earn her praise. Her twice-yearly recitals have been absolutely formative for him, helping him gain self-confidence, pride, and an ease with performing in front of others. He started with her when he was in kindergarten, and it has been a joy to watch him grow with her over the years. Can't recommend her highly enough. We love Stephanie! - Michael O'Brien
My daughter has been taking piano lessons from Stephanie for over 4 years and she looks forward to her piano lesson every week. Stephanie's enthusiasm for teaching a subject she loves is inspiring. She has a great way with the kids that models a love and respect for piano, for the teaching process and for the student. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a piano instructor." - Jenny Roben
"Can't say enough positive things about Stephanie. Our daughter is nine and in her third year of piano instruction with Stephanie. She has a kind, patient way of instructing while pushing her students to progress. She is a gifted musician herself and actively records and performs, but her priority is teaching piano and her passion for it shows. Her twice-yearly recitals are fun and festive. Our daughter has confidently grown as a musician under Stephanie and is developing an appreciation for all kinds of music as a result." - Heather Ring
"Stephanie is a fabulous piano teacher. My child is 9 years old, and can be very emotional. Stephanie is gentle and adjusts the piano lesson to fit my daughter's currant daily mood. My daughter is always smiling after her piano lesson, no matter how she was feeling before. Stephanie has a calming effect and at same time, is sweet and fun while teaching my daughter the finer points of piano. My daughter, who has no natural talent for music, now plays piano beautifully." - Jill Rainbolt
"Stephanie is such an amazing teacher. I am one of her adult students and she is so great. She is extremely knowledgeable and very patient. I look forward to our lesson every week. She always finds ways to challenge and engage me and I feel as if I've flourished under her guidance. I would highly recommend Stephanie as a piano teacher and mentor. She is truly extraordinary and I'm so thankful to have found her. "- Ann Patnaude
"Thank you so much for being such a sensitive and educational piano teacher for our son. I think with your guidance, he has been able to address some of the challenges he faces as a pianist and person in general. Your holistic approach has been so helpful and appreciated." - Bonni Bohn
"Stephanie is an outstanding piano teacher. I had piano lessons with her. She tailored the lessons and chose the music in accordance with my personal style. My piano playing grew beyond my expectations because of her guidance. At a recent piano recital, people thought I played the piano at the level of an instructor. Her lessons are a healthy balance of discipline and fun and I would most definitely recommend her." - Jed Firebaugh
My kids have been taking piano lessons from Stephanie for the past 5+ years, and we couldn't have asked for a better teacher. She is very warm and kind, with a calm demeanor. My son, who isn't always the most focused was able to learn piano well, and really enjoyed his lessons. My daughter picked up the piano so easily. I love that the kids are classically trained and happy that she incorporates music theory as well. If you are looking to take lessons, I highly recommend Stephanie!! - Mira Beins
Stephanie has taught our daughter for the past 5 years and our son for the past 3 and we are so glad that we found her. She is incredibly patient, warm and encouraging - both kids have responded well and thrived on her style of teaching. She focuses not just on the technical aspects of playing but also on the artistry of the pieces. We are amazed at how both our kids have developed a love for playing over the last few years. She clearly loves what she does and is able to transfer that love of music onto her students. We whole-heartedly recommend her as a one of a kind piano instructor! Michael Beins