Piano Lessons in Pleasanton, CA
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Our Approach to Piano Lessons at New World Music Academy
We believe every student is unique and different in their own way. Therefore, why should lessons be any different? Each piano lesson is tailored to the individual student’s specific interests and needs.
While focusing on foundational elements such as proper technique, reading music, finger position etc., our teachers also help students learn songs they are familiar with. This includes movie theme music, popular songs on the radio, their favorite classical artist etc. This helps keep students motivated and pushing further to learn each week.
Piano Lessons Should Be Fun!
We know that an interest in piano may be what first brings you into our school – but having fun is what keeps you coming back! Here at New World Music Academy, our goal is for every student to LOVE their music lessons as they embark on a rewarding journey of progress and discovery. We put the “fun” in fundamentals!
Our knowledgeable staff blends a high standard of music education with a creative, student-focused approach that gives students space to discover and nurture their passion for music and the piano. Whether it’s your first time at the keys or you’re a seasoned pianist, our teachers are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals – while having fun along the way.
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Healthy technique is critical to lifelong enjoyment of the piano. Our first priority is teaching strong fundamentals, including hand, wrist and arm technique, bench position, and pedaling. We believe that full-body instruction is essential to musicianship and safeguards students from injury.
Once the fundamentals are in place, you and your teacher can craft the story you want your music to tell. Our qualified teachers will assist you in developing musicianship and exploring nuance through dynamics, pausing, phrasing, and varying tempos. Learn with us as we infuse elements of music theory and music history into our well-rounded approach to fostering musical excellence.
We Care About Your Musical Interests & Goals
There is no one-size-fits-all method of piano instruction. Regardless of ability or prior experience, our teachers take an individualized approach to each of our students – underpinned by detailed individual assessments, a personalized learning plan, and one-on-one guidance throughout your musical journey.
While fundamentals and technique are essential, our ultimate goal is to equip students to begin exploring their own personal musical style and interests. Your teacher will work with you to understand where you want to go, and craft a unique plan to get you there. Whether your style is classical or pop (or anything in between), New World Music Academy helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our Piano Teachers:

Mark Anderson
Piano & Chamber Music
Having begun piano studies at the age of 5, pianist and Executive Director of New World Music Academy Mark Anderson is widely recognized as one of the world’s outstanding classical pianists. In

Markus Pawlik
Piano & Chamber Music
Pianist and NWMA Artistic Director, MARKUS PAWLIK is best characterized as one of the rare pianists of today who manage to combine sensitivity and expressiveness together with a phenomenal virtuoso technique. Born

John R Burr
Jazz Piano, Jazz Theory & Songwriting
John R Burr (jazz piano and songwriting) is a musician with uncommonly broad range of musical interests and experiences. He is equally at home with traditional jazz as well as pop, bluegrass,

Kiki Lieow
Piano & Keyboard Theory
Kiki Lieow, or Ms. Kiki as her students know her, has over 40 years of teaching experience and has participated in numerous piano teaching workshops and piano pedagogy symposiums. She supports the

Jacob Lane
Piano & Keyboard Theory
Jacob Lane is a composer, pianist, and teacher who lives in Oakland, California. He is the pianist for the chamber groups Sleight Ensemble and Portato Portato. A member of The Music Teachers’

Chelsea Kim
Piano & Keyboard Theory
Graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Chelsea Kim is a trained classical pianist. A long-time student of virtuoso Eugene Masluk in Livermore, CA, Chelsea completed the Certificate of Merit Level

Lisa Braz
Piano & Keyboard Theory
Lisa Braz has taught piano privately, prior to joining New World Music Academy. She has studied music at Las Positas College, Berkeley Jazz School, Hayward State Jazz Program and San Francisco State

Anna Logiman
Piano & Keyboard Theory
Anna Logiman was first introduced to piano at age 5 by her mother, an avid pianist. She continued to learn piano under her mother until she was 10 in which she developed

Dr. Jessica Kwong
Piano & Keyboard Theory
Dr. Jessica Kwong grew up in Hong Kong and has been taking piano lessons since the age of 5. At 17, she went to the Bay Area to study music with Dr.

Kathrine Waters
Voice & Piano (Beginner / Intermediate)
Kathrine Waters is a performing vocal teacher with extensive experience in small and group instruction in voice and piano, as well as private lessons. She has a bachelor’s degree in music education

Shannon Hoffman
Voice, Piano
Shannon loves to share her passion and skills in music with her students! She began piano lessons at age 8 and earned a B.A. and M.A. in Voice at Whitman College and
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit Your Schedule & Budget
30 Min Lesson
$45
Great for building a strong foundation.
45 Min Lesson
$66
Fit for both beginners & intermediate students.
60 Min Lesson
$85
Perfect for intermediate or advanced musicians.
For Private Lessons and Coaching with Markus Pawlik and Prof. Mark Anderson please contact the academy about availability and rates
What you can expect
1. Together we explore student musical goals.
2.We match students with one of our expert instructors.
3.Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.
Common Questions
