My teaching is rooted in both extensive performance experience and years of guided mentorship. I set high expectations while providing steady encouragement, helping students grow with confidence. They don't just learn to play notes. They learn artistry, discipline, and true self-expression.

Yes! I work with students of all ages and levels, from children just starting out, to adults discovering the piano for the first time, to advanced students preparing for competitions and performances.

Lessons are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on the student’s age, level, and goals. Each lesson is personalized, blending technique, theory, repertoire, and musical expression. The most important thing before starting is having a piano at home. An acoustic piano is ideal, but a full-size digital piano with weighted keys and a working sustain pedal also works. After the initial trial lesson, I provide personalized recommendations for method books and materials tailored to each student’s goals.

Regular, focused practice is essential for progress. Students should establish a consistent daily routine and come prepared to each lesson. I use the Practice Space app to log assignments, track practice time, and communicate between lessons. Parents are encouraged to support practice at home and ensure students have all required materials.

I encourage parents to sit in during the early stages of lessons, especially for very young beginners, so they can support their child’s practice at home. As students grow more independent, parents often find it helpful to step back and allow their child to develop ownership of their progress.

Yes. I host 3–4 studio recitals per year at Orvis Auditorium at UH Mānoa, giving students a chance to share their progress in a supportive setting. Students may also participate in local recitals, competitions, and international stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York or concert halls in Japan. Performance is encouraged but optional. A $10 recital fee applies for each studio recital a student chooses to participate in.

Yes. A trial lesson is the best way to experience my teaching approach and see if the studio feels like the right fit before enrolling. You can book your trial lesson here.

Tuition is organized by semester:

• Spring: January–June

• Fall: July–December

Each semester includes a set number of lessons, and tuition is a flat semester fee, not per lesson. Payment is due in advance of the semester, with flexible options: pay in full, split into two payments, or a monthly installment plan. I accept credit/debit cards and ACH transfers, all processed securely through the Opus1.io portal.

Yes. A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $40 is required for all new students when joining the studio. This fee helps cover administrative setup, scheduling, and studio resources. If a student withdraws and re-enrolls within one year, the registration fee will be waived.

Students are also responsible for purchasing their own lesson materials, such as method books and sheet music. These are not included in tuition, but I will personally recommend materials tailored to each student’s goals to ensure they have everything they need for success.

In addition, there is a $10 recital fee for each studio recital you choose to participate in.

Lesson time begins and ends at the scheduled time. If a student arrives late, the remaining time will still be used, but lessons end on time. Lessons missed without prior notice (no-shows) are forfeited. Each student may reschedule up to 2 lessons per semester with at least 48 hours’ notice. Reschedules depend on availability and are not guaranteed. One late cancellation per semester may still be made up if space allows. If I must cancel a lesson, a make-up or credit will always be provided.