Engaging Piano Lessons For Teens and Adults

Experience You Can Trust

Over the past 15 years, I have taught over 200 piano and theory students in both private and group settings. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from UC Berkeley, I maintained a strong relationship with my local teaching community in the San Francisco Bay Area as a board member for the Alameda County Branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) where I served as Treasurer and Certificate of Merit Chair.

I recently relocated to the beautiful city of Bend, Oregon and became a member of the Central Oregon Music Teachers Association, an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). I regularly invest in continuing education to enrich my students’ experiences.

Meet Your Teacher

I’m an enthusiastic, creative teacher who enjoys bringing music to life and developing confidence in my students. I focus on creating an engaging lesson environment as well as ensuring that students know how to practice independently between lessons.

My musical experiences over the years have been diverse. Besides my background in classical piano, I have collaborated with other music teachers as part of a folk singer/songwriter group and participated in many choral groups such as the San Francisco Choral Society and Corvinus Chamber Chorus, a small ensemble performing music exclusively in the Hungarian language. I enjoy all styles of music and attend every live music event that I can.

I offer online and in-person lessons at my studio in Bend, Oregon, and put great effort into ensuring that lessons are both interactive and fun. Motivated students may participate in OMTA Syllabus, RCM or MTAC Certificate of Merit exams.

Testimonials

  • If you are looking for a fun, dedicated, experienced, and well-rounded piano teacher Melissa is a game changer.  She somehow manages to be inspiring, helpful, encouraging, and fun all at the same time.  Her high standards and challenging curriculum come across as interesting and engaging.  My children have been taking lessons from her for almost 10 years and they still love it.

    - S.C., parent

  • Melissa is such a nurturing and creative piano teacher for my daughter over the past many years. Introducing latest technology ideas to make the practice fun for a very busy daughter of mine. We look forward to her coming to our house in person and over zoom during Covid and my daughter will continue to love music because of her.

    - R.T., parent

  • My son has been taking piano lessons for approximately 6 years but recently began lessons with Melissa a year ago. Thank goodness for Melissa! For the first time in years, my son looks forward to his piano lessons. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for a piano teacher.

    - S.R., parent

What You’ll Learn

My students start with a strong foundation in music fundamentals using primarily classical repertoire. Lessons include technique, ear training, sight reading skills, and music theory. You will enhance your skills with improvisation, composing, and a solid understanding of chords that will enable you to explore other styles of music as you learn. 

Most importantly, students learn how to set achievable goals that make practice time something to look forward to.