Li-San's Piano Studio In Puyallup

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

Over the past 20 years, I have taught hundreds of students individually, in partners and in groups, including children from the age of 3, teenagers, adults and seniors. I currently teach students ranging from the absolute beginner to very advanced pianist, including those sitting for diploma or high school certificate exams.

I love music of all styles, whether it is classical, jazz or contemporary, and enjoys teaching any student who is eager to learn and improve their skills. I am a friendly, patient, and committed teacher who cares about the progress of each of my students.One of my greatest joy is seeing the smile on a student's face when they finally master a piece, finish a book or pass an exam with flying colours. I also find satisfaction in correcting or improving piano technique, re-sparking interest in piano playing, and strengthening the weak areas of a student's musicianship, as I have had experience teaching students who have transferred from other teachers due to problems or lack of interest in music with a previous teacher. 

My Musical Education Background

I am an accredited teacher by the Music Teacher's Association of NSW, Australia. My qualifications from Sydney include Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UTS, the Associate Diploma of Music (Piano) from AMEB and the Graduate Diploma of Music (Classical Performance - Piano) with Distinction, from the Australian Institute of Music. A few years ago I completed my Ph.D in Music Education at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). My doctoral thesis focuses on the use of tempo and rubato (aspects of rhythm) by eminent early twentieth century and modern pianists in Chopin's piano music. 

As a pianist, I have won various music awards, including 1st and 2nd prizes at Sydney eisteddfods such as Parramatta Eisteddfod, Castle Hill Festival of Performing Arts, Ryde Eisteddod, Galston Eisteddfod and the McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge. I have also worked as an accompanist in Sydney for HSC and AMEB exams. 

As a volunteer, I play the keys for my church worship team, which I've done since I was a teen.

Genres and Subjects Taught

After an intro lesson, students are usually  ready to join my accelerated program, which consists of 60 minute weekly lessons. My accelerated program is designed to make home practice easier, through encouraging independence, focus, and efficient practice skills. This translates into learning music more quickly.

I teach students how to listen to music carefully, play with correct technique from their first lesson, and ensure that learning new music feels achievable. Within 1-2 years, students are able to play different styles of music (e.g. classical, jazz, pop, movie themes), and perform for others, including at my performance classes.

Within 3-4 years of lessons, students are reading, memorizing, and performing music at an intermediate level. My intermediate and advanced students are able to improvise, compose their own music, or make their own arrangements of popular tunes, due to a strong understanding of how music works. I can help students go as far as they wish with their skills.

I also offer the opportunity for committed students to achieve internationally recognized certificates from the Royal Conservatory of Music. The RCM offers piano exams, starting with Prep A and B, then progressing from Level 1 to Level 10, and after that, Diplomas. Completion of these Levels can help prepare students for further music study at university, or for a career in music. Students can take their first piano exam as soon as within 18 months of beginning lessons, if desired.

Lesson Rates

There are two options for tuition payment.

The best value is annual tuition of $1680 per student, which can be split into 12 monthly payments (averaging $140/month) paid through automatic debit the 1st of every month. The first month’s payment would be $230 to include the annual $90 book and materials fee. 

Annual tuition includes 42 lessons in a year, averaging 3.5 lessons per month. 

Lessons are taken once per week at the same time/day, and priority enrollment is given to students who choose annual tuition. You can choose to pay annual tuition upfront for the discounted fee of $1540. 

Another option for sporadic attendance, is to pay for 4 lessons at a time, which would be $180 paid at the first of every 4 lessons, plus a $60 book fee with the first payment. However, this lesson package option is subject to availability.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I teach almost any age, from the child age 5 up to senior adults. I use materials that are tailored to each student's age, abilities and individual goals. 

My Certifications and Awards

I received my certifications and qualifications from Sydney, Australia:

Ph.D in Music Education - University of New South Wales 

Graduate Diploma in Music: Classical Performance - Australian Institute of Music. 

B.A (Communications) - University of Technology, Sydney.

Accredited Teacher by the NSW Music Teachers Association.

My Musical Influences

My favourite composers for piano include the Russian composers such as Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. I also enjoy playing the music of Mozart, Chopin, Debussy and Beethoven, as well as more modern jazz style music. 

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