Lessons Offered
Piano, Music
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
I have been teaching both in my Aliso Viejo studio and in students' homes for the past 25 years and I've enjoyed every minute of it!
I offer in lessons in my home studio.
I strive to motivate my students to make goals and I teach them how to achieve them! Students are given a solid musical foundation, can play the songs they like and feel a deep sense of pride when they achieve what they set out to do!
I am now accepting new students ages 7 through adult! I would love to have as my new student!
I have recitals twice a year, often with a fun theme!
I strive to keep my students engaged and interested, while making learning fun!
Please contact me today to schedule your first piano lesson!
My Musical Education Background
Growing up in a musical family, I have been exposed to music all of my life. I began formal piano lessons at age 4. Competed and won many competitions, participated in the Certificate of Merit program held by the Music Teachers Association and studied privately for over 25 years with a long line of excellent teachers. I was able to be several of my teachers' apprentice and student taught when I was a teenager. That's when I decided that this was the career for me!
Teaching piano is my passion and it has been my privilege to be able to teach so many wonderful students for over 24 years!
Genres and Subjects Taught
I teach many different genres such as classical, contemporary, jazz, blues, modern, pop, rock and the list goes on!
I teach many different ways, as I customize my approach addressing each students individual needs and learning styles.
I do tend to favor Faber & Faber, Alfred's, Bastein and enjoy finding new and exciting supplementary material from different resources such as (contact me).
I teach in a traditional way and do not offer Yamaha or Suzuki methods of teaching.
Lesson Rates
Contact me for pricing.
I offer 30,45 and 60 minute lessons.
Lessons are the same day and time every every week.
Tuition is prepaid and due by the First of each month to hold the students time slot and show commitment. Some months have four lessons and some have five which will affect the rate.
I accept cash, check or Venmo.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
I enjoy teaching students ages 7-seniors and will consider younger students, but 7 is a great age to start!
I teach elementary school kids (after school hours book fast, so call today!)
And I enjoy teaching homeschoolers (mornings and early afternoons are popular with this crowd!)
Teens and adults are warmly welcomed! My teens have enjoyed playing many of their favorite artists and adults have enjoyed learning a challenging, yet fulfilling new hobby!
Seniors, are welcomed, as well! Some of my favorite students started in their 70's! (Hey, I was on their "bucket list"! Lol!)
Whatever your age, you will always be welcomed in my piano studio!
My youngest students benefit from a twice weekly lesson for 20-30 minutes per lesson with parent participation. In person lessons are ideal for this age group.
For students ages 7-adult, I would recommend a once a week 45 or 60 minute lesson. Teens and adults tend to favor the 60 minute lessons since they are less rushed and we can cover more material in greater detail!
My Certifications and Awards
25 plus years of private piano study with a long line of highly qualified piano instructors.
Classically trained with participation in the Certificate of Merit program.
Trophies and awards given during my years in the Certificate of merit program.
My Musical Influences
From an early age, I was influenced by music. In my early years, my Grandma, an opera singer, started showing me the basics on the piano. During elementary school, my mom signed me up for piano lessons with the best instructors! They instilled in me a deep love for music! I was challenged by other musicians during piano competitions and enjoyed live musical performances from the best professional musicians.
Music has always been a huge part of my life and it would be my greatest joy to be able to pass that onto my students!
I would love the opportunity to be your piano teacher!
Service Area
Student Reviews
Sudh K
Laguna Hills, CA
Karen is an excellent Piano teacher and a wonderful person. She is great with my 1st-grade kids, introducing them to the world of music and Piano. She is very soft-spoken and flexible, always communicates in advance, and sends us timely reminders. She respects the parents and makes everyone feel welcome. She allows on occasions for us to sit while the lesson is going on, so we can see what the kids are learning. She is very busy but if we inform her in advance she always can adjust her schedule and we can do make-up lessons. She gives good notes in the exercise workbook, so we at home can work with our kids. My kids are making good progress and more importantly, they love her and the Piano. We highly recommend her.
Laurie M
Lake Forest, CA
Karen is an excellent teacher who loves her job. My son took lessons with her for about 2 years when he was younger. He developed a love for playing the piano during his time taking his lessons with Karen. She was very accommodating when we had to reschedule due to his baseball. Eventually his sports became more important and he stopped taking lessons but what he learned by Karen during that short time stayed with him a lifetime. Now he is ready to leave for college and I often hear him play the piano when he has some down time. He plays better then I do and I had 5 years of instruction. I credit his love for piano to the instruction he got when he was younger and his feeling of confidence when he sits down in front of the piano.
Cynthia M
Laguna Hills, CA
"Karen taught our son piano for approximately 5 years. * very good with kids * very patient and encouraging * engaging * semi-annual recitals * she plays piano at recitals * good music selections * flexible * good with introductory concepts (scales, harmony, theory)"
Diane B
San Clemente, CA
Karen Ramirez has proven herself to be a very experienced, skilled, and dedicated piano teacher. She teaches from a wide variety of repertoire; emphasizes pianistic technique, theory, musicality, and provides a professional, stress-free environment in her studio. Karen has a warm, vivacious, caring personality, and maintains an excellent rapport with her students.
Thomas
Aliso Viejo, CA
Miss Karen is so funny and makes learning the piano fun! I have learned a lot of cool songs and the recitals are great!
Jillian-parent
Laguna Niguel, CA
"My son was an energetic and fiesty 8 year old when he expressed a love for classical music and an interest in learning to play the piano. Karen and I had been friends for years, and I was aware that she taught piano. So I contacted her to see if she would take on another "fiesty" student. Not only has she been a phenomenal teacher, but it is the only time my son sits still for an hour at a time! She makes the lessons so much fun for him! They play duets together and he doesn't even realize he is being taught. I wonder if she does math?! Humor aside, she has fostered a love of music in him that is a joy to behold. Thank you Karen!"
Andreana-parent O
Aliso Viejo, CA
After much searching and interviewing, I had pretty much given up on the idea of finding a piano teacher for my very young daughters, one of whom has developmental delays; then I found Karen Ramirez. Lots of piano teachers claim to specialize in teaching little ones, but Karen truly has that special quality that enables her to engage a child and keep their attention and make learning fun instead of a chore. Both of my children are not only learning the piano, but are gaining a true enjoyment and appreciation for music. Karen has amazing musical knowledge and talent, but it is her gentleness, enthusiasm, and endless patience that make her an extraordinary teacher. "