May Cho

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I am delighted to introduce myself and share the joy of music. My purpose as a piano teacher is to guide you to use music on the piano in your life every day.

Always listening to what is deep inside of me and surrounds me, I am mindful of what I take in and project every day, to connect to the world.

We say that music is the universal language and behavior, but what does that mean to each of us? We learn to speak by listening as a baby. Wouldn't we only speak the language of peace and harmony, if we continue this active listening as we grow up?

At the piano, learning how to read music, play legato, and produce beautiful phrases, we learn how to listen actively, so we can discover what moves us, how to reach others beyond words, extending words, or without words.

There are two questions any piano teacher gets frequently: How early can my child start a piano lesson? Is it too late to learn or resume playing the piano?

Even when children are too small to reach the pedal sitting on the piano bench, there are things to do approaching the piano and expressing emotions, while we (parents and I) make sure that piano doesn't become a physically demanding task for their still growing hands and squirming little bodies. In other words, if she is “playing” on her own, even though she can barely reach the keyboard console standing up, the child is ready for making music on the piano.

The second question is related to the first one. It comes from folks who always wanted to play, but never had a chance before, or who started and abandoned early on, only to regret it and want to rekindle it. These encounters taught me that there is time and place for everyone to learn to play. The best time is when one is ready, being interested in one's own voice on the piano. The listening ability and desire to express on the piano are inherently connected. I also find my students write in expressive and articulate ways and excel academically.

I am always excited about each ride my student and I will take. Whether it's in a spaceship or a raft, it is a rewarding journey of growth and learning music on the piano together. My immediate and steady goal is to help students jump in to their drivers’ seat. Once the students understand the joy of music making, the drive, the control, and the destination, it becomes the way of life, applicable to various aspects and situations in their life.

My Musical Education Background

I grew up in South Korea and graduated from Yonsei University in 1982 with a BM in Piano Performance. After I came to the States, I went back to school and received a MM in Piano from Cal State at Fullerton in 1991. I taught piano in Korea, California, and Texas in 80s and 90s. I also received my Masters of Science in Information Studies in 2005 from the University of Texas at Austin, TX. After receiving my MSIS degree, I worked as a cataloger for the City of Killeen Public Library and OCLC in Dublin OH before resuming piano teaching in Columbus area in 2011.

Genres and Subjects Taught

I have taught standard repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern including Scarlatti, J.S.Bach, Hayden, Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, and Debussy to explore the art and technique of piano playing, to appreciate the composers' workshop, and to develop sight reading skills.
I've also used piano methods for beginners by
Faber& Faber, Bastien, Alfred, and Robert Pace.

Lesson Rates

$30 for minimum 1/2 hour weekly lesson for early beginners.
For intermediate and advanced students (in your home), 45 min. or 60 min. weekly lessons are recommended.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

Ages 5 and up (Beginner - Advanced)

My Certifications and Awards

Merit scholarship for MM program at Cal State Univ. at Fullerton, CA.

My Musical Influences

My musical beginning is owing to my mom's beautiful voice and my uncle's role modeling as a music teacher/composer/pianist. My first memory of a great piano music was by Wilhelm Backhaus, his Deutsche Gramophone recording of Beethoven sonatas, which my Dad sent home while he was studying in Japan during 70s.
That's only the beginning of excavating numerous musical influences in my lifetime.
Current inspiration of mine comes from the magical and invincible percussionist, Evelyn Glennie.

Service Area

Maureen L
Upper Arlington, OH

Because of you I know that regardless of my talent I can enjoy playing the piano. Music is a meal to be enjoy[ed]! Food for the soul!

Chiho M
Dublin, OH

You were a great teacher for me and for my kids.

Lyssa B
Dublin, OH

It has been a joy having you come into my home weekly and getting to know you.  ... Your talent, intelligence, beauty, and thought-provoking instruction is what I look up  You have taken my piano playing to another level.  I play with emotion now whereas I just played notes before.

Laura K
Columbus, OH

I have learned so much from you, especially about how to approach and try to understand music, I have really enjoyed it!