Lessons Offered
Music, Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Teacher Studio
About Me
ANNOUNCEMENT: Nyaho Piano Studio is now in Normandy Park!
Dr. William Chapman Nyaho has been teaching and performing for over twenty years. He has a varied background working with students from an early age, through post graduate piano performance degrees as well as adult beginners and amateur pianists. His students have been prizewinners in piano competitions. He is presently on the faculty of the prestigious Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in Michigan and the Adamant Music School in Vermont.
Chapman Nyaho’s career includes being a North Carolina Visiting Artist Program, an Associate Professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he was the recipient of the Distinguished Professor Award and held the Heymann Endowed Professorship. He was also the recipient of the Acadiana Arts Council Distinguished Artist Award. Chapman Nyaho also served as Visiting Professor of Music at Colby College, ME and Artist-in-Residence at Willamette University, OR.
As a regular guest clinician, Chapman Nyaho gives lecture-recitals and workshops advocating music by composers of African heritage. He has compiled and edited a five-volume graded anthology Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora, published by Oxford University Press. A first of its kind, this is intended to expand the performing repertoire of students and concert pianists, and also to supplement college keyboard literature courses.
He has served on national committees for the Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society and the National Endowment for the Arts and been a juror for competitions in North America, Europe and Africa.
Chapman Nyaho’s performances have taken him to Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and North America, including Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. He performs as soloist with various orchestras, including the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra. Chapman Nyaho has been featured on radio and television broadcasts in Ghana, Switzerland, and on Performance Today on NPR. He also developed and hosted The Bach Show for classical radio station KRVS in Louisiana. His piano duo, the Nyaho/Garcia Duo, has released the critically acclaimed CD Aaron Copland: Music For Two Pianos on the Centaur Label.
Music from Chapman Nyaho’s solo CD SENKU: Piano Music by Composers of African Descent, a ground-breaking compilations of music of the African Diaspora, was recently choreographed by the Tony Award winning Garth Fagan. Senku was named one of the “Best of the Year” by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, which called it “altogether enthralling . . . this music deserves a regular place on concert programs.” Gramophone Magazine said, “Nyaho’s gripping performances kept my ears glued to this disc . . . Let’s hope the pianist continues to explore–and record–more such commanding repertoire.” Dr. Maya Angelou wrote that it holds “moments of discovery so delicious that the listeners will be made to laugh out loud and to compliment not just Dr. Chapman Nyaho, but themselves at their good fortune in finding these composers and this pianist.” Chapman Nyaho’s most recent solo CD, ASA: Piano Music by Composers of African Descent, was released in Summer 2008 on the MSR Classics Label.
Chapman Nyaho is the recipient of prizes from international piano competitions.
My Musical Education Background
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, Austin, Texas,
Doctor of Musical Arts
EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, Rochester, New York,
Master of Music
ST. PETER'S COLLEGE, OXFORD UNIVERSITY, Oxford, England,
Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts,
CONSERVATOIRE DE MUSIQUE DE GENEVE, Geneva, Switzerland
Ecole Superieure
Piano Studies: Barry Snyder, David Renner, Oswald Russell, Henri Gautier, John Barham,Frank Heneghan
David Garvey (Collaborative Piano)
Pedagogy: Amanda Vick Lethco, Martha Hilley
Genres and Subjects Taught
Classical Piano Repertoire, Technique, Theory, Sight-singing and general musicianship.
Teaching Philosophy:
Music should be an expressive art for people to share.
My aim is to instill a joy for music making at a high level. I approach music from a holistic angle. I teach how to perform musically with beautiful sound and a free technique.
Prospective students are invited for a preliminary and free of charge interview during which rates, policies, program of studies, and schedules will be discussed.
Lesson Rates
Please call for additional information or to schedule an appointment for free lesson/audition.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
All age levels, including Adult Beginners
Preparing students for college and conservatories, competitions and festivals at a high level!
My Certifications and Awards
NCTM Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
My Musical Influences
All kinds of music from Classical to Jazz to R&B and Rock.
Service Area
Student Reviews
Tony
Woodinville, WA
"Insightful and inspirational piano lessons" 5/5 stars Tony Cantrick Review of PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS, Nyaho is a wonderful musician, pianist, teacher, and person. He communcates effectively in lessons, very quicky getting to the essence of what is needed, both technically and musically, to understand the composer's intentions, and to achieve a particular musical effect. I have made much progress under his tutelage, gaining insights that I never could have discovered on my own. Belonging to that uncommon species of pianists who are both gifted performers and fine teachers. Nyaho brings his real-world experience of performance to the lesson, very effectively helping the student make tremendous advances as a pianist and musician. Contributing to his success as a teacher is his patient and understanding approach, which works well with many different ages and abilities. Studying with someone who possesses so many positive qualities as a teacher and person has been a real joy. I very highly recommend him to you. Pros: Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Fun, Good communicator
Evan
Salem, OR
"Inspiring teacher spreads his love for music" Review of PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS, Nyaho awakened a love for music in me that made me want to switch my career aspirations from physics to piano! He is kind, patient, and loves to teach. Plus he is effective. He has so much to offer in terms of both technique and interpretation. Nyaho is one of the reasons that music is such an important part of all cultures. Pros: Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Funny, Fun, Good communicator
Kistin
Kirkland, WA
"An Amazing Teacher for Any Student" 5/5 stars Kristin Center Review of PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS, Dr. Nyaho was one of the most incredible piano teachers I have ever had. He has shaped and will continue to shape who I become as an artist and person. Among his many pros that I have checked bellow, I would also like to say that very few teachers have the capacity to work on a completely individual basis with each student, using new techniques and new approaches that are specific to that particular person. Nyaho always found a way to relate to each of his students in a truly personal, yet professional, manner. Pros: Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Funny, Fun, Good communicator
Connie
Kirkland, WA
"Dr. Nyaho is Amazing!" 5/5 stars connie au Kirkland, WA Review of PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS, September 21, 2009 Dr. Nyaho is one of the best music teachers I have come across. I found Dr. Nyaho when my daughter was 10, and was losing interest in piano learning after five years of lessons. After much effort interviewing piano teachers in the Seattle area, we found him in our neighborhood. Not only did Dr. Nyaho revived my daughter's love and interest in music again, he also brought her to a higer level of music appreciation He connects with her on a personal level and conveys his insight and understanding of various peices. He teaches in a way that catches a child's and a teenager's attention. Other teachers would only say, "strike the keys, forte, forte!" Dr. Nyaho would say, "Your fingers need to act as a can opener!" Because Dr. Nyaho is such an extraordinary performer, he can give feedback on little things to help students to improve their techniques. He will say, "tuck your thumb under, raise your elbow." Once Dr. Nyaho taught my daughter a comtemporary piece which was composed by his friend. When my daughter mastered the peice, Dr. Nyaho phoned his friend and had my daughter perform for the composer over the phone. My daughter received feedback from the composer and talked with her on the phone about the piece of music. Dr. Nyaho goes the extra mile to teach his students. I am always impressed when meeting his other students and listening to their performance in his studio. I am a parent who is very involved in my child's learning. Dr. Nyaho always answers my questions and helps me to assist my child's learning. It is really a true partnership with Dr. Nyaho. If you are looking for a piano teacher for your child, I highly recommend Dr. Nyaho. Pros: Helpful, Engaging, Encouraging, Smart, Patient, Fun, Good communicator