Learn piano

with a holistic approach

I believe in a structured, varied experience that engages the student every lesson, because music has to be as fun as it is challenging. I like to integrate different skills like music theory, technique, and improvisation into the standard piano lesson. This holistic approach brings momentum to the lesson.

How it works

If you’re not sure you want to sign up for full regular lessons, click here now to book a free 30 minute trial lesson with me

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Prepare

Check your email for instructions

Introductions

Exchange hellos and good vibes

Discuss

Your musical experience and goals

Enjoy!

Enjoy your very first lesson!

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What students say

Julian has been teaching my son for the past few months. I’m glad that he is engaged and interested in practicing the piano during the week to prepare for his weekly lessons. It’s great to have a piano instructor that can meet the child where they are in terms of their interest level and understanding of music, and use that to bring out their best! Julian is always upbeat and enthusiastic to share his knowledge. His passion is infectious and it’s great for young ones, like my son, to see him as an example! I personally appreciate Julian’s flexibility in adjusting class times based on scheduling conflicts and the fact that he is readily accessible and is always a text away! If you’re looking for an instructor that can connect with your child and is also passionate and knowledgeable, look no further!

Erika Montello
Parent of Piano Student

Why work with me?

I don’t just teach you to be a pianist, I teach you to be a musician.

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Training

I learned from some of the best musicians in the United States, and I’m prepared to train you at the highest level.

Flexibility

I’m flexible with your busy schedule, and do my best to accommodate every student’s needs.

Performance Opportunities

I make sure every student has frequent opportunities to perform—because that’s what it’s all about.

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Lessons and pricing

30 Minutes

per lesson

$30

per lesson

  • • Prepaid monthly
  • • Holistic approach
  • • Great for ages 6 - 10
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45 Minutes

per lesson

$45

per lesson

  • • Prepaid monthly
  • • Holistic approach
  • • Great for ages 10 - 14
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60 Minutes

per lesson

$60

per lesson

  • • Prepaid monthly
  • • Holistic approach
  • • Great for ages 14+
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FAQS

How do I make payments?

I accept:

  • 1. Cash
  • 2. Check
  • 3. Electronic Payment methods:
    1. Cashapp
    2. Venmo
    3. Paypal
What are your cancellation policies?

I will make up any lesson you cancel with at least 24 hours notice or more, no matter the reason you need to cancel. However, if you cancel last minute (with less than 24 hours warning), I reserve the right to refuse a make-up lesson.

Similarly, if for some reason I need to cancel at the last minute, I will make up that lesson to you or give you a refund.

What’s the best way to contact you after signing up for lessons?

If you’re a parent, you can choose whichever method of communication you prefer--calling, texting, email is all fine with me. As a principle, if the student is under 18 I only communicate with the parents outside of the lesson time.

What is your policy on tardiness?

With online lessons, I recognize that life gets complicated and sometimes we need to start late. As long as you let me know ahead of time that you need to start late for any reason, I will do my best to accommodate you, or if necessary, reschedule. However, understand that if you are more than 10 minutes late without any advanced notice, I reserve the right to finish the session as scheduled without a refund for the lost time.

Are your services post-paid or pre-paid?

Pre-paid at the beginning of the month. If you don’t use one of the lessons for a given month, that lesson can roll over into the next month.

What should I do if I want to take a few weeks off?

Get in touch with me and your lessons can rollover into a subsequent month, or you can choose to have your money refunded.

Can unused lessons rollover to the next month?

Yes, lessons can rollover up to two months.

Do you do group lessons?

Because of COVID-19, my wife Susana and I do not host the in-home group lessons that we normally would, but when it becomes safe to again, we will plan monthly classes during which students can perform for and give comments to one another.

Do you only teach classical piano?

I teach a variety of music styles and genres, but the basis for playing in these styles is classical technique, including scales and arpeggios, fundamentals of music theory, and other technical exercises.

What curriculum or methods do you mainly use?

My curriculum is customized to the students’ needs and ability levels. For example, an advanced classical piano student can be expected to study pieces or sets of pieces from the standard repertoire. For beginning and intermediate students, I use John Thompson’s series of books.

Do you offer sibling discount?

Yes, I offer a 10% discount to the total cost when you concurrently enroll two students, and 15% if you enroll three.

Do you send students to competitions?

Yes! I encourage all my students to participate in competitions, though I don’t force them to. Competitions are useful because they can help students meet other talented young musicians, or get in contact with professionals, and in some cases even win some prize money. When I send my students into competitions, I emphasize that the goal of competitions should always be to perform at a high level and to have fun with the experience.

Do you take absolute beginners?

Yes, I can teach absolute beginners, but I also may recommend my wife, Susana Leiva for such students, depending on their age and preference for the gender of their teacher.

My daughter prefers a female teacher, do you have a female piano teacher you can recommend?

Definitely! My wife, Susana Leiva, is also a piano teacher. Please feel free to visit her website here!

Got questions?

If you want to learn more about my services, shoot me a message!