Specializing in:

• Advanced Studies in Piano Performance & Music Theory​

• Crossover Pianists (Classical repertoire and skills in tandem with contemporary music)​

• Creative Musicians: Composition, Arranging, Improvising, Artistry

• Older Students

  • Middle & High School Students (the entire studio is 6th grade and up)

  • Adult Students (of all ages and levels)

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I currently teach a full studio (including approximately a dozen adult students!).  I am actively involved in many professional music teacher associations (see below).

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I grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and began piano lessons at the age of six.  I performed in countless studio recitals, Christmas concerts, mall performances, evaluations, and competitions.  I also played the tenor saxophone in middle and high school, performing in the Wind Ensemble, Marching Band (performed at the Holiday Bowl), Jazz Band, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and the All-State Marching Band, which performed in the Macy's Day Parade.  I always thoroughly enjoyed making music at every opportunity possible.

 

I thought that music was just a hobby of mine.  I attended UCLA and graduated with honors, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology.  I thought I was going to be a pharmacist.  Yet, I kept finding myself in new musical endeavors -- I was always attracted back to music.

 

I spent the next three years on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program in Nara, Japan.  My musical experiences expanded even more as I helped my school's concert band in competitions and also helped organize a performance in the annual JETNet International Arts Festival, which highlighted the arts and international exchange between the Japanese people and foreigners.

 

It is this passion for music that led me into it full time.  Why not make something you already willingly do so much into a career?  And so here I am.  I later completed my Master's in Music Education at San José State University.

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My breadth of experience outside of music has helped me to relate with students in how to connect music with their own lives.  You can read more about my specific teaching philosophy in the "Why GK Piano?" tab.  Also, check out my YouTube channel!

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Certifications

• Music Teachers National Association | Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (2020)

• Royal Conservatory of Music | Advanced Certified Teacher (2018)

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Awards & Honor Societies:

• 1st Place: MACCC Theory Competition

• 2nd Place: HMTA Artist Competition - Piano

• Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honour Society, Phi Kappa Phi

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I am a member of many professional organizations and hold various board positions:

California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT)​

• Santa Clara Valley Chapter President (2021 -)

• State Board: VP Student Programs (2021 - 2023)

• State Board: VP Membership (2019 - 2021)

• Santa Clara Valley Chapter Vice President & Webmaster (2020 - 2021)

• CAPMT Conference Committee (2019)

• District 2 Honors Competition Chair (2017-2019)

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

• E-Festival Adjudicator (2018 - )

National Association for Music Education (NAfME)

Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC)

• Santa Clara Branch Section 6 Certificate of Merit (CM) Chair (2018 - 2020)

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I am also a regular presenter and attendee at various Conferences and Conventions, including at CAPMT, MTNA, and MTAC events.  My current presentations on "Improv & Arranging for Classical Musicians", "5 P's of a Successful Music Studio", and "From Pop to Anime: 10 Levels of Arranging" have been given at CAPMT, MTAC, and SJSU..

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Read more about my teaching philosophy in the "Why GK Piano?" above.