I’ve just completed my first week of lessons with an awesome crew! What a thrill to see eyes light up when peering into the innards of the piano – hammers which look just a bit like bones, and taut strings which masterfully handle all the force we can give them. A shout out to Pixar/Disney’s “Inside Out” for providing great characters – Joy, Disgust, Fear, Anger, and Sadness – to illustrate the myriad of emotions pianos can convey.

Yes, Piano Bar with Val is now a real thing. Whether you or your loved one is brand new to music and keys, or you’d like to dust off some Arthur Rubinstein-like ambition…feel free to try some lessons! Speaking of Arthur Rubinstein, I was a kid when my amazing piano teacher Mrs. Kim took me to see someone very famous and old play in Los Angeles. I thought it was the aged legend Rubinstein, but since he died at 95 in 1982, maybe it was one of his protege. I (being said kid) dozed off somewhere between Super Awesome Piece Seven and Totally Incredible Piece Eight. But I distinctly remember having a lasting impression of that night, which still informs why I think piano is so great. It was this strange detail of the old player’s performance: he missed a lot of notes. Why is that a clue to what makes piano great, you ask? Well, I was mesmerized at how perfectly rich the keys sounded under the fingers that pressed them, despite the fact those fingers left a gap now and then. It was as if the piano itself was filling in for its honorable partner, knowing that great partner was fading. And what resulted was full-fledged magic.

From kerplunking we eventually get to that magic. So come on, let’s make some music!

Welcome to Piano Bar with Val!

Thanks for your interest in private piano lessons with Val! In 1990 I got to visit Amsterdam and encountered the cutest little car, painted on its hood with a little grand piano. It was labeled “Piano Bar.” That memory came to mind this summer as I imagined a joyful and connecting experience of music for people of all ages.

I am offering a variety of days and times for weekly lessons – hoping to serve our kids in all varieties of schooling experiences, as well as adults.  

I look forward to working with many of you soon! – Val