About

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“Val works with my two very different children in ways that work equally amazing for both of them. They come home asking to practice, eager to show their new piano skills, and proud of their accomplishments! Val loves children, listens to them well, and finds amazing ways to quickly connect and get to know them as individual students. On top of that, they are becoming wonderful piano players! I cannot image a better piano teacher for my children. I feel so lucky to have found her!” – JS

“Val’s teaching style is a perfect blend of being measured, warm, encouraging and direct, which gives my daughter the confidence to push herself and the space to make mistakes without feeling badly about it. We feel so lucky to have found her!” – SF

“Val is a truly gifted and passionate teacher who has helped bring piano back into our home.   Her approach is kind, supportive and non judgmental.  It’s been such a joy watching my son’s musical confidence grow with weekly piano lessons with Val!” – ND

“I learned how to play the piano as a child, but never enjoyed practicing. As an adult, I’ve always regretted my decision to quit playing the piano, so I decided to take lessons with Val as an adult learner. Val is a patient, fun, and encouraging piano teacher. She met me at my level and fostered a supportive learning environment. Her enthusiasm for teaching and passion for music are infectious and fostered my new interest in playing music. I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in learning how to play the piano.”
-SS

“My son was in my hometown visiting family when he sat down at the local cafe’s piano and started playing. The whole cafe was amazed by his talent, ability, and confidence – to which we owe to Val!” – MM

“Thank you so much for how great you are with both our boys. I came to realize this past year how picky I am about arts instruction. Sitting in your house as you worked with [my younger son], I was struck by how I did not have a single thing I would have wanted you to do differently. I am so grateful for you. Thank you thank you thank you.” – SP

“Val is an amazingly patient and supportive teacher. She fills you with the confidence that you can succeed whatever the next step is.  Learning piano with Val has been a joy, never a chore, thanks to her encouragement, positivity and love of music.” -NH

“Val’s supportive teaching style made coming to piano lessons a joy. As an adult learner who never played before, Val’s encouraging words got me over that internal critical voice!
For beginners, or those who seek a mentor to deepen skills, Val is one of those rare teachers making learning joyful.” -PN

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Val’s approach to teaching includes:

  • Focus on fundamentals of music: note reading, rhythm and tempo, dynamics, scales and theory
  • Encouraging the love of making music
  • Training from piano literature series through to classical composers spanning Baroque to contemporary eras
  • Adults and kids ages five and up are welcome
  • A commitment from students and families for regular practice at home
  • Two student recitals per year – a celebration of our learning!

Who is Val?

Val is a classically and competitively trained pianist, raised in southern California as the youngest of four girls, and now mom to seven young adult sons (four in Greater Boston and three in Australia). Several of Val’s kids were her first piano students starting in 2007, two of whom now like to say they are “the original Piano Bar with Val dropouts.” Her youngest graduated high school in 2025 also having studied two years of piano through the New England Conservatory Prep School, as well as playing the tenor sax and singing bass with the Boston Latin School gospel choir. Val’s son S played trombone in the Boston University jazz band and drums, while working on a fourth album of hip hop and jazz music. There is never a shortage of sounds coming from our house.

Aside from solo piano training, Val was a young piano accompanist for eight years with her church choir and vocalists in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. She has also been a teacher of youth and children in schools, camps, and churches for three decades.

In 1996, Val got a Master’s in Education following her Bachelor’s degree in history both from Stanford University in California. After several years of working in schools and non-profits, she became an associate pastor at Reservoir Church in north Cambridge from 2001-2015. These past ten years, she has thoroughly enjoyed switching gears to teaching piano.

Does Val have consideration for reduced tuition if needed?

Regardless of background and circumstances I strive to treat each and every student, and their families, with care and respect in a way they appreciate. I also strive towards more equity and diversity among my piano community. Should issues arise related to tuition hardship or access to instruction, I reserve the right to consider these factors when making decisions for fees and my waitlist.

Considering lessons and have questions?

My waitlist is currently at capacity and I am unfortunately unable to accommodate more interested folks. If you have questions, feel free to email Val at pianobarwithval@gmail.com and I’d be happy to try to help.

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