Piano Forte Music School (we offer private online piano and music lessons)

"We wanted instructor that could teach my sons (5 and 8 at the time) to become the best pianists and musicians they can be, without hurting their love of music. My older son had outgrown his last (wonderful) school, and we needed someone who was skilled enough to instruct him for years down the road. And of course, because my boys are still children, we needed someone patient and kind. Teacher Marie is that piano teacher. She as the technical chops: studied at the Tchaikovsky College of Music, MA at CSU Long Beach, followed by 15 years of teaching. Just as importantly though, she's kind, engaging and patient while still correcting and teaching my kids with gentle firmness -- she really seems to know and appreciate them as inidividuals. My wife is the musician in the family, and she also tells me that the curriculum they're working from is an excellent one, and far better than the one my wife started with. Her studio is a bright airy space surrounded by a garden in a quiet neighborhood. She holds recitals for her students (which we like) and supports her students in achieving music exam certifications (which Marie allows parents to opt out). It's been over a year now, and the boys have grown so much in that time with Marie."

"We are so happy we chose to go with Piano Forte Music School. Marie is not only experienced and a talented pianist, herself, but she is great with her students. My son was probably on the younger side when he started lessons, and she was always so encouraging and patient with him. She gives lots of positive feedback, but is also not afraid to challenge him. Marie is professional, accommodating, and friendly. My son has learned so much under her training, and I love hearing him practice at home. His plays more complex pieces now, and I’m amazed at how fast he’s improved even in a year’s time!"

"Ms. Marie is an excellent teacher! I've studied with her for a few months now, and I've been seeing improvements with my playing. She is very patient; she always makes sure that I am playing in correct form, whether when I am practicing techniques or playing a repertoire. Under her teaching, the student will be exposed to different periods of music, namely, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Giving the student an opportunity to understand and appreciate the difference between the genres. As for daily practice, it will usually consist of Hanon, etudes, scales, triads, and 2 or 3 repertoires. Ms. Marie will often spend first part of the lesson on the techniques then the other half going over the repertoires. She will also assign some written homework on music theory. When studying a repertoire, we often study the piece in a much deeper level, discussing the dynamics of each passages; I found this especially rewarding as I wasn't thinking too much about this when I play piano before. Now I can't help but to always be conscious about the dynamics when playing a piece, which often gives a drastic different on the performance. Though I haven't attended one yet, Ms. Marie also hosts recitals regularly to showcase students' playing. Overall, I would recommend Ms. Marie to anyone who wants to learn piano."