Welcome to the piano studio of Dr. Alison Lee! I currently offer private lessons in piano, music theory, and chamber music and teach in both Berkeley and Fremont, CA.

A little about me: I received my Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of Minnesota in 2018, and relocated to the Bay Area shortly after. I now manage a small private teaching studio while balancing an active concert schedule as a soloist and chamber musician. You can read more about me here!

My mission as a piano teacher is to encourage students to find joy in playing the piano, and to help them become comfortable expressing themselves through music. In order to achieve this musical freedom, my teaching focuses on developing a strong foundation in terms of physical technique and musical understanding. 

 

Interested? Click here to contact me!

PIANO LESSONS 

I accept students of all ages and levels. Parents and adults are also welcome! My only prerequisite for joining the studio is that students come excited to learn and improve. 

Lessons are offered weekly in increments of 30, 45, 60, and 90-minute lessons. Please contact me for lesson rates. 

In addition to weekly lessons, students have numerous performance opportunities throughout the year via monthly studio classes and the annual winter and spring studio recitals. Participation in local musical events - competitions, exam programs, recitals, summer camps - is optional but highly encouraged. 

For beginning-level students, various method books are assigned depending on each student's learning style. In each lesson, we begin with simple warm-ups to get the fingers and brain moving. Some lesson time is also spent away from the student's regular books, in order to develop basic rhythmic and note-reading skills. For students under the age of 10, parents should plan to supervise most practice sessions to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts covered in my lessons.

For students at or above the intermediate level, a typical lesson with me begins with technique and warm-up exercises so we can develop finger speed and a healthy physical approach to the keyboard while also furthering sight-reading skills and theory knowledge. If the student is enrolled in the Certificate of Merit exams, we then take some time to learn and review music theory concepts. All remaining lesson time is devoted to the student's repertoire, where we learn how to apply technical concepts, analyze and interpret music, and practice efficiently. 

My studio policy is available here. 

MUSIC THEORY LESSONS 

For students seeking extra help with Certificate of Merit, AP Music Theory, or ABRSM exams!

Lessons are offered as 60-minute sessions, and are available weekly or as needed.

CHAMBER MUSIC COACHINGS 

For pre-formed ensembles in need of a coach. I specialize in repertoire for piano ensemble (piano duets, piano duos) as well as piano and strings (duos, piano trios/quartets/quintets). If you are a lone musician dreaming of playing with other musicians, I will happily try to connect you to other musicians so you can form a group! 

Coachings are typically recommended as weekly 90-minute sessions, but can also be scheduled as needed.