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Chuan-Li
- Rate ₹6,000
- Response 1h
-
Students50+
Number of students accompanied by Chuan-Li since their arrival at Superprof
Number of students accompanied by Chuan-Li since their arrival at Superprof

₹6,000/hr
Unfortunately, this teacher is not available
- Piano
Experienced tutor in Piano in San Francisco, Chuan-Li offers private lessons tailored to your needs.
- Piano
Class location
Recommended
Chuan-Li is a respected tutor in our community. He is highly recommended for his commitment and the quality of his lessons. An excellent choice to progress with confidence.
About Chuan-Li
I have a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and hold a Fellowship in Piano Performance (Special Candidate Award) - the highest music diploma level awarded by Trinity London of College.
Currently an after-school piano instructor at the French American International School (in-person) and Pixical Piano (remote), I’ve been continuously developing and implementing an innovative, thoroughly integrated basic music history, theory, and aural skills curriculum for approximately 40 students at the age range from 4 to 65.
Throughout my 15 years of teaching experience, I have always challenged myself to incorporate creative methods into studio and classroom teaching. I like to make new concepts fun and easy to absorb. While I constantly assign tasks and pose questions that challenge my students to think critically, I am good at presenting my ideas in a relatable yet profound way.
One time, I challenged a student to play a Chopin’s Nocturne more spontaneously by imagining himself as three different contestants playing the piece in a competition. Not only did I request him to make each rendition different and BETTER from the previous, I also compelled him into imagining that “the piece has never been written but it is something that I AM improvising as it goes along.” The result was magical as he pushed himself beyond his capabilities.
The two main aspects I focus on intensively in self-directed learning are the MINDSET and STRATEGY developed and employed while working on a piece of music. Though our role as educators is to provide guidance to students of all types, I believe that inspiring students to become independent musicians and lifelong learners can be more beneficial. In order to cultivate autodidacticism, I offer students guidelines and methods that serve as a learning compass outside of the classroom.
I prefer to take things slow in teaching. Besides setting goals periodically to motivate my students, each week I am able to find new angles and aspects in an old piece to work on. Because I care about what each student can offer differently in their playing, I always provide feedback that brings out their best. I am also open to discussion with students in which they bring in unique, dynamic, and unconventional ideas. As a result, I discover something new from my students daily.
“Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” has always been my motto. Ultimately, I seek to encourage students to continue learning in a life-long passion for music.
I have had 16 years of teaching experience in different age group (4-63) and 6 years of teaching experience in university level. I taught class piano of freshman to senior level for 5 years, covering areas of keyboard techniques (scales and arpeggios), harmonization, transposition, several chord progressions with inversions, improvisation, repertoire, and sight-reading on piano pieces and hymns.
For Music Theory, although I have only served as grader for music theory I & II at Texas Tech university, I have been preparing students for Theory and Aural exams from grade 6-8 offered by the Associate Board Royal School of Music (UK) since 2007. Similarly to the Music Theory I, II and III of college level, the ABRSM Grade 6 to 8 exam syllabi cover areas of chorale four-part writing; instrumental composition; melodic reharmonization; completion of a trio sonatas and piano pieces using a given opening; and score analyses for orchestral works, chamber music, and piano pieces. In order to answer this question, the students not only need to have very strong foundation of tonal harmony, they will also have to analyze a lot of musical examples to gain familiarity with composers’ writing style.
*Teacher training*:
Prior to my enrollment at Texas Tech University, I did a few years of DMA coursework at James Madison University where the program has a huge equal emphasis in pedagogy, performance, and literature.
I received three years of holistic training in teaching keyboard class under the supervision of the Keyboard Skills Coordinator, Dr. Patricia Brady. Throughout the three-year training, I audited my colleagues’ teaching sessions and provided class observation reports as requested, I also participated in the weekly Teaching Assistant meeting with my colleagues in which we brainstormed and exchanged teaching strategies and ideas, discussed and followed up various issues encountered in class, and shared teaching videos and received critiques from colleagues and our supervising professor.
Besides that, I was also enrolled in two Music Pedagogy in Higher Education classes during my first year at JMU, centering on teaching Music History classes and general education. These classes focused primarily on designing music courses and syllabi, structuring a class, and teaching delivery & methodology in a classroom setting.
During my master’s at Texas State University, I was also appointed to teach keyboard class. I audited classes taught by the Keyboard Skills Coordinator, Dr. Ezra Bartz, twice a week in the first two semesters, and received teacher training through having my class observed by Dr. Bartz, where he provided comments and suggestions after class. Through this teaching experience, I learned to accommodate a wide range of student’s abilities in the class and keep every student in good progress without leaving anyone behind. I have also taken music theory pedagogy during my master’s studies, and two piano pedagogy courses during my bachelor studies.
About the class
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- English
All languages in which the class is available :
English
Here's a general outline of the typical steps i would follow:
1. Initial Assessment: i will begin by conducting an initial assessment of the student's musical background, experience, and goals. This may involve discussing the student's previous piano training, musical interests, and aspirations.
2. Goal Setting: Based on the initial assessment, i will work with the student to define specific short-term and long-term goals. These goals could include repertoire selection, technical development, sight-reading proficiency, music theory understanding, or preparation for exams or performances.
3. Lesson Planning: i will then create a customized lesson plan tailored to the student's goals and needs. This plan will outline the main subjects, skills, and repertoire to be covered in each lesson, ensuring a systematic and progressive approach to learning.
4. Technique and Fundamentals: i will focus on developing proper piano technique, including hand positioning, finger dexterity, posture, and relaxation. Basic music theory concepts such as rhythm, notation, scales, and chords may also be introduced or reinforced.
5. Repertoire Selection: i will assist the student in selecting appropriate repertoire that aligns with their skill level and musical interests. This can include a mix of classical pieces, contemporary music (such as jazz, rag-time, blues, movie soundtrack, etc.), or any specific genre the student wishes to explore.
6. Instruction and Practice: During lessons, i will provide instruction, guidance, and feedback on the student's playing technique, interpretation, musicality, and expression. Additionally, i may teach sight-reading skills, ear training (especially for students who intend to sign up for ABRSM exams), music theory, and improvisation techniques. i will also offer practice strategies and tips to help the student effectively practice on their own.
7. Performance Preparation: If the student is interested in performing, i will help them prepare for studio recitals (normally twice a year), competitions, or exams. This may involve refining repertoire, honing stage presence, and providing guidance on performance etiquette and anxiety management.
8. Ongoing Assessment and Progress Tracking: i will continually assess the student's progress through regular evaluations, assignments, and periodic assessments. This will help both myself and student track progress and make necessary adjustments to the lesson plan as needed.
Throughout the process, i foster a positive and supportive learning environment, encourage musical exploration, and inspire the student's passion for piano playing.
Here are some key pieces of advice:
1. Research and Credentials: Look for teachers with solid credentials and qualifications in piano performance and pedagogy. A degree in music, especially with a focus on piano (especially with a performance emphasis), is a good starting point. Additionally, consider their teaching experience, performance background, and any relevant certifications.
2. Specialization and Expertise: Identify teachers who have expertise in your specific area of interest. For example, if you're interested in classical piano, look for teachers who have a strong background in classical repertoire and performance. This ensures that they can provide the guidance and knowledge you need.
3. Teaching Style and Compatibility: Every teacher has a unique teaching style. Consider your preferred learning approach and find a teacher whose style aligns with it. Some teachers may focus on technical precision, while others emphasize musical expression (Though I believe a good teacher should cover these two aspects). It's important to find someone whose teaching methods resonate with you.
4. Reputation and Recommendations: Seek recommendations from other musicians, friends, or local music organizations. Look for testimonials or reviews from current or former students. A teacher with a good reputation and positive feedback is more likely to provide a high-quality learning experience.
5. Trial Lesson: Many teachers offer trial lessons to assess compatibility and teaching style. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience their teaching firsthand. It allows you to gauge their communication style, teaching methods, and overall teaching approach.
6. Communication and Expectations: Clarify your goals, expectations, and preferred communication methods with potential teachers. Discuss your musical aspirations, preferred genres, and any specific needs you have. A good teacher will listen to your needs and tailor their approach accordingly.
7. Commitment and Availability: Consider the teacher's availability and commitment to regular lessons. Consistency is crucial for progress, so finding a teacher who can provide regular lessons that fit your schedule is important.
Please bear in mind that, finding the right piano teacher is a personal decision. Trust your instincts and choose someone who not only possesses the necessary skills and expertise but also inspires and motivates you to reach your kids’ musical goals.
i was incredibly honored to have been invited to serve on the jury panel at the Macao International Music Festival 2023.
It was an exhilarating yet hectic experience. In addition to adjudicating, performing, conducting piano masterclasses, and giving individual lessons, I had the privilege of hosting a sharing session (of about 80 students and parents) on the first day, where I introduced and discussed extensively the concept of "Deliberate Practice" with the contestants and their parents.
A few things worth thinking about before reaching out
They should consider asking themselves the following questions to clarify their needs and goals:
1. What is my current skill level on the piano?
2. What specific areas of piano playing do I want to improve or focus on?
3. What are my musical interests and preferred genres/styles of music?
4. Do I have any specific pieces or repertoire I would like to learn?
5. Are there any specific goals I have in mind, such as preparing for exams, performances, or competitions?
6. How much time can I commit to practicing the piano each week?
7. Do I have any prior experience or training in music theory or sight-reading?
8. Am I interested in learning other aspects of music, such as music history or composition?
9. Do I have any physical limitations or challenges that may impact my piano playing?
10. What are my expectations for the teacher-student relationship, such as preferred teaching style, communication, and feedback?
By thinking through these questions, piano students will have a deeper understanding of themselves, which will help them have more productive and meaningful discussions with me / any potential piano teacher.
Review
All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience lived by the students of Chuan-Li.
Perfect! Highly recommend Dr. Ko!
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Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher
My son Aaron's piano lessons with Dr. Ko have been an incredibly enriching experience. Dr. Ko's profound knowledge and systematic teaching approach have laid a strong foundation for Aaron's musical journey. Despite having high expectations, Dr. Ko balances it with patience, understanding, and genuine care for my son's progress.
What sets Dr. Ko apart is his ability to make learning enjoyable and relatable. The lessons are not just informative but also engaging, fostering a passion for piano in Aaron. Dr. Ko goes the extra mile by demonstrating extensively on the piano, providing a visual and auditory guide for Aaron to understand and emulate the correct techniques.
In summary, Dr. Ko's blend of expertise, discipline, and a nurturing teaching style has significantly contributed to Aaron's musical growth. I am grateful for the positive impact he has made on my son's piano journey.I believe that learning must be a joyful experience. This is the same principle I applied when I looked for a suitable music school and teacher to teach my 5yo. We went to several music schools for trials but it didn't feel right until we came across Dr. Ko Piano Stdui on Google Business Page. Dr. Ko’s warmth, friendliness, patience and understanding of pedagogy for young learners convinced us to sign my son up (despite us living in the far North of SF)!
In the past 9 months or so, my son has been motivated to practise and tinkle at the piano almost every day, remembering, repeating and doing everything that Teacher Chuan Li has taught him (none of us at home are able to guide him).
We are so glad that we chose Dr. Ko Piano Studio to journey with my 5yo in his pursuit of deep learning and appreciation for music!Dr. Ko really helped my son not only level up his piano ability, but also his confidence and comfort in playing. My son had been with another teacher for awhile and though he liked the teacher, he wasn't progressing very quickly and was getting bored and frustrated. After he switched to Dr. Ko, he progressed rapidly, and even plays the piano now when he's bored, just for fun. We are thrilled.
Dr. Ko is enthusiastic, friendly and clearly a talented musician!. He takes the time to listen to the music you're into and constructs lessons around music you like. The lessons are always fun, well structured and the time and effort he puts into planning these is obvious. Highly recommended!
Excellent teacher and piano player!
Dr. Ko taught me to play the piano since 2021 and I highly recommend him for anyone looking to start playing. His teaching methods are fantastic and he makes all lessons extremely enjoyable. Being taught to play the piano by Ko is the reason why I still continue to play the instrument now. A very friendly and reliable guy!
I would highly recommend Chuan as a piano teacher. I've had 5 lessons so far and I've made good progress with the piano. Chuan explains things really well and sends useful links and documents to support learning. If you're thinking of learning piano I would recommend booking lessons with Chuan.
Both of my boys are progressing well with the piano thanks to Chuan-li (Dr. Ko). He’s patient and makes sure the lessons and songs are at the right level to build confidence. I like that he takes the time to ask about the music they would be interested in learning to play once they’ve mastered the basics. I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Ko Piano studio.
Dr. Ko makes piano lessons professional, varied and cheerful at the same time. It makes learning an experience and also gives space for your own wishes. I really enjoy going to her piano lesson and making progress! I can warmly recommend Dr. Ko!
Dr. Ko is a super talented and outstanding teacher who was pivotal to developing my love for piano. He was a very kind, guiding hand in his lessons, and I felt that with him, my playing improved the most. The lessons and pieces were memorable and I recommend his service for anyone who would like to play piano!
Both my boys have progressed incredibly since starting lessons with Dr. Ko. They both love working with him and enjoy the experience each week immensely.
My son attended lessons at Dr. Ko Piano Studio since August 2022 to help him brush up on his scales and other technical skills. Dr. Ko was absolutely fantastic and a great help. My son enjoyed his time with Dr. Ko. I was able to see a marked improvement between before and after his lessons and he’s certainly much more prepared than he would’ve been practicing on his own. I’d recommend this piano master to anyone in San Francisco who are in need of a good piano teacher.
This is a wonderful place! Our 6 year old has been taking lessons from Dr. Ko for over a year and we couldn't be happier to see her learn and enjoy piano. Dr. Ko is very talented, patient and so great with kids in his teaching methods. Our daughter looks forward to go to the piano class every week. Dr. Ko has been very quick to answer any questions, emails and accommodate our schedule. Dr. Ko Piano Studio is a very professional place to take music lesson. Highly recommended!
Dr. Ko has been a wonderful teacher. My daughter Jenny has been doing great progress with his guidance and inspiration. He’s very calm, professional, articulate when it comes to teaching Piano and not to forget he’s an expert in Piano and can do both offline (in-person) as well as online classes with same ease. Thank you Dr. Ko!
I took piano classes elsewhere on and off for a while with various adult teachers. However when I came across “Dr. Ko Piano Studio” it is a totally different experience, it is a completely different level of depth and quality of knowledge and opened the door of a facinating discoveries which I cannot wait to engage every week. I started piano class with Dr. Ko a year ago before very shortly decide to commit to study theory with him after he analysed the song "tears in heaven". It was mind blowing. He makes me see every piece of music so differently since. Not just how but also why the composer structured the song in the way they did in terms of the harmony, rhythm, voice leading, lyrics etc, and also many other fine details i never notice and how they fitted perfectly and hence each other to result in such masterpiece, and that was just a pop song. We then looked at plenty of classical music and I never had any teacher who could make me understand why the composer did such and such so structurally and in so much depth. As I was trying to learn Debussy's "page d'album" for my ABRSM Grade 6, everything became so clear after he spent a few minutes mapping out the reasons for the notes, it took honestly a few minutes to manage play it myself which never happens due to my lack of sight reading skills. I started learning counterpoint and harmony along with classical form and have gained so much from the online classes every week. Dr. Ko also takes it very seriously to plan for the agenda and assessment on student's learning journey, something no one ever done as I suppose it not easy with adult students. I feel very lucky to have found this gem in SF and it is the highlight every week. I could not recommend enough as in this crazy world, places with sense is no longer easy to find. I have seen many talented people since my studies in UCSF and here I am nothing but truely impressed.
Dr. Ko is absolutely amazing!! I absolutely cannot recommend him enough, my 8 year old daughter had never even played a key on a piano before and not only is she playing she is doing absolutely amazing and it is down to the way she is being taught. I really can't put into words how brilliant Dr. Ko has been with her and continues to be brilliant with her every lesson, so thank you Chuan 😁😁😁.
My 8 and 6 year old boys have been learning piano and theory of music from Dr. Ko for nearly one year now and he is the best teacher out of 3 piano teachers they had so far. He is extremely patient and professional. Being a teacher myself, I always notice good teaching strategies and child friendly approaches in Ko’s way of teaching. I would highly recommend him for anyone who is looking for a piano teacher.
My daughter enjoyed her sessions with Dr Ko. She really showed improvement in the way she plays the piano and in turn improved her confidence. We were updated with how each session goes thru text messages and it was very easy to communicate with Ko. It was a great experience for both me and my daughter!
You make piano lessons so much fun and interesting. Dr. Ko makes sure that his students are engaged throughout the whole lesson.
My son has been enjoying his piano lessons with Dr. Ko. He takes the time to get to know his student, works with his interests and incorporates her teaching skills and strategies into the lesson. This has really gotten my son wanting to continue piano lessons with Dr. Ko. Thank you, Ko, for listening to your customers and for being so accommodating. More power to you!I started my piano journey with Dr. Ko four months back and he has been a great teacher and a mentor in this journey. He is extremely systematic in his approach and very patient with his students. He has not only helped me to improve my solo playing style but as well understand the basics and concepts of piano.
Ko has a warm personality, a lot of passion and wants to genuinely see you progress becoming a well rounded pianist.
He is always available to answer your queries and I would recommend him to anyone who is either beginner, intermediate or advanced player. :)I've had many music teachers and know a thing or two, about great teaching quality, practice and communication. Mr. Ko is a first rate piano & music teacher. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to learn piano. I will most definitely be studying with him for a long while.
Thanks to Lesson.com, I decided to try out with Dr. Ko for piano lessons. Within a couple of lessons I felt that I wanted to continue with him in the long run as he is very patient and does not get frustrated even if you keep on repeating the same mistake, instead he will guide you until you get it right. Under his tutelage I attain a distinction Grade 5 (ABRSM) in a couple of lessons. I have decided to have my piano lessons with him all the way. :)
I am glad that we have chosen Mr. Ko as my son's piano teacher. He is very enthusiastic, patience, and always go an extra mile in teaching. He is very good with kids. I can see that my son really enjoy the class and sometimes even asked Mr. Ko to teach him extra songs even though class is already over. It is good that Ko is not calculative on the timing too. I am looking forward for him to take grading exams in the near future.
Dr. Ko really has a way of transcending the conventional way of learning the piano and makes it a genuinely fun experience. Despite the various levels his students are in and teaching methods they need, I've observed that he's excellent at keeping track of their individual development on the courses, and is really hands-on with all of his students. Each session is maximized well which makes for faster progress. To all parents out there, if you're looking to get your child into a fun and rewarding musical experience that they can have as a hobby, I definitely recommend piano lessons with Mr. Ko! He’s one of the nicest yet highly professional teachers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. :D
My son 8 years old son, Vincent recently joined Dr. Ko’s Studio. He thoroughly enjoys his classes with Dr. Ko. He shares that Dr. Ko is warm, encouraging and humorous in his classes.
With me he communicates well, and told me clearly his goals for my son such as increasing the range of my son’s repertoire and preparing him for exams. I found Dr. Ko approach and structure very helpful in ensuring that time at his lessons are well spent.
Will definitely recommend him as a piano teacher to young children.Dr. Ko was an amazing teacher, always giving astute feedback and balancing the things I want to play, with the things that will improve my playing. I highly recommend Dr. Ko if you're looking for a teacher!
Let me share about the piano teacher, Dr. Ko. He is dedicated and will teach you everything and won’t hide. He can even improvise music theory and makes them easy to remember. His theory is so good that you can learn n take exams in the shortest time. He had good experiences teaching in various environments and that made him able to solve students’ problems better. Dr. Ko is a great teacher to have. I m so glad he is my teacher.
Dr. Ko has been such an amazing piano teacher for our kids. He is a gifted pianist who is also a gifted teacher. He has really connected with my kids. Dr. Ko has been exactly the kind of piano teacher I've wanted for them. He is also just so very lovely to deal with, and has been very flexible with us when things come up. Highly recommend Dr. Ko. Wonderful experience!
Having been a former music student, I simply wanted the best possible piano teacher for my daughter. I feel that I have found that teacher in Dr. Ko. My daughter looks forward to her lesson each week and practices everyday...not for me but for "Mr. Ko". It is amazing the progress she has made in the past 10 months as a student of Dr. Ko. Our friends and family are always complementing her playing. I cannot recommend him more highly.
My 8 year old son receives wonderful piano instruction from Dr. Ko. He has been attending lessons for a year and has made tremendous progress. I am grateful that Dr. Ko teaches technique, theory and also incorporates proper posture. None of my sons previous teachers taught posture and I believe that is has helped my child excel at piano. Dr. Ko has also helped instill a love of playing in my son. He knows what he is capable of and pushes him to his level of achievement.
Have been with Dr. Ko for 5 years (on and off remotely, and in-person) and yet my son Brian still look forward to every lesson. Dr. Ko is a kind and caring teacher who focuses on techniques but also teaches ways to present during performances whether it be body language or letting your fingers rest before lifting them up. He has been supportive of my son’s journey as a musician. For example, he has helped my son to pass his audition for the music elective programme in his school and has given him many opportunities to perform in public. Hope to stay with Dr. Ko for many more years to come.
Dr. Ko is a nice, patient, and professional teacher. Through my first-hand experience, he teaches in a way that is easy to understand and at the same time fun too! I have always enjoyed his lessons. Dr. Ko not only improve my skills, but also increase my overall confidence! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn and improve their piano skills :)
I've had many piano tutors (I’m adult student) in the past and could never feel seem to progress far. Dr. Ko Has however brought back the joy of piano learning. He’s very experienced and has the ability to adapt according to my needs. His teaching methods are unconventional but certainly the most effective for me. The way he articulates and provides analogies on piano techniques makes it all so much easier for me to comprehend. I love Dr. Ko’s teaching and you will too.
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Rate
- ₹6,000
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- 5h: ₹30
- 10h: ₹60
online
- ₹6,000/hr
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