“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart. ”
As a teacher…
I am a classically trained singer, pianist and theater artist. Coming from a musical family, I officially started my musical journey by beginning to learn the piano at 8 years old.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a voice concentration from Biola University. While at Biola, I sung with the Biola Chorale at the 2016 Western Division ACDA Conference and continued my piano studies as well. I attended masterclasses of Menaham Pressler, Angela Chang and others. I have served as a choir accompanist for church and was a Conservatory Fellow at the American Conservatory Theater where I began my career in arts administration. I have worked with multiple performing arts organizations such as Capital Stage, Sacramento Ballet, Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera and San Francisco Opera in either administration or production capacities.
I am certified with the Suzuki Association of Americas in the ECC (Every Child Can) course and Book 1 where I received my training under Caroline Fraser and Annette Lee. I am also a member of the Suzuki Association of Americas and the Suzuki Music Association of California. I have been teaching using Suzuki since 2018.
“Ms. Olga’s teaching method was tailored to their age level where she incorporated musical games to keep them interested in learning piano. She even had a rewards system to encourage my kids to practice at home.
Ms. Olga had a gentle approach in teaching yet firm in making sure your kids have the correct finger shape and body posture while playing piano. My kids really enjoyed taking piano lessons from her. I highly recommend Ms. Olga as a piano teacher.”
Teaching & Philosophy
I am passionate about building up students as well-rounded musicians and individuals where ever they go in life. Each lesson is tailored and individualized to the student and parent. I take great care in learning to understand your child’s learning style, personality as well as each parent so that I can better support both parent and student. I strive to cultivate an environment ripe for learning, asking questions and a safe environment in the music making and learning. Embracing the process while also growing as an musician, artist and a human is the priority for me as an educator so that students can feel empowered in whatever they do in life in the future.
While I am a teacher, I am still a lifelong learner. I continue to invest in my own education and training through investing in coachings, studies and conferences so that I can further pour into students and provide the best support in their music education.
I am take piano/music students starting at age 3 and up and voice students starting at age 13 and up.
Currently, I am accepting new students.
“My daughter and son began their piano journey with Miss Olga. Through her guidance, my kids learned good finger technique and ear training skills. She has structure in her teaching yet uses a variety of techniques to engage her students and make it fun for beginners. She is patient, detailed, and dedicated in teaching piano. I would wholeheartedly recommend Miss Olga as a piano teacher!”
Where do we begin?
The first step is to schedule a 20 min consultation with me. Consultations are charged at $25.
Once we have had a Consultation, Next Steps will include scheduling a lesson at the end of the consultation and make sure your home has the necessary materials and tools needed to be successful for music lessons.
These materials include:
Reading Materials (Suzuki books, Note Reading Book, etc).
A Piano or Keyboard
If you have a Piano in your home, wonderful! Please tune your piano! At least twice a year!
If you are unable to have a piano, please invest in an 88 Key Keyboard with weighted keys.
Footstool and an adjustable piano bench maybe needed for young children as they grow. There are a variety of options of out there and I can provide more recommendations!
It is important to ensure the home environment is ready so that you are set up for success. We can discuss more during a consultation to figure out what is the best options for you and your student.
When starting lessons, parents are expected to enroll in a minimum of two 1:1 lessons (45 mins) before the students begin lessons. These 1:1 Parent lessons are to go over in more depth the Suzuki principles, questions and the repertoire. These 1:1 lesson will set you up for success as a parent in supporting your child’s musical growth. Once the Parent has completed their 1:1 lessons, then students can begin their first lesson!
After both the parents and students have completed their first lessons, we continue lessons at either 45min or 1 hour with the time being split between the parent and child.
Lessons include: Listening, music activities and games to engage the both child and parents to learn and master musical principles, repertoire, music theory, note reading and much more.
Studio Housekeeping Policies:
Holidays Observed:
Spring Break (1 week; Dependent on Student’s Spring Break)
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving week
Hanukah/Christmas/New Year’s (December 9th-January 6th)
Cancellation Policy - Lessons canceled due to illness, unforeseen emergencies or by the teacher are not charged a lesson fee. All other cancellations (Soccer game, Birthday Party, etc) do not qualify. If you need to cancel a lesson, please give notice at least 48 hours before your lesson.
Make ups - During the academic year (September -May), Make up are unfortunately not guaranteed. However, another student cancels, other students are able to take those lessons spots when available.
Summer Session - Between June-August, Students have the following two options to choose from:
1. Students can pause 1 month of lessons (no charge) while holding their weekly lesson spot
2. Students get 2 makeup lessons for the summer for 2 cancellations and can use them however they choose (ex: Vacation, Birthday Party, etc).
I look forward to meeting you and your student to begin your music journey!
If a musician wants to become a fine artist, he must first become a finer person.”
― Shinichi Suzuki, Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education