Piano Lessons with Niki Y.

Niki Y. is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator based in the DC area. She earned her BM in Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music, where she also studied viola performance with Dr. Chelsey Green, and participated in a myriad of orchestras, chamber ensembles, and contemporary bands, including a performance alongside jazz legend Kenny Barron. Growing up in Boston, Niki was very involved in the folk scene, so she was constantly surrounded by world music and dance, which she continues to carries with her in her music today. She has performed in eight different countries, in concert halls (including Boston’s renowned Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall), recording studios, musical theatre pits, and dance halls. Niki was classically trained and adores classical music, but she has never been one to stick to a single genre: she also performs folk, jazz, musical theatre, rock—even video game music with the 8-Bit Big Band!

Niki teaches private lessons in violin, viola, and piano. Though she is largely influenced by the Suzuki method, she uses a variety of teaching methods and materials, catered to each of her student’s needs and learning goals. She teaches many different styles, from classical, to fiddle, to rock and pop. Usually putting more emphasis on learning by ear, especially with younger students, she also teaches using written music, as she believes that both approaches have their merits; it all depends on the individual student. Having a great love for improvisation, Niki loves to help each student find their creative voice through their chosen instrument. She believes that music is an integral piece of the human experience, and that making music is one of the most powerful ways to communicate, to share and connect with other humans, and to find joy in the world.