Greetings! My profile is at your service. I am Juan Carlos, an experienced pianist and piano instructor with 20 years of experience working with both youth and adults.
My approach to teaching is based on one-on-one lessons, in a supportive and engaging environment. In terms of my teaching style, I am direct, intentional, and highly relational. I strive to create mutually beneficial and personalized lessons and practice strategies based on the initial assessment and observation of the student's strengths and opportunities for improvement.
For beginners, my emphasis is on the foundational aspects of reading music, while developing body awareness and ear training to refine technique and musicality. For more proficient readers, I aim to provide support in improving playing technique and achieving greater ease, precision, and artistic expression.
My instruction style primarily focuses on classical piano music, but I am open to incorporating contemporary pieces into the repertoire upon request.
My music education background spans both San Diego State University and the University of California, Berkeley. During my time at UC Berkeley, I served as a vocal coach and co-director for the Cal Opera Company, and received numerous awards for outstanding achievement in the performing arts.
In addition to my music education, I hold a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and am a certified Gestalt Therapist. My broader understanding of human development, learning styles, and bodymind integration allows me to approach instruction in a more integrated and holistic way, with the goal of maximizing musical development and expression.
Musical style:
Classical, Pop, Jazz, I can make recommendations
Service location:
Remotely
Service Reviews
5.0
57 reviews
Service as described
5.0
Communication
5.0
Punctuality
5.0
JB
Joseph B.
The instructor was highly communicative and flexible in arranging the lessons, and the hour-long session was quite productive. They assisted me in obtaining a better understanding of utilizing my voice effectively and were exceedingly patient in guiding me from the fundamentals to assisting me with piano accompaniment.
June 23, 2022
NG
Nicholas G.
Collaborating with Juan, my objective was to perform a duet with my partner on our wedding day despite having no prior piano experience. Juan impressed me with his exceptional patience and preparation. He customized a lesson plan that aided me in grasping the fundamentals needed to play the duet. Witnessing progress every week filled me with elation. After three months of diligent practice, I can now play the four-minute duet with bravery. Mission accomplished! Heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional guidance!
June 22, 2022
JC
Joseph C.
Juan Carlos was hired by me to teach piano to my daughters, who are 25, 22, and 15 years old. He has been fantastic in teaching them, as he customizes each lesson based on their individual skillset and personality. Additionally, they enjoy working with Juan Carlos and find him to be welcoming and approachable. He is always on time, maintains a professional work ethic, and is an excellent communicator. We are delighted with his services and would enthusiastically recommend him to others seeking an exceptional piano instructor.
February 7, 2022
NT
Nicole T.
Over the course of four sessions with Juan Carlos Zepeda, I've been taught about voice lessons and music skills. These sessions are further bifurcated into understanding intervals, timing, and more.
Juan Carlos has been able to simplify and eliminate the myth surrounding the functioning of the voice through a detailed explanation about head and chest voice, placement, etc. I have experienced a gradual increase in my understanding of the mechanisms of it all after each session.
Aside from his excellent teaching skills, Juan Carlos has a magnificent singing voice and knows how to play the piano. He is extremely humble and approachable.
I strongly urge anyone to consider him as their teacher.
January 3, 2022
AM
Andrew M.
Learning from Juan is an amazing experience that I thoroughly enjoy. Despite having to travel for one and a half hours from SF, I take pleasure in leaving the city once a week. The lessons are highly beneficial, and the long BART ride and walk are well worth it. Juan's music theory expertise is profound, and I admire his ability to relate technique and musicality to theoretical and historical concepts. Although I have primarily taken piano lessons, I ventured into voice lessons and had a similarly wonderful experience. I am eager to try another voice lesson soon.
