Laura Michele

5 (11 reviews)

Rate $75
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Laura Michele has taught since their arrival at Superprof
50+
Number of students Laura Michele has taught since their arrival at Superprof

5 (11 reviews)

$75/h

Piano

Welcome to Jazz/Pop Expressions! Learn to play all the songs you love!

Piano

Lesson location

- At Laura Michele's house: Palo Alto

Super Tutor

Laura Michele is one of our best Piano tutors. They have a high-quality profile, verified qualifications, a quick response time, and great reviews from students!

About Laura Michele

Welcome to Jazz/Pop Expressions!

I am Laura Michele. I teach jazz and pop piano to seniors, adults, teens and kids. I teach in my home, located in Midtown, Palo Alto. I have been a jazz/pop piano player, singer and teacher for over 45 years. My goal is to help you learn to play the music you love, and to help you learn to love making music!

What is my teaching method? Rather than using a particular teaching method, I cater my lessons to each student's individual musical goals. Before our first lesson, I find out what you want to learn, and get to work preparing your individualized lesson plan. During our lessons, I emphasize chord structure, chord progressions and theory, improvisation, composition, ear training, sight reading, lead sheet reading and writing, modes, song form and structure, and other aspects of jazz/pop music theory. This will allow you to understand what you are playing so you can apply this knowledge to any piece you want to play. (I am also a jazz/pop singer and vocal coach, so if you want to sing while you play, you are in luck!) You are in charge of your learning. Whatever pieces you choose, I will help you to learn them quickly and beautifully with your own musical touch!

What are some of my unique skills? I am skilled at conveying complex concepts in a way that is easy to grasp, so that you can learn to make beautiful music in a short period of time. I am particularly skilled at helping students who have anxiety, insecurities or doubts about their ability to play and learn. I help them to gain confidence in themselves, let go of perfectionist tendencies, and experience the joy of making music! During our lessons, it quickly becomes clear that not only are "mistakes" allowed and expected, but celebrated as opportunities to think outside the box and learn new concepts. (Like Miles Davis said, there are no wrong notes!) I honor each student's learning style, process and pace. Neurodivergence is welcome here!

What is something I love about teaching? One of the most satisfying things for me about teaching, is when students have "aha" moments as they realize the connectedness of the various concepts they are learning. Each lesson is like adding another piece to a puzzle. It is thrilling when the puzzle starts to come together, and your piano playing takes off!

Whom have I taught? I have worked with experienced classical pianists who wish to apply their skills knowledge to pop and jazz. I have also worked with adults who are beginners who have always wanted to learn, but have previously had negative experiences or felt that it was too hard. I have taught students from ages four to eighty one, from beginners to advanced players.

Making music is about adding joy and fulfillment to your life. It is a beautiful and satisfying way to express yourself emotionally and creatively. Playing and teaching piano is my passion. Whatever your age or musical level, I would love to share my knowledge and years of experience as a teacher with you, so that you can experience the joy of music making!

:-)

What is my educational and musical background? I have a BA in Liberal Arts with a Music Emphasis from Cal. State East Bay, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Special Authorization to Teach Music from National University. I am a certified Orff Schulwerk music teacher.

What is my musical history? I started playing the piano at age 5, the recorder at age 6, the guitar at 11 and flute at 12. I learned guitar and recorder from my mother, a folk guitar player who taught music to hundreds of children in Palo Alto, in the same house where I now teach. I studied pop piano throughout my teens and played voraciously. I loved playing all the popular songs of the day (the 1970's!) on the piano while my friends and I sang along. I spent hours improvising and writing my own songs. I started playing jazz in high school and studied jazz piano with the great Ed Kelly at Laney College in Oakland. I spent 5 years soaking in the amazing jazz program at Cabrillo College in Aptos, where I honed my piano and vocal chops while studying music theory, jazz arranging and improvising, performance, jazz choir, chamber choir, songwriting, jazz solo singing, classical voice and others. I used my good ear and knowledge of jazz modes and theory to develop my skill in in scat singing.

I have provided piano accompaniment for small-scale theater productions and taught group classes in Jazz and Popular Solo Voice. I have been the pianist and lead vocalist in several bands, playing and singing jazz and popular music in the greater Bay Area, across the country and abroad.

I began teaching as an elementary classroom teacher in 1994, first in Redwood City and then in the Palo Alto school district, where I provided an arts-integrated curriculum, and taught several workshops for other classroom teachers on brain-based education and arts curriculum integration. I developed and implemented the two-year long, Kindergarten Orff Schulwerk Music and Movement Pilot Program for the Palo Alto school district, where I instructed kindergarten classroom teachers in the integration of music and movement into the classroom curriculum. I wrote several grants so that every kindergarten classroom would be equipped with xylophones, glockenspiels and hand-held percussion instruments (those instruments are still being enjoyed by students today!).

I joined the P.A.U.S.D. music department in 2001, teaching grades K-4. I took a two year sabbatical to launch and direct Creative Expressions Preschool, a music, movement and art-based, Spanish Bilingual program for 2-5 year olds. I also directed the 6th Grade Honor Choir at J.L.S. Middle School. I am an early retiree, and I am thrilled to be focusing on private teaching! (Fun fact: I am also a chocolatier!)

About the lesson

(NOTE: Please scroll down past my reviews to view my rates.)

I will always start by asking you what your goals are and what you wish to work on or accomplish. My teaching style is flexible; rather than subscribing to a particular method, I follow your lead, teaching to what YOU want to learn. I cater my teaching materials, including books, musical selections, finger exercises, etc., to your particular needs and interests.

I enjoy teaching children, teens, tweens, adults and seniors. I specialize in teaching pop, jazz, blues, folk rock, R&B, Motown, rock n' roll and other modern styles, with theory to understand what you are doing. I emphasize improvisation, composition, transposition, ear training, rhythm, song interpretation, chart reading and writing, transcribing, and other important components of good musicianship.

I teach both piano and voice (song phrasing and interpretation, as well as technique). If you don't want to pay twice for two types of lessons, you can get a two-fer with me! I am also particularly adept at teaching students whose insecurities, anxieties or shyness seem to be getting in the way of their musical desires.

What is my advice for finding the right piano teacher? (This is important!) Think of what type of music brings you joy. When you go to listen to music, what over-takes you, draws you in, relaxes you or excites you? Try to find a teacher who also connects with the kind of music you love. Also, do you get a good "hit" from the teacher's written description of themself? Does something they have written make you smile or pique your interest? This might be a hint that you should give them a call. I suggest interviewing them over the phone. When you speak with them, do they put your mind at ease? Are they easy to talk to? Do they address all your questions honestly and thoughtfully? USE YOUR INTUITION! Does the person feel like the right teacher for you? Be sure to take two or three lessons before making a final decision. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to get into a 'flow' with a new teacher.

Consider asking your prospective piano teacher some of these questions:
*Which musical styles do you teach? Which is/are your favorite(s)?
*How do you define 'success?' How do know if your student is progressing?
*What ages do you enjoy teaching?
*What type of practicing schedule do you recommend?
*What makes you stand out as a piano teacher?
*Do you think we would be a good musical match? Why or why not?

Review

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience lived by students with Laura Michele.

5 (11 reviews)

P

Pam
- 5
Perfect! As a 62-year-old beginner, I’ve found Laura Michele to be a wonderful instructor. Having started with her after only a year of previous experience, I was impressed by how quickly she helped me master chord structures and inversions. She has a gift for simplifying complex tasks, whether it’s breaking down a new song or modifying advanced pieces to fit my current skill level. Laura is patient, kind, and very generous with her expertise. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful and effective teacher. Five stars
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P

Pam

Perfect! As a 62-year-old beginner, I’ve found Laura Michele to be a wonderful instructor. Having started with her after only a year of previous experience, I was impressed by how quickly she helped me master chord structures and inversions. She has a gift for simplifying complex tasks, whether it’s breaking down a new song or modifying advanced pieces to fit my current skill level. Laura is patient, kind, and very generous with her expertise. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful and effective teacher. Five stars

Laura Michele's response
Thank you, Pam, for your kind words! I am so glad I have been able to work with you and to help you grow musically!
- Laura Michele's response :
  Thank you, Pam, for your kind words! I am so glad I have been able to work with you and to help you grow musically!
G

Gregory
- 5
Perfect! I have been taking weekly lessons with Laura Michele for 7+ months, and she has been an excellent teacher and helped me improve my skills and confidence with jazz piano more than I thought I would be capable of in a short period of time. She meets me where I am musically and teaches me a lot about chords and theory in the context of actual jazz songs that I like and enjoy playing. I really enjoy playing piano again and highly recommend Laura Michele to anyone considering jazz lessons! -Gregory Moore
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G

Gregory

Perfect! I have been taking weekly lessons with Laura Michele for 7+ months, and she has been an excellent teacher and helped me improve my skills and confidence with jazz piano more than I thought I would be capable of in a short period of time. She meets me where I am musically and teaches me a lot about chords and theory in the context of actual jazz songs that I like and enjoy playing. I really enjoy playing piano again and highly recommend Laura Michele to anyone considering jazz lessons! -Gregory Moore

Laura Michele's response
Thank you very much, Gregory! It has been a joy teaching you!
- Laura Michele's response :
  Thank you very much, Gregory! It has been a joy teaching you!
J

James
- 5
Perfect! I have been taking piano lessons from Laura Michelle Agigian for 2 years. I am 78 years old and Laura Michelle has been adept at giving me the lessons that somebody of my age requires. Even though I had some lessons as a kid my knowledge was lacking. My prior lessons were of the classical type of instruction. See a written note and play it. In the beginning if you asked me to play a C chord my response would be, "What's a chord?". Now I have a working knowledge of most chords and their inversions and extensions. I still have a lot to go, but she has adapted well to teaching somebody that has an aging brain and body, like me. I would recommend her to anybody.
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J

James

Perfect! I have been taking piano lessons from Laura Michelle Agigian for 2 years. I am 78 years old and Laura Michelle has been adept at giving me the lessons that somebody of my age requires. Even though I had some lessons as a kid my knowledge was lacking. My prior lessons were of the classical type of instruction. See a written note and play it. In the beginning if you asked me to play a C chord my response would be, "What's a chord?". Now I have a working knowledge of most chords and their inversions and extensions. I still have a lot to go, but she has adapted well to teaching somebody that has an aging brain and body, like me. I would recommend her to anybody.

Laura Michele's response
Thank you, Jim! I appreciate you, and always enjoy our lessons together. I am honored to be part if your ongoing musical journey!
- Laura Michele's response :
  Thank you, Jim! I appreciate you, and always enjoy our lessons together. I am honored to be part if your ongoing musical journey!
B

Barbara
- 5
Perfect! Laura Michele is a wonderful piano teacher. I started taking lessons from her in December 2021 (after not having any piano lessons since the early 1970's) and have loved every minute of it. She is super talented, knowledgable and patient. I highly recommend her!
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B

Barbara

Perfect! Laura Michele is a wonderful piano teacher. I started taking lessons from her in December 2021 (after not having any piano lessons since the early 1970's) and have loved every minute of it. She is super talented, knowledgable and patient. I highly recommend her!

Laura Michele's response
Thank you so much, Barbara! I am so glad that you enjoy your piano lessons with me! It is an absolute delight working with you and seeing your progress. I always look forward to our time together! 😊
- Laura Michele's response :
  Thank you so much, Barbara! I am so glad that you enjoy your piano lessons with me! It is an absolute delight working with you and seeing your progress. I always look forward to our time together! 😊
N

Noah
- 5
Perfect! I love working with Laura Michele! I’m a 17 year old who came to her at 16 with no previous experience whatsoever. I’ve learned so much, but the most valuable thing she’s taught me is how playing piano can be a vehicle for me to express myself and bring joy to myself and others. I’ve never felt like I HAD to play piano or seen it as a chore. It’s one of my favorite hobbies and I’m so glad that I took the leap and signed up to learn from Laura Michele!
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N

Noah

Perfect! I love working with Laura Michele! I’m a 17 year old who came to her at 16 with no previous experience whatsoever. I’ve learned so much, but the most valuable thing she’s taught me is how playing piano can be a vehicle for me to express myself and bring joy to myself and others. I’ve never felt like I HAD to play piano or seen it as a chore. It’s one of my favorite hobbies and I’m so glad that I took the leap and signed up to learn from Laura Michele!

Laura Michele's response
Thank you so much, Noah! I am thrilled that playing the piano has become an integral part of you, and something that you love to do for fun and self expression. That is something you will take with you for the rest of your life. I’m honored to have been a part of your musical journey, and I can’t wait to see you for lessons during your breaks when you are home from college! 😊🎹❤️
- Laura Michele's response :
  Thank you so much, Noah! I am thrilled that playing the piano has become an integral part of you, and something that you love to do for fun and self expression. That is something you will take with you for the rest of your life. I’m honored to have been a part of your musical journey, and I can’t wait to see you for lessons during your breaks when you are home from college! 😊🎹❤️
M

Michaelyn
- 5
Perfect! AMAZING
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M

Michaelyn

Perfect! AMAZING

Laura Michele's response
Thank you very much, Michaelyn!

So are YOU! ❤️🎶
- Laura Michele's response :
  Thank you very much, Michaelyn!
  
  So are YOU! ❤️🎶
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Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

A

Anne-marie

I started taking piano accompaniment/jazz expression/pop/piano/singing lessons with Laura Michele Agigian a few months ago. I highly recommend her. She is passionate about teaching. She pays a lot of attention to the fingering technic and the musicality. She gently and effectively encourages her students. She is fun and patient. She is a great piano/voice teacher for children and adults alike. Anne-Marie.
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A
Anne-marie
I started taking piano accompaniment/jazz expression/pop/piano/singing lessons with Laura Michele Agigian a few months ago. I highly recommend her. She is passionate about teaching. She pays a lot of attention to the fingering technic and the musicality. She gently and effectively encourages her students. She is fun and patient. She is a great piano/voice teacher for children and adults alike. Anne-Marie.
G

Gio

Laura is an amazing teacher. I'm 20 years old and have been on and off with the piano for years. Being as I compose and play by ear, she has done an excellent job at perfecting my piano skills, as well as sparking new appreciation with music as a whole. The results have been night and day, and my compositions and understanding of music theory has never been better. She will do her absolute best to make sure you get to where you want to be whether it's to get better at chord theory, technique, or melody training. No matter what kind of learner you are, she can adjust and make sure you understand / properly utilize the concepts and strategies needed for you to get better at playing Piano the way you want to play. I highly suggest that if you're like me and you're wanting to get past that skill barrier, Laura will help you to become the piano player that you always wanted to be.
Read more

G
Gio
Laura is an amazing teacher. I'm 20 years old and have been on and off with the piano for years. Being as I compose and play by ear, she has done an excellent job at perfecting my piano skills, as well as sparking new appreciation with music as a whole. The results have been night and day, and my compositions and understanding of music theory has never been better. She will do her absolute best to make sure you get to where you want to be whether it's to get better at chord theory, technique, or melody training. No matter what kind of learner you are, she can adjust and make sure you understand / properly utilize the concepts and strategies needed for you to get better at playing Piano the way you want to play. I highly suggest that if you're like me and you're wanting to get past that skill barrier, Laura will help you to become the piano player that you always wanted to be.
R

Roopsha

Our boys (7 and 10) have been taking piano lessons from Laura Michele for the past 1.5 yrs, and love their classes. Laura Michele has a wonderful connection with each kid and truly knows how to make learning music a joyful and creative experience. She follows the Orff Schulwerk teaching model, where the kids are given space and encouragement to express themselves through improvisation and stories. It's unlike any other music class we've been to. We feel so lucky to have found Laura Michele.
Read more

R
Roopsha
Our boys (7 and 10) have been taking piano lessons from Laura Michele for the past 1.5 yrs, and love their classes. Laura Michele has a wonderful connection with each kid and truly knows how to make learning music a joyful and creative experience. She follows the Orff Schulwerk teaching model, where the kids are given space and encouragement to express themselves through improvisation and stories. It's unlike any other music class we've been to. We feel so lucky to have found Laura Michele.
R

Roopsha

Our boys (6 and 9) have been taking piano lessons from Laura for the past 1.5 yrs, and love their classes. Laura has a wonderful connection with each kid and truly knows how to make learning music a joyful and creative experience. She follows the Orff Schulwerk teaching model, where the kids are given space and encouragement to express themselves through improvisation and stories. It's unlike any other music class we've been to. We feel so lucky to have found Laura.
Read more

R
Roopsha
Our boys (6 and 9) have been taking piano lessons from Laura for the past 1.5 yrs, and love their classes. Laura has a wonderful connection with each kid and truly knows how to make learning music a joyful and creative experience. She follows the Orff Schulwerk teaching model, where the kids are given space and encouragement to express themselves through improvisation and stories. It's unlike any other music class we've been to. We feel so lucky to have found Laura.
Ryan

Laura Michele was a wonderful instructor who created a fun and flexible environment. I learned an incredible amount in a short period of time. I am happy to recommend her.
Read more

R
Ryan
Laura Michele was a wonderful instructor who created a fun and flexible environment. I learned an incredible amount in a short period of time. I am happy to recommend her.
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5h: $375
10h: $750

Details

$80: 1 hour lesson (adults, teens)
$75: 45 minute lesson (tweens, kids 8-13)
$65: 30 minute lesson (young children)

**$5 Discount per lesson for those paying in cash (non electronic payment) or paying in advance.

Welcome to Jazz/Pop Expressions! Learn to play all the songs you love!

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Welcome to Jazz/Pop Expressions! Learn to play all the songs you love!

Lesson location

Super Tutor

About Laura Michele

About the lesson

Review

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

Details

Laura Michele's Video

Other tutors in Piano

Ronald

Tatyana

Toshiya

Malgorzata

John

Liudmyla

Josh

Nora

Alita

Alita lake

Jingze (Sarah)

Yagmur

Daniel

Gabriela

Yuna

Nego

Susan

Anna

Anne

Sabrina

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