Comments from former and current students and parents
Ms. Zhou’s pedagogical approach is thoroughly comprehensive. The technical foundation she provides is simple, yet effective for holistic freedom of expression. Her respect, patience, and authenticity towards all of her students were invaluable to me in the beginning stages of my life as a musician. Through my classes with Ms. Zhou, I bridged the gap between the cerebral and emotional in my music performance--not just executing the notes on a page, but connecting with the heart of the music for the first time. The platform Ms. Zhou offers her students truly allows them to shine.
— Anna Z.
My fondest memories of lessons with Xiaolan weren’t always what I learned in front of the piano. Lessons often began with light conversation over tea, dinner with the family, or perhaps play time with the pups before a lull drew out the much anticipated phrase, “well..shall we?” Humanistic, philosophical, and highly personalized, Xiaolan’s style of teaching (on and off the bench) is the most well rounded artistic experience a growing musician could hope for. My personal musical journey began on her piano bench, and now after nearly ten years of teaching I still compare my lessons to hers - have I used enough metaphors to get the point across? Maybe we should take a tea break? Perhaps some light reading on music’s relation to psychological development so we can take the edge off? Xiaolan’s unique mix of art and science gets to the core of musicianship not just mentally, but physically as well. As a painter with a brush, her lessons connect the technical with the musical, relaying in-depth knowledge about the mechanics of the body with its corresponding interaction in the keyboard forming one artistic expression. Most importantly, however, is her ability to meet students at their level. Xiaolan’s approach to teaching takes into account all aspects of a student’s ability before designing repertoire that will develop talents while still improving upon the weaknesses, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience for all searching to more completely understand classical music and its role in the human experience.
— Colton F.
I started piano lessons with Xiaolan when I was five. In the beginning, I found out that I was a fast learner and I loved to pass pieces quickly. As I progressed however, Xiaolan taught me how to truly appreciate the music without rushing through the notes. She set the standard very high for each piece, teaching me how to play each phrase deliberately, just like an artist with each stroke of his brush. Around the same time, I had become very involved in art and drawing. Her teaching inspired me to look for the details in music, which significantly influenced the way I created artwork.
— Daniel C.
When I first started to learn piano, it was a lot of struggle. My two brothers before me had very quickly learned how to play well, but it was hard for me to even read notes and count at first. My parents doubted if my lessons could go on, but my teacher Xiaolan patiently waited for me to learn. I had problems with reading notes. She always encouraged me to keep trying, not to give up. And now I can practice on my own. When I get stuck during my practice at home, I text her for help. When I have questions, she uses examples and teaches new vocabulary to help me understand. Because she has spent so much effort and passion teaching me, I am now able to enjoy my playing more than ever.
— Jacob C.
What makes Xiaolan a wonderful classical piano teacher is her love for the music and her dedication to the art form. She teaches students at all ages and levels of competency. She comes from a very talented family of pianist and has many years of experience. Our daughter started playing the piano with her one year ago. Xiaolan consistently works with her on technique, phrasing, listening skills and she has already introduced her to an evolving repertoire. She ensures that the parents, family and friends can experience the evolution of the students by holding intimate recitals. She is teaching her how to play the piano, how to learn and how to perform. Our daughter’s love for music as a whole has grown and she has become more adventurous while playing. Xiaolan achieves wonderful results from her students and has earned the respect from parents and colleagues. While she was on tour in China (2019) she used her current piano students as examples as she spoke and educated enthusiasts on the importance of teaching students how to learn and committing to practice. She is extremely patient and requires a mutual connection so the learning experience is engaging and fun. We highly recommend Xiaolan if you are serious about learning how to play classical piano!
— J. & Felicia T
We have known Xiaolan for almost 9 years. I still remember my daughter’s first lesson with Xiaolan on her 8th birthday. Over the years, we have become close friends. We love Xiaolan not only because of her extensive piano knowledge and teaching style but also because she teaches my daughter life lessons and life skills. She pays attention to details and teaches her students to become more confident especially when performing in front of people. Now my daughter is a high school junior. We think having piano lessons with Xiaolan is invaluable, and it is a big part of my daughter’s life until my daughter goes to college. One good thing is Xiaolan has just started her online lessons. Maybe she will continue my daughter’s lessons in college!
— Kun P.
Hi! I am Marley and I’m 8 years old. I have a piano teacher that makes sure that I am having fun playing the piano. She also encouraged me to play pianos all across the world. She teaches me the techniques on how to play. She is also picky on how you’re playing and keeping your hands up. She teaches you how to read music. She teaches me how to perform in recitals. You should have her as your teacher too!!!
— Marley T.
For most kids, beginning piano or any musical instrument seems like a simple process. Practice hard, listen to your teacher, and get good at playing. When I first began lessons with Xiaolan at a young age, she quickly taught me that the musical process was far more complex than that. The goal of playing music wasn’t just to get more skilled, but rather to be able to channel your passion and communicate it to the audience. Whenever I brought anything to her in a lesson, I could always count on her expecting something more out of me. Why? It wasn’t that she was a perfectionist. Rather, she held high standards for me because doing so would raise my standards as well. She taught me that my level wasn’t determined by what my fingers could do, but by my awareness- knowing whether what I was playing was good or not. My time as a student under Xiaolan lasted seven years, yet the lessons that Xiaolan imparted upon me have stuck to this day, driving me to create music for the purpose of enjoyment and passion. I am honored and truly grateful that I began my musical journey with Xiaolan.
— Michael C.
I had the pleasure of having Xiaolan Zhou as my piano instructor for two semesters during the start of my undergraduate work in music. A good teacher knows how to balance rigor with encouragement, and Xiaolan excelled in this regard. She pushed us out of our comfort zone, but she always had an encouraging word when needed. Her mastery of her instrument was only matched by her excellence as an instructor. She is a master teacher, and I recommend her highly.
— Scott R.
Xiaolan is of a rare breed of teachers whose commitment to student learning and understanding extends far beyond the textbooks. She finds a way to ensure that no student is left in the dark. Her compassion, firmness, and strong character make her one of the best teachers I've ever had.
— Steven F.
Ever since Xiaolan helped us pick out the piano for my five-year-old son twelve years ago, she has shaped the views of music appreciation for our three boys. She patiently adjusted her teaching method and styles to fit the unique needs of each boy, ultimately bringing out the best from each of them, inspiring their passion of music and art. As a parent, I learn from Xiaolan how to appreciate my sons’ music, their effort and struggles. Her piano lessons were not only successful in turning my sons into musicians but helped me improve as a parent. Xiaolan taught me what teaching really means – inspiring!
— Yan H.