Adult

John Duykers has appeared with many of the leading opera companies of the world.

He is particularly well known for his performances of contemporary music, having sung in 80 contemporary operas including 47 world premieres. In 1987 he created the role of Mao Tse Tung in John Adams' Nixon in China which was premiered with Houston Grand Opera and he has performed throughout the world. Nixon in China was telecast over PBS' "Great Performances" winning an Emmy and recorded for Nonesuch, winning a Grammy.

The most important thing I bring to a piano lesson is my joy in music & joy in teaching. Comprehensive approach to music education: sight-reading, ear training, technique, repertoire. Youth students perform for each other, in recitals, in community; many participate in Certificate of Merit program. Adult students perform for each other. Studied piano with Raymond Francis Foote, Patricia Taylor Lee, Naomi Sparrow, Ellen Wassermann.

I am the past president of Contra Costa County, Performing Arts Society (Contra Costa) and the Berkeley Piano Club. As a member of Alameda County, I currently serve as a director, on the Maria Homen Memorial Library Committee and on the Investment Committee.

I perform on a regular basis as part of the Oak Hill Trio with Alice Lasky, vioin and Lin Barron, cello. I have also concertized for many years with Nancy Rude as a duo-pianist.

Charlene enjoys teaching motivated students of all ages & abilities. Although specializing in early keyboards, she has kept an active private piano studio in the Bay Area & she has developed an Music History course that is integrated into the Berkeley Crowden School curriculum.

I am strict, but gentle. Everybody's abilities are different, hand size, coordination, speed of learning, memory, etc...I work with adult beginners as well as with children and I do my best to adjust to a student's particular personality and aptitude. I favor quality over quantity and I recognize that in an effort to attain a goal, each student will work at their own pace. As long as the desire to improve and to learn are present, I believe one can make progress with proper teaching. I have sent several students to the Certificate of Merit program, always with success.

I studied classical piano since the age of 4, and chose to expand my knowledge by working towards a Music Minor in piano performance in college. My decision to pursue teaching came years later, after a Master's degree and career in Marine Ecology proved unfruitful, and I haven't looked back. Teaching has deepened my understanding and appreciation of the art of playing the piano immeasurably, and I love working with my students one-on-one, whatever the age, level, or background may be.

I have specialized in the art of teaching for over 40 years, offering individual lessons to children and adults at all levels. I use my extensive teaching skills to inspire students to play to the best of their abilities, allowing the artists within to emerge and grow. Lessons and workshops are held in my warm, inviting El Cerrito studio, where students thrive under my personal interest and tutelage. I am considered an expert in teaching music-reading skills, and have lectured and given master classes at the World Piano Pedagogy Conferences.