Piano

My career in music began as a piano prodigy. At age sixteen, I was selected to be an apprentice teacher to a protege of Rosina Lhevinne of Juilliard, and personally taught children and adults. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at Stanford University (studying piano and chamber ensemble with Adolf Baller), I studied chamber ensemble and performed in a piano trio at USC. I have taught piano privately for over sixteen years. I prefer to maintain a boutique practice, will travel to student homes, and I customize my methods for the needs and interests of my students.

Singer, songwriter, instructor, pianist and guitarist Jill Cohn has been a full-time musician and touring songwriter since 1996, independently releasing 8 critically acclaimed CDs. She has opened for Dave Matthews, JEWEL and was a top-five finalist in the nation-wide Lilith Fair Talent search.

Melissa Smith performs solo recitals and collaborates with pianists, singers, instrumentalists, theater groups, and opera companies throughout the Bay Area. Her teaching practice emphasizes fostering "musical imagination" and strives to bring out the inner musician in each child at every lesson. Her studio has grown through word-of-mouth from fewer than ten in 1995 to over thirty devoted students today. Smith teaches students on their own instruments in the familiar surroundings of their own homes, which fosters enhanced progress at the piano in each student.

Ms. Flemming is whole-heartedly dedicated to the art of music teaching, working with students of all ages, discovering their unique talents, and having fun with them at the piano!

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Kathleen Flemming began her formal piano study at age seven, and in a short time was notating by ear the music she heard on the radio and TV.

My name is Ariane Cap, I am the founder of Step Up music.
I am a bassist and educator. I perform regularly with various bands and I teach bass, piano and group classes at Step Up, I teach at the Academy of Art University San Francisco, and facilitate seminars and band camps throughout the country. (Read my bio here). Busy as I am, Step Up is my heart's work and my passion. Make sure to let me know how I can make your experience here at Step Up stellar.
Step Up Music currently has 13 teachers teaching a variety of instruments and classes.

My name is Ariane Cap, I am the founder of Step Up music.
I am a bassist and educator. I perform regularly with various bands and I teach bass, piano and group classes at Step Up, I teach at the Academy of Art University San Francisco, and facilitate seminars and band camps throughout the country. (Read my bio here). Busy as I am, Step Up is my heart's work and my passion. Make sure to let me know how I can make your experience here at Step Up stellar.
Step Up Music currently has 13 teachers teaching a variety of instruments and classes.

I began piano and composition at age six. Each student is unique and I choose the materials specifically. I have created many of the materials I use myself. I teach music theory through composition. I find great joy when able to shine a light on the imagination of a student and help them to express themselves in the language of music. Having studied many styles of piano playing from gospel to jazz I am most familiar with classical piano repertoire. Improvisation is an important part of my own professional performing experience as well as my teaching.

I love students, music and teaching. Each lesson is personalized to the needs of each individual student. Ear training, theory, music history and music appreciation is taught in tandem with piano. I am a member of Music Teachers Association of California, on the editorial board of the California Music Teachers' Magazine, and am an adjuditor for the Certificate of Merit program. In addition to teaching, I am also available to evaluate festivals and competitions.

I have a broad teaching repertoire and extensive teaching and coaching experience at all levels, both children and adults. I encourage students in the development of a healthy technique and challenge them to their personal best in a creative, respectful, and nurturing environment. Many of my students have become established in successful musical careers, but I am also an enthusiastic supporter of the serious avocational pianist.