I really enjoy learning the piano at the Angeles Academy of Music, and it has been almost 2 years now. I learned the piano as a child for 10 years, but only pick it up again after 10 years of break. At Angeles Academy of Music, they not only fulfill my desire to play the piano again but also intensify my passion for music. They have great-conditioned pianos, including a grand piano in one practice room. Having good pianos is very important: For beginners, love for music increases when you hear beautiful sounds; for advanced students, you improve your skills better when the piano can reflect different touches. My teacher Vincent is very knowledgeable and inspiring. As a child, I used to play whatever my teacher asked me to play, without developing my own tastes. Vincent would select a range of pieces, ask for my opinions and thoughts, and explain the context and anecdotes of the pieces. My techniques and interpretation have also improved a lot thanks to him. Because Vincent is also a composer, when I want to analyze pieces in terms of chords and structures, he is also extremely helpful.
On the other hand, a large proportion of the students here are kids and teenagers. The teachers are all very kind and caring. Director Nathan, along with Beha and Jesse, are very friendly and they create an encouraging and welcoming learning environment. They have a homework awarding system, and I always see kids excited receiving their awards for doing their daily practice. They also have recitals twice a year, for students to set up explicit goals for making progress.
