I fell in love with the piano when I was just five years old—the sound of the strings echoing
across the instrument, the feeling of the keys beneath my fingertips, the thrill of playing and
discovering new melodies.
I was eager to learn—but my journey from the practice room to performance spaces like
Carnegie Hall was not always smooth. As a pianist who has gone through the ups and downs of
learning an instrument and finding my own musical voice, my goal is to help guide each of my
students along in their own individual journey—wherever the music takes them.
For some of my students, that journey has led to a career in music. Many have grown into
professional pianists: from full-time performers to university professors. Some students have
gone on to become rocket scientists, engineers, medical doctors, writers, radio hosts, computer
programmers, or lawyers with a life-long passion for music. Regardless of career path, the piano
is a creative outlet that can inspire and inform many aspects of school, work, and life.
Music is about more than just the ability to play and create sound—studying music teaches us
to use all parts of our brain, combining the creative and the analytical and creating new
neurological pathways between them. Early musical training enhances the area of the brain
responsible for crucial cognitive skills such as information processing and retention, behavior
regulation, pattern recognition, problem solving, and planning. Early music learning helps wire
the brain for success.
In my piano studio I create a safe environment for growth and discovery, both as a musician
and as a person. Whether the piano is their career path or just a creative hobby, I encourage
and support my students through the trial, error, and experimentation of discovering a new
instrument. It is rewarding to see my students build confidence, discipline, commitment, and
passion for life-long music study, and I am honored to be a part of their musical journey.
About
As a performer and educator, Dr. Erin Chung is committed to helping students of all ages
cultivate essential musical skills while also instilling in them the joy and freedom of creative
expression. She is a member of the piano faculty at Seattle University and maintains a private
piano studio in North Ravenna teaching students of all ages. Dr. Chung studied piano at the
Eastman School of Music and received her doctoral degree from the University of Washington.
She made her solo debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra at age 17 and has performed
as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Korea.
Lessons
I believe music learning must be fun for the student. Research indicates that children (and
adults too!) learn best when they are enjoying themselves. Early music learning has the
potential to be dry, isolating, and boring—which is why my teaching style focuses on creating a
space of joy, creativity, and self-expression at the piano. Each student has a different learning
style, and I tailor my teaching to accommodate each student’s individual needs and interests.
Private for All Ages/Levels (In-Person or Online)
Private lessons are recommended for students who thrive in a focused, one-on-one setting.
These lessons are tailored to the individual student, providing music, activities, and in-depth
teachings that meet the student where they are while challenging and inspiring them to grow.
Private lessons are catered to the individual student’s abilities, goals, and interests.
Semi-Private (In-Person Only)
Semi-private lessons are recommended for younger students who thrive in a social
environment. These small group lessons of 2-3 students combine the benefits of both
traditional individual lessons and interactive group lessons. Fundamentals of music such as
note-reading, musical symbols, rhythm, and ear training are introduced through fun games and
activities. The environment is positive and engaging, honoring the growth of both the individual
and the group.
Camps
These weeklong camps are designed as an introduction to music for students ages 6 and up.
Through daily musical games and exercises, students will be empowered to explore
the piano keyboard and to express themselves through sound. Working in a small group of up to
five students, each music camp provides individualized instruction, introduces the basic building
blocks of music, and prepares young students for semi-private or private music lessons.
Upcoming Sessions:
April 10-14, 2023 | 1:00PM-3:00PM | Recital: April 14, 2023, 2:30PM
July 10-14, 2023 | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Recital: July 14, 2023, 11AM
July 24-28, 2023 | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Recital: July 28, 2023, 11AM
August 7-11, 2023 | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Recital: August 11, 2023, 11AM
August 21-25, 2023 | 1:00PM-3:00PM | Recital: August 25, 2023, 11AM
Doesn’t fit your schedule? Contact us for more options.
Testimonials
"This summer we also had our kindergartner attend one of Erin's summer camps.
She loved it! Her only complaint was that it lasted only a week. =) She finished the week
with a performance that surpassed her prior playing, too. I can't say enough good things
about what a strong, supportive, and skilled teacher Erin is. I am truly grateful to her for
bringing such beautiful music into our home.”
“Erin has taught my 14-year-old son piano for four years. He is a reluctant musician, but Erin has
worked some magic with him! She is gentle and kind, and yet she teaches with a sense of
humor, which makes the lessons fun. Although she is a classically trained pianist who has played
at Carnegie Hall, she meets her students at their level and is open to all types of music.”
“My 13-year-old son just started taking piano lessons with Erin after a long hiatus from learning
with another teacher. Every time he returns from his lesson, his mood entirely changes to one
of positivity and possibility. Her enthusiasm and encouragement inspire him to move to the
piano every day to practice. It’s so magical to watch!”
“Erin combines boundless patience and encouragement with precision and depth of musical
knowledge and technique. My children have been taking piano lessons with her for five years,
and they LOVE it. They practice without me reminding them. They play for themselves, for fun
and to relax. My home is filled with music!”
