Tess Luhmann

I am a professional pianist, offering services in piano instruction and performance. My personal repertoire has a primary focus on Classical music, but I have maintained a vast repertoire of classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary pieces through my work as a professional accompanist. As a private instructor, I provide piano lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.  To learn more, you can view my Student Handbook here.

37.7929789, -122.4212424

San Francisco, CA (94109)

Full Name:
Tess Luhmann
Contact Phone:
Music Styles:
Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Ragtime, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Pop/Rock
Teacher's Instrument/Voice:
Piano
Instrument/Voice Types Taught:
Piano
Age Ranges:
Adult
Elementary
Middle School
High School
Years Teaching:
2
Lesson Rate:
$35 for a 30min lesson, $60 for a 60min lesson, $75 for a 90min lesson
Offers Private Lessons:
Yes
Teaching Method:

Learning piano unlocks opportunities for sharpening cognitive skills, applying self-discipline, cultural appreciation, and lifelong enjoyment. My teaching goal is to share with you the same satisfaction that piano has afforded me.

The content of lessons will vary depending on skill level and student goals, but a standard lesson will include: 

  • Technical exercises: ranging in skill level from 5-finger scales to pedagogic exercise pieces (e.g. etudes, preludes, etc.).

  • Repertoire: selected based on skill level and the student’s selection preferences.  Depending on how quickly a student reads music, they may be assigned between 1 - 3 passages to study between lessons.

  • Music theory: theory is the backbone of piano, and the most transferable skill in music, and across disciplines.  Students will receive theory workbooks: lessons will be covered during our session, and exercises will be filled out between sessions.

  • Sight reading: perhaps the hardest musical skill, but is the most impactful at developing cognitive skills.  Sight reading will be taught alongside theory, with short passages to develop this skill.

Repertoire is flexible and depends on your musical goals. For novices and young children, I work through a series of short pieces and workbooks designed to introduce theory concepts and technique alongside song playing. For intermediate students, I guide students chronologically through keyboard repertoire to explore development in technique and styles. For advanced students, we collaborate on thematic projects to build recital programs. In order to advance in piano, it is fundamental for students to practice independently.

Practicing is a skill in its own right, and the benefit of developing self-discipline (especially from an early age) is a powerful transferable skill. Time spent practicing piano is dependent on skill level, but, for any level, it is recommended to try practicing daily.

If you are interested in learning more, you can also view my private instruction handbook overview here.

Makes House Calls:
Yes