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September 2023 by Claudia Verdugo
I cannot express how fortunate I am to have found Fernandez Piano Studio and Fernando as my piano teacher. From the moment I started lessons with him, my musical journey has been nothing short of incredible! And thats a lot to say coming from me...I started playing the piano at 9 years old, I've had countless piano teachers and none have taught me like Fernando. He possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge and skill in piano that is truly awe-inspiring. He has a remarkable ability to break down complex concepts into manageable steps, making me fall in love with the piano again. His passion for music is contagious!One of the aspects I appreciate most about Fernando is that he doesn't just teach "read the notes and play the keys" he tailors each lesson to suit my individual needs and goals, ensuring that I am constantly challenged and growing as a pianist. He brings in music theory which was something I had never learned in my 30 years of playing! His patience and encouragement have boosted my confidence and motivation to practice diligently.Beyond the technical aspects of piano playing, Fernando has a gift for teaching musicality and expression. I have seen incredible progress in my piano skills since starting lessons with him, so much so that my preteen daughters and husband even commented on my improvement!If you're looking for a piano teacher who is not only a master of the instrument but also a dedicated, patient, and an inspiring mentor, Fernandez Piano Studio is the perfect place no matter how old or young or years of experience you might already have!
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August 2023 by Max Delbecq
Didn't know what to expect taking my 4.5 YO daughter to private piano lessons, but it's something I regret not doing at an earlier age, and it was something my daughter expressed interest in doing. Fernando's studio is so convenient to our house in Poway, which makes getting to lessons a breeze. Fernando is an extremely nice individual, talented, patient, kind, and makes piano interesting and enjoyable for the little one. I am always impressed with his organized lesson plans, and he is good at sensing when a change of pace is needed if my daughter is frustrated or needing additional stimulation from another activity. He is never one to push too hard and is very patient with my rambunctious daughter. He also encourages us to bring in songs and ideas from popular music we enjoy, which makes it fun for the daughter so she can associate her learning with music she likes. Overall, although it can sometimes be a chore to practice at home and make the lessons each week, we have noticed strong progression since the beginning, with my daughter now able to recognize notes and hand positions from memory, play basic melodies (using both hands no less), and learning some basic songs, writing music, and learning notes/rhythms. I can't wait to see what the future holds and appreciate Fernando's patient and persistent approach. I know Fernando has clients across the age spectrum, and I get the sense he is good at meeting folks where they are at musically and developmentally to make the lessons work for each individual. I recommend you check out Fernandez Piano Studio!
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August 2023 by Gaines Perryman
GREAT Piano Teacher!!! I interviewed several teachers before deciding to enroll with Mr. Fernandez. I really enjoy his approach to teaching the piano, and teaching music background along the way. His depth of knowledge about music, techniques to play and various music styles have made learning to play piano fun, educational, motivational and entertaining. I highly recommend Mr. Fernandez, if you want to learn to play the piano...
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June 2023 by Nicci D'Amico Howard
Fernando is an amazing teacher, my daughter is 8 and started last year and looks forward to every lesson. She is learning theory in addition to learning to play songs that she knows and likes. He doesn't follow the basic book method, but he goes by the student and his own methods which make so much sense. She knows more than ever did in my years playing as a young kid. He's a wonderful musician and piano teacher.
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June 2023 by Brick Red
I am an adult who just started learning how to play the piano. Mr. Fernando is very nice, and he makes learning the piano really fun and interesting. I like the way he includes music theory and history which I am really interested in. His studio is very comfortable and not intimidating which makes you feel at ease when you are there. I would recommend him to any one who wants to learn to play the piano.
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February 2023 by Priscila Folly Castro
It’s a little over a year now that my daughter, who is 7 years old, has been taking classes from Mr Fernandez. I feel comfortable writing a review at this point, given how much we’ve experienced and witnessed from being there, in each of the classes with her.What an excellent teacher he is!! He is so patient and kind for the moments when she seems tired or distracted. She’s only 7, after all!!But what is most impressive to me, who also studied a bit of music in my youth, is that she can already play all kinds of songs, from classical pieces to funk!! He works with the student to find out what _they_ want to learn! This way, there’s no feeling of “obligation” or “dread” to learn just what he tells you to. His techniques for teaching are amazing! He color-codes rhythms to make them easy to learn, understand, identify, and remember; especially for kiddos. He mixes theory and practice as he goes, so what you learn in theory, you can anchor right away with playing it. The arrangements he creates for the pieces he teaches are beautiful and right on par with the student’s level. This very much encourages the student, as they are bound for success. If you have him as one of the possible teachers for yourself or your children, definitely give him a try and you’re not going to regret it!
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December 2022 by Juan Botello
Great teacher my son enjoys every lesson and has improved a lot! He has learned lots of great songs. Highly recommended
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December 2022 by Mike Maceyko
Mr. Fernandez is an engaging, patient, talented piano instructor. I highly recommend him.
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December 2021 by M McDonald
I played piano as a child but, like many others, did not keep at it. At my age, I decided I wanted to do more than memorize notes. I wanted to understand the structure of songs and the theory behind that structure. Mr. Fernandez presents the information in such a manner that each topic builds onto the next, each reinforcing important concepts while staying interesting. His love of music and enthusiasm for teaching is demonstrable at every lesson and I have made great progress under his instruction. I have been taking lessons with Mr. Fernandez for most of 2020 and absolutely recommend him. He is exactly what I was looking for in a teacher.I am writing an addendum to this review after having studied with Mr. Fernandez for 18 months. I recommend that anyone who wants to learn to play piano go to him for instruction. His fluency in music and outstanding teaching skill make him the ideal teacher for all ages. He has broadened my knowledge of music and ability to play beyond my expectations. He is an amazing teacher and highly recommended.
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December 2021 by Patrick S
Best teacher, he doesn’t just teach you how to play specific pieces. He helps you understand what you’re playing.
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December 2019 by Lin Zhong
Mr. Fernandez is an excellent teacher. He is talented, dedicated, and very kind. My daughters love learning piano from him. They learn very fast as beginners. With Mr. Fernandez’s excellent teaching skill and clear guidance, my kids have learned how to play piano, how to read music notation, and music theory. I am very glad to have Mr. Fernandez as my kids’ piano teacher. Highly recommend him to those who want to learn piano, especially for the kids.
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December 2019 by Diana Solis
A couple of years ago, my oldest boy (now 13) had dropped out of 5th grade band, because he said he lacked the dedication that playing the violin required. He said he’d rather play the piano. LOL. At this point, my younger boy (now 11) had already decided that he didn’t even want to be in band or play any instrument at all. RJ and I interviewed several instructors, and he had already chosen one, when we got to Fernando’s studio. In just a few minutes, Fernando taught him to play his favorite song at the time. Not only did RJ like Fernando more than he’d liked all the other teachers, but he was amazed at what he’d learned during the interview and extremely excited to start his musical journey. The boys were so impressed, that my little one asked me if he could take piano lessons as well! Fernando’s ability to capture their attention and keep them engaged throughout the years, especially at their age, is unparalleled. Even on the days that they are unmotivated to go to piano class and would rather play video games (which is pretty much every day now!), they come out of the studio with a glowing face and super happy to have attended. And I’m super impressed at what they can play every time I hear them practice! With the boys’ sports schedule, it’s always a challenge to find time for anything else, but Fernando always accommodates us, changing our lesson day and time as we need. We are so thankful to have found Fernando, his energy and kindness, and his contagious passion for music!
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December 2018 by Shane Noel
Fernando is a very good teacher. He is so interactive and shares his passion for music. He is patient and works very well with my 14 year old son. Highly recommended.
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December 2017 by Mei Walsh
I am an adult student and have been taking lessons from Fernando for close to a year. He is a fantastic teacher. I have had a few teachers in the past and the routines were always the same: memorize, drills and more drills. With Fernando, he teaches fundamental piano playing techniques like recognizing patterns, finger positions, reading in blocks, practicing small group of notes at a time, etc. I have more than a few “ah-ha” moments when I finally understand the whys and the hows. I especially like that he rearranges some songs that are too difficult for my level so I can still play and enjoy it. He really understands music and sometimes shares his knowledge of interesting music history. I feel fortunate to have found such a wonderful teacher.
