I started taking piano lessons with Shawn back on January 2023 and I've seen major progress in my playing abilities. Shawn is extremely patient and understanding and genuinely cares for all of his students. After 8 months of lessons with Shawn, I can now play for my friends and family! Exciting and I love piano more than when I initially started. Highly recommend Shawn and La Jolla piano institute! -Alex read more

We've been coming here for 8yrs now, since my son was 4yrs old, learning how to play piano. He is almost 12yrs old now, and he play wonderfully thanks to his instructors Shawn. They really know how to work with your child with different personality, even my daughter who started at 4 as well. But my daughter was a bit of a challenge because she wouldn't sit still. They knew how to capture her interest so she would be interested and focused. They Both play piano beautifully. Thanks Shawn and Dan! read more

My two children (Now aged 6 and 8) have been taking lessons with La Jolla Piano Institute since early 2020 and I couldn't be happier. The owner, Shawn, has been teaching piano for 20+ years now and it really shows. At other schools you will get lots of teachers that are teaching as a side gig or part time. With Shawn and Danny you get two teachers who have dedicated decades of their lives not only playing piano, but more importantly teaching piano. Their years of dedication shows in the quality of their instruction and passion for teaching. One of the biggest compliments I can think of is that my kids love going to piano even after 2+ years. Whether you are looking for lessons for yourself or you kids I couldn't recommend La Jolla Piano Institute enough. read more

This may be an excellent place for some (and I'm glad for them), however it was not a very good fit for our needs. We found it as a result of a Living Social offer (4x 30-minute lessons for $75 instead of $150) so it may be a case of 'getting what one pays for' but we were a little disappointed when every lesson consisted of having our son repeat the same ~20 notes in the same order for the whole lesson. We did not expect our son to be able to play at all following the lessons; or even remember much of what he'd learned. We had hoped the lessons would maybe expose him to something he would find a pleasure, or a source of enjoyment; he found it a chore. There was no effort to share love or appreciation of music, simply 1-2-3-3-3-4-5-.....3-2-1 repeatedly for each 30-minute session. While I'm sure drills like that have their place, I'd have expected a little context of why we do them, along with a little fun along the way to retain interest. There may be different instructors there, with different techniques, in which case maybe we were poorly matched. Unfortunately, the high point for our son was the candy at the end. Maybe shorter, more frequent lessons would be the answer if this approach is desirable/productive? We also felt a little misled by the initial appointment not being an actual lesson, and merely being an appointment to schedule the four sessions. read more

I've been a student of Marden, the owner, for many years. I had him as a teacher from when I was 14-18, and then, 15 years later when I moved back to Orange County, I tracked him down and am now his student once again, driving from Irvine to the La Jolla piano institute once a month. That said, I understand that he doesn't often take students on himself, but I have also had the pleasure of interacting with the other instructors he hires for the institute. I have absolute faith in their grasp of the technicality and musicality of playing - perspective and experience over the last 20 years has shown me just how amazing Marden's grasp of music is, and he would not tolerate anything less in his instructors. While I have interacted with the other instructors as a peer rather than as a student and am good friends with one - Michael - in particular, even I get a sense of the fun and appreciation that is injected into the teaching just from our casual conversations. In fact, it is my very interaction with Michael that helps invigorate and maintain my enthusiasm for piano in between my lessons - he has a genuine passion for music and I fully credit him for increasing my practice time by at least 30%. While I appreciate piano and have learned to enjoy it for its own merits, Michael has made it fun to discuss and on many occasions directly inspired me to hit the ivory keys as opposed to the plastic ones on my computer in the midst of our chats. What also impresses me is that the instructors themselves are still learning, and from a story I heard, this is almost an implicit requirement by Marden. I think it is important for instructors to also remember what it is like to be a student, and that music is not a static thing - there is always more to learn, more to explore, and it is something that grows with you. If you change, sometimes the music changes with you. I will be the first to admit that I may be biased with regards to the La Jolla Institute, but between my experience with music - I have been playing piano since I was 4 - and teaching - half my professional career has been in technical communications and instruction - I am very confident that the La Jolla Piano institute offers a superior combination of instructional and musical talent. read more

I am very annoyed by Sheri J's review from 5/27/11. It's negativity almost prevented me from giving this amazing piano institute a chance, when I was looking for a new Suzuki piano teacher for my 7 and 9 year old boys in July. We have now been at The La Jolla Piano Institute for nearly 3 months, and it has been the best experience ever!!! My children used to complain about having to practice the piano; now they negociate over who gets to practice first! They are playing amazing songs that are interesting to them, yet complicated and challenging, like Star Wars, the Pink Panther, Chopsticks, and Fur Elise. I sit with each of them for half of their lesson, listening to how excellent their instructors are, and how they mix in humor and encouragement as they teach. Each boy has a male teacher, hand-picked by the Founder, Marden. Marden has about 10 instructors to pick from, so he evaluates the child and matches their personality to his instructors so that it is a perfect fit. He also evaluates their maturity, to see if they are ready for lessons, and though I was worried about my youngest, Marden assured me he would do perfectly, and he has! He says he has 4 year olds that are mature enough for lessons. Marden also encouraged us to take lessons twice a week instead of once a week, simply because his vast experience has convinced him that students learn much faster when there is more time with the instructor. When I informed him that finances and scheduling prevented us from doing twice a week, he accepted that just fine, and did not push. The La Jolla Piano Institute is cheaper than the previous place my kids took Suzuki lessons, which is a method I strongly believe in, and worth paying more for anyway. Thus nearly everything said in that 5/27/11 evaluation has been false, in my experience. I have never seen anyone smoking, and if they do it on their own time, then that is their business. The place is not expensive and the owner did not oversell. The comment about the "6 year old going on 20" makes me wonder if the lady has discipline problem with her child, and is trying to blame it on La Jolla Piano Institute. It's a piano school, not a day-care, so your kid needs to behave in there! Then she writes "I hope that helps", which really makes me angry! Writing unfounded reviews like that is NOT helpful, it is shameful and hurtful, and I am angry that I almost missed this amazing Piano school because of it. Shame on you, for trying to damage the business of this excellent place, with your sour-grapes 1-star-review! read more

The owner of this institute is only geared towards collecting money. Unfortunately that blinds him from carrying business in a more caring way. Cancellations are only accepted with a 7 day notice. I called with more than 6 days ad he said, oh no the "Web Master" is the one doing the reservations, I can't help you. I don't know about you but I do not like blunt lies in my face. And if you have a balance paid of $100 for the month, he won't allow you to take any classes unless you pay the month in full in advance. The month of December payment is in full, eventhough they are closed for two weeks. Very little regard for the client, only for the money. Very disappointed as the teachers seem excellent if it wasn't for the poor attitude of the owner. Sorry not for us. An absolute reap off. read more

This is a great place to take your kids to learn piano. My oldest son, age 8, has been taking lessons from Shawn for almost 1 year and my youngest son, age 7, is with Michael for the past 3 years. These two teachers are really great. They work so well with my kids. In addition, the Suzuki method of teaching young children is invaluable to my children's music education, academic advancement, and overall well being. My oldest son is 2e and he is really hard to handle at times but Shawn just has the right touch to motivate him when he just needs a little push to get through a difficult or "boring" part. They would also accommodate him by letting him pick his music and advance him at his own pace. Shawn is also really good at dissecting each section of the music and explaining how he wants the music to be played. My youngest son has gotten so much more than just a music education and appreciation. In a span of almost 3 years, he has played and memorized 12-15 songs. I loved that they have my son play all the songs during every single lesson. This ensure that he practices all his old songs and gives the teacher a chance to help him perfect a section of the song to make it even better. Michael is really patience and always ready for my son. He remembers exactly where my son has trouble in each song and I have not seen him jog down a single note in 3 years. He is not afraid to advance my son when he is ready and he always greet us with a smile. I am really glad my kids started their music journey with La Jolla Piano Institute. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, this is by far one of the best extracurricular activities for your children. read more

Celebrating 40 Years of the finest music education in Orange County and San Diego County

My children have been taking piano lessons at this wonderful institute for eight years! They both started fairly young and they have consistently enjoyed and improved their piano skills. We go twice a week and I have never had my kids complain about having to go see their teachers and practice with them! As a parent, that alone it is a victory!!! Over the years we have never had one issue with any of the teachers ,scheduling or rescheduling, they are professional and accommodating if possible. Over this period of time, we have developed a wonderful friendship and a bond that my kids will cherish for the rest of their life! Special teacher do that....leave that "mark"in kids memories... Marden ( the founder of the institute) is greatly missed but thanks to his teachers his legacy continues on... I am grateful for that and would never consider any other alternative. La Jolla Institute is the finest in town!!!!!!!!!! read more

I have dealt with Marden, the Owner, quite a bit over the last year and his staff, and they are phenomenal! He is very experienced, the studio is very organized and polished, and the building is well maintained and professional too. The staff is really fun and great with children. I am so glad I found this Piano Institute! Thanks Marden! read more

I went here to continue my education in piano and learn music theory. Both my parents are musicians and it was important to go to a place that represented not only the best learning but also the capability to expand my songwriting. Working with Shaun and Marden afforded my to opportunity to do both, learn pieces that were challenging but also, time to write my music. I've written several pieces of music while attending. I've learned a tremendous amount from both of these talented pianist. Dave T. La Jolla read more

Since the passing of the owner of La Jolla Piano Institute, this place is not being run well. One of the piano teachers took over and he is not lacks professionalism and people skills. Due to some family medical emergencies, I was confused about my son's lesson dates and didn't know he had a lesson on 2 days. I never received a phone call to inquire where my son was and if we were running late (at which point I would have known our wires were crossed), but I did receive a text demanding payment. I have no problem paying for a missed lesson, and would do so in any event, but the way in which it was handled was totally unprofessional. When I apologized and explained that I had being dealing with not 1 but 2 parents with medical emergencies, and I apparently screwed up the dates, the owner was not the least bit understanding or kind. Then he 'accidentally' sent a text to me wherein he was telling someone I missed 5 lessons (a total lie)) and calling me a word for a female dog! I had been nothing but friendly and kind to him. I was even cooperative and non judgmental the time he lost my check. I would steer clear of La Jolla Piano Institute for now. There are better places out there. My son described the office as having no joy. He nicknamed his teacher, "Skillet" and when I asked why, he said he is cold and needs to be warmed up. We are both much happier with his new teacher. She inspires him and she is even less expensive! read more

I'll be up front and say I know two of the instructors here very well. Both of them are *excellent* pianists, and are engaging, attentive teachers. When my kids are old enough, they'll come here to learn piano. read more

My 11 year old son has been taking piano lessons here for 14 months and loves it. He is excited to go to his lesson every week and really likes his teacher, Alexis. His lessons are challenging and fun! Marden, the owner is amazing in his passion and knowledge of music. I highly recommend the La Jolla Piano Institute! read more

I agree with the other posts. Customer service was unprofessional from owner. the instructors are nice, but the overall atmosphere was not what we wanted, and we found another teacher nearby who has been wonderful. read more

This is such a great place for children to learn to play the piano. They are so positive and their methods are wonderful to motivate children. They listen to what the child wants to learn in addition to making sure they have the necessary basic instruction. Michael is terrific and is very skilled in being able to keep the kids focused but keep the lesson enjoyable. When someone is looking for a place for lessons, often it is just sheer luck that puts you in the right place. We are very fortunate to have made this connection. It is a perfect fit! read more

My kindergartener has been taking lessons twice per week for over a year and we are very pleased with his teacher Shawn and the La Jolla Piano Institute. Marden helped match our son with a teacher who would be the best fit, with my input. I sit in on most lessons and I've found it to be just the right mix of fun and instruction. read more