Beyond Performance: a journey of growth
Beginner to Advanced
Any Instrument
Competition & Performance
Dr. Soonghee Ha, D.M.A., M.M.E.
Anyone can play the piano.
It is true. Regardless of intrinsic talent, anyone can play the piano — with the right perspective, guidance, and environment.
My studio launched in 2009 and in the years since, this philosophy has only solidified as I've applied natural, nurturing, and holistic methods of music education to each student.
Music is a language, so anyone who is exposed to it can learn it. Older learners may take more time to acquire the language, but with the right influence, we can all be fluent in music.
For children in particular, how they are introduced to music influences their entire life.
Music needs an holistic approach.
I take an holistic approach to music because the beauty of song requires it. Music demands the whole body. We learn positioning, supportive muscles, relaxed movement, and even breath support.
You can teach a student with rigor and rigidity, but that child will not enjoy playing and will stop as soon as they are able or the parents give up, which usually happens first.
I approach learning with the human spirit as priority, not the instrument. We are raising beautiful people, not piano prodigies. With scaled, developmentally appropriate steps, one can grow into a beautiful person who can peacefully express emotion through music.
As this simple graphic shows, an holistic approach begs support from each person in the learning triangle.
The student is engaged and seeking. The parents are supportive and interested. The teacher is leading and informing. Like the whole body, we approach musical goals together. Knowing others will do their part, I will do mine.
Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul.
- Wassily Kandinsky
It is necessary to be concerned about the importance of educating a really beautiful human spirit.
- Shinichi Suzuki
I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.
- Billy Joel
Creativity & Artistry
are contagious in all their forms.
We are inspired by Bach and Billy Joel, by Pavlova and Picasso. I am especially moved by Georgia O'Keefe. These are brave people who dared to pioneer their fields.
I want to be like my heroes.
Vitality & energy require the courage to grow and collaborate! We work together, gain new skills, and leave an imprint on the world.
And perhaps, we inspire others to create.
