Karen Tsia Music Academy - Ankeny Iowa Piano Teacher

My studio

My studio is located in Ankeny, Iowa, and I provide private piano instructions to children and individuals of all ages. At the current moment, I am providing in-person lessons at the student’s homes. These arrangements can change depending on the situation.

My preference is in-person lessons. If we have to revert to online lessons, they will be conducted over high speed internet, with quality audio and multi-camera setting to provide clear views of hand positions and postures, sheet music, pedaling and piano keys to my students. When needed, I also provide additional online videos to assist in their practice.

To help parents stay organized and students be more independent, information of lessons, announcements and class materials can be accessed through Google Classroom. Online students will also submit their theory homework via Google Classroom.

Lessons usually cover music theory, technique exercises and scales, grade level pieces and performance repertoire, sight reading, ear training and aural skills.

Students are expected to perform in two recitals every year around December and May.

About Me

I studied piano, underwent years of rigorous training and examinations, and graduated under the ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music) system (which is based in UK). The system is very structured and comprehensive for skill development. Today, I continue to research and study methods and strategies to improve on playing and teaching. I also enjoy discovering dynamic and fun pieces to help build the students’ repertoire.

As I have developed progressive bilateral hearing loss in the recent years, my musical journey will probably be short. So I am selective with taking in new students. I am happy to work with parents and students who are fully committed and cooperative, and those who are eager and willing to learn.

My Philosophy

I believe every child has the capability to play a musical instrument well. The keys to success are strong foundation, strong parental support and a good work and learning attitude. If you are a committed parent who plans to be involved in your child’s music education, I am the right teacher for you.

Different families have different needs, and different piano teachers have different goals. I am not here to teach every child. It is important to find a teacher who is a good fit and who will help your child excel. I am classically trained and I am focused on teaching techniques to produce a good tone and practice methods that prepares the player for advanced repertoire. I require students to have an adequate acoustic (or digital) piano before starting lessons.

I also believe that the choice of your first music teacher determines what kind of pianist your child will become. Even a prodigy when exposed to poor teaching methods can limit his chances of being an advanced player. Developing this strong musical foundation comes from doing it correctly right from the start. Since you are already making an investment, your child should be receiving a quality education.

Some of my transferred students were with their first piano teacher for 2 to 5 years before coming to me. The problems I encounter vary from being unable to read music or count, poor sitting and hand postures, flat fingers, percussive playing etc. Because these students are diligent and practiced regularly, they have developed habits that would essentially take months or years to break, or very frequently deep set. Much of learning an instrument is based on habits, muscle memory and the training of the brain. This explains why if you start to learn a language with poor pronunciation, you are less likely be able to speak it fluently or master it in the future. Because most transferred students were not trained to recognize mistakes, they tend to practice ineffectively. The process of relearning takes patience and perseverance.

My mission as a piano teacher is to equip my students with a strong foundation, to help them develop essential skills and musicality so that they can progress to play the music they enjoy at an advanced level, as well as the ability to continue their musical journey with ease and confidence.

EXCELLENT

6 reviews on

Jen Lindberg

January 26, 2024.

We highly recommend Karen! Our daughter has been taking lessons with Karen for about a year and a half. We have been very impressed and happy with her as a teacher. She meets our daughter where she is, and has developed lessons that are clearly tailored for her. The lessons are challenging and fun. She takes time to learn about our daughter, and engage with her during lessons. I appreciate that she focuses on fundamentals - building the basics takes time and she makes sure to communicate why building a foundation is important. It is wonderful to see our daughter improving her skills, but with Karen's help she is building confidence.

Adam Oline

December 26, 2023.

We have had a great experience with Karen. Our 8 year old daughter started taking lessons a little over a year ago, and her growth and progress in the first year has been fantastic! We appreciate Karen's focus on working on fundamental techniques from the beginning since those early habits are a key foundation to a lifetime of playing piano. Karen is very upfront and clear about communicating her policies and expectations, and she also provides a helpful report after each week's lessons noting what the student did well and any areas for improvement. We have been through two recitals and a Christmas Performance at an assisted living residence. These have all been great as well, they are a relaxed and enjoyable environment to see our daughter and Karen's many other students perform their latest pieces.

Ama J.

August 10, 2022.

We highly recommend Karen to any family who is looking for a piano teacher for their kids. She cares a lot about her students and really wants them to learn and be successful. She utilizes different techniques and various resources/technologies to ensure kids are making progress every week. She teaches them not just on how to read notes but she also spends a lot of time teaching them about music theory (e.g. time measures, music terminologies, etc.), proper posture, and finger positioning. She also makes it fun and more encouraging for the kids by giving them rewards, prizes or stickers based on how well their doing with their performance, attitude, practice, etc. We are very fortunate to have her as our kid's piano and violin teacher.

Barbara Bellaire

September 23, 2021.

Highly recommend Karen!!! In addition to teaching my girls how to play the piano, she also teaches them music theory. We love that she communicates with them through Google classroom which they are familiar with because they use that for school. It also helps hold them accountable for doing their music theory homework 🙂 I have two very different children who are motivated in different ways. Karen works equally well with each child helping them reach their goals. And they both truly enjoy taking lessons from her! We found Karen after our previous beloved piano teacher moved away. We never thought we would find someone that could replace her. But Karen has been amazing! We love that she is able to travel to our home. I also very much appreciate that she removes her shoes and sanitizes her hands without me having the awkward moment of asking her to do so. I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about Karen!!

Brian Werner

July 24, 2021.

My children love Karen and her approach to teaching. She is patient and good at developing the child’s interest in the piano. As a parent I have seen significant growth in my children in a short amount of time. She is also prompt with communication and gives regular updates on their progress.

Johanna Russell

July 18, 2021.

Karen is a wonderful piano teacher with high expectations delivered in a friendly and likable package. She has a clear understanding of what students need to stay motivated and engaged as well as the curriculum progression and skills needed for students. I strongly recommend Karen whether your learner is just starting or highly advanced.