San Diego’s music scene is often underrated but full of energy – from jazz in the Gaslamp to classical performances at Copley Symphony Hall, and the Latin music culture along the border.
Music is woven into the city’s soul, often unnoticed until you stop and listen. For many, the piano has always been calling them.
Whether you’ve seen a pianist perform, noticed your child drawn to the keyboard, or once took lessons and want to return, the desire to learn piano is strong. But getting started in a way that sticks can be tricky.
The good news is that San Diego has great piano teachers, and platforms like Wiingy make it easy to find one that fits your schedule, budget, and goals – whether you prefer in-person or online lessons.
This guide covers the cost of private piano lessons, how to choose the right teacher, and which teachers in San Diego are worth checking out.
Jordan Dyck with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario
Giselle De Leon holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mindanao
Ryan Krause holds a Master’s degree from Columbia College Chicago
Best piano teachers in San Diego
Wiingy has built a strong network of 350+ expert piano teachers, each carefully vetted for skill and teaching experience.
The platform makes it easy to find a private piano teacher in San Diego – available for online or in-person lessons.
Whether you’re a complete beginner mastering your first keys or an experienced player aiming to perfect your technique, Wiingy has a skilled piano teacher for every level and style – classical, jazz, Latin, pop, or contemporary.
Here are five top-rated private piano teachers at Wiingy in San Diego, each bringing their own unique strengths, teaching philosophy, and passion for helping students grow at the keys.
1. Japs Cunanan – Piano teacher with 12+ years of experience
Japs Cunanan
Japs Cunanan brings a student-centered, creativity-first approach, combining structured technical training with improvisation, ear training, and musical analysis to help students develop genuine harmonic fluency.
Experience:
Teaching Experience: 12+ years
Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree from the St. Paul University
Rating: 4.8/5
Pricing:
Hourly Rate: $34/hr
Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available
Specialties:
Grand Piano
Player Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Classical Piano
Electric Keyboard
Acoustic Piano
Age & Skill Suitability:
Age Groups: Kids to adults
Skill Levels: Beginners to advanced
Teaching Style
Approach: Japs uses PDF Sheet Music Libraries, Piano Tuner Apps, Virtual Piano Apps, Chord & Scale Reference Apps, DAWs, and Backing Track Libraries to create rich, multi-dimensional lessons.
Bardiya Jahandideh Shekalgurabi creates a fun and engaging learning environment with strong technical foundations, making lessons immersive and effective for kids and beginners alike.
Experience:
Teaching Experience: 2+ years
Professional Background: Diploma in Music from Bodwell High School
Rating: 4.9/5
Pricing:
Hourly Rate: $35/hr
Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available
Specialties:
Jazz Piano
Classical Piano
Grand Piano
Upright Piano
Age & Skill Suitability:
Age Groups: Kids to adults (including homeschooled and ADHD learners)
Skill Levels: Beginners to intermediate
Teaching Style
Approach: Bardiya leverages tech tools like DAWs, Metronome Apps, Virtual Piano Apps, Chord & Scale Reference Apps, and Backing Track Libraries to create interactive lessons.
3. Jordan Dyck – Classically trained pianist from the University of Western Ontario
Jordan Dyck
Jordan Dyck’s teaching philosophy focuses on fun, exploration, and personalization. He believes that enjoying the process is key, and that technical skills like pedaling are best learned through music the student loves and cares about.
Experience:
Teaching Experience: 3 years
Professional Background: Bachelor of Music (in progress) from the University of Western Ontario
Rating: 4.8/5
Pricing:
Hourly Rate: $34/hr
Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available
Specialties:
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Electric Keyboard
Acoustic Piano
Age & Skill Suitability:
Age Groups: Kids to adults (ages 5-60+)
Skill Levels: Beginners to advanced
Teaching Style
Approach: Jordan uses Ear Training Software, Metronome Apps, and Chord & Scale Reference Apps to create goal-focused, exploratory lessons. His student-centered approach ensures pedaling is taught through music the student loves, making it feel natural and relevant.
4. Giselle De Leon – Piano teacher with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mindanao
Giselle De Leon
Giselle De Leon is a passionate and versatile piano teacher. She brings a warm, patient approach to lessons that balances technical foundations with genuine musical creativity and expression.
Experience:
Teaching Experience: 5+ years
Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mindanao
Rating: 4.8/5
Pricing:
Hourly Rate: $30/hr
Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available
Specialties:
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Electric Keyboard
Acoustic Piano
Age & Skill Suitability:
Age Groups: Kids to adults (ages 4–65+)
Skill Levels: Beginners to intermediate
Teaching Style
Approach: Giselle uses tools like Ear Training Software, Metronome Apps, Chord & Scale Reference Apps, and PDF Sheet Music Libraries to deliver progressive, well-rounded lessons.
5. Ryan Krause – Piano teacher with a Master’s degree from Columbia College Chicago
Ryan Krause
Ryan Krause integrates technique, music theory, performance coaching, ear training, and creativity into a single coherent experience – always with a patient, supportive style that helps students build both skill and confidence at every level.
Experience:
Teaching Experience: 5+ years
Professional Background: Master’s degree in Music from the Columbia College Chicago
Rating: 4.2/5
Pricing:
Hourly Rate: $38/hr
Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available
Grand Piano
Player Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Classical Piano
Electric Keyboard
Acoustic Piano
Age & Skill Suitability:
Age Groups: Kids to adults (including students with learning disabilities and anxiety)
Skill Levels: All levels
Teaching Style
Approach: Ryan uses Backing Track Libraries, PDF Sheet Music, Virtual Piano Apps, Ear Training Software, and Chord & Scale Reference Apps to create interactive, personalized lessons.
Inside a 1-on-1 piano lesson: 2 real student stories
Wondering what actually happens in private piano lessons? These real stories from Wiingy students show how personalized coaching can unlock progress in timing, coordination, and musical understanding, even with a busy schedule.
Emily had always wanted to play “Hallelujah,” but left-hand coordination tripped her up. With Stephan’s guidance, she learned how to build muscle memory, improve finger transitions, and navigate tricky musical structures, even while juggling a demanding job.
What you’ll learn: Left-hand coordination, Efficient finger placement, Practicing with limited time, Understanding musical repeats
Taylor struggled to stay in rhythm with songs like “Dino, My Pet Dinosaur.” Bardiya introduced her to metronome practice and daily scale exercises.
Over a few weeks, her timing improved, her fingers strengthened, and she even gained confidence singing along to “Old MacDonald.”
What you’ll learn: Mastering rhythm and timing, Strengthening fingers through scales, Isolating tough bars for easier practice, Singing while playing
Piano lesson costs in San Diego
Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in elite instruction, San Diego offers a wide range of piano lesson options.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay and what you’ll get at each price point.
Option
Price Range
Format
Best For
Budget-friendly piano teachers
$30-$60/lesson
Online/In-person
Beginners, casual learners
Mid-level private piano teachers
$60-$120/lesson
Online/In-person
Intermediate players, exam prep
High-end/celebrity piano teachers
$150-$350/lesson
Online/In-person
Advanced students, professionals
Costs of piano lessons in San Diego
Wiingy offers a free trial lesson, no long-term contracts, and flexible scheduling – all while providing access to budget-friendly private piano lessons in San Diego starting at just $15/hr, making high-quality learning more accessible than ever.
Online vs in-person piano teachers in San Diego
Trying to decide between online or in-person piano lessons? Both formats offer unique advantages, especially in a spread-out coastal city like San Diego. Here’s how they compare:
Format
Pros
Cons
Online
Convenient, more affordable, easy scheduling
May lack hands-on corrections and studio environment
In-person
Real-time feedback, better posture/hand position guidance
Less flexible, commute time, often costlier
Pros and cons of online and in-person piano lessons
Why work with a piano teacher in San Diego
San Diego has produced more musical talent than it often gets credit for – from classical performers who have graced the stage of Copley Symphony Hall to indie artists who cut their teeth in the vibrant North Park and South Park music scenes.
The city is home to the San Diego Symphony, the La Jolla Music Society, and a rich cross-cultural musical tradition shaped by its unique position on the US-Mexico border.
Whether you’re practicing in a Pacific Beach bungalow or dreaming of performing at the Balboa Theatre, San Diego rewards those who take their craft seriously. And that’s exactly where 1-on-1 piano teaching comes in.
Here’s why private piano lessons in San Diego are a game-changer:
Customized exercises and repertoire designed to help you prepare for prestigious programs at schools like the University of California San Diego’s Department of Music, San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance, or the Music Academy at Palomar College. In a competitive environment, your training needs to be tailored.
Real-time feedback on your playing style and technique, which is crucial when working toward auditions for the San Diego Symphony, local chamber ensembles, or showcases at venues like Dizzy’s jazz club or the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.
Learn at your own pace with scheduling that fits your San Diego life – whether you’re a student managing a full academic load, a military family member navigating deployment schedules, or a working professional fitting in weekend lessons between beach days.
Confidence-building in a supportive, judgment-free space – San Diego’s laid-back culture is a genuine asset here. The best teachers in this city create an atmosphere where you feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and grow without the pressure that can stifle progress elsewhere.
Whether you’re working toward your first public performance at a local venue in the Gaslamp Quarter or building toward larger ambitions like the San Diego International Piano Competition, having the right piano teacher makes all the difference.
How to choose the right piano teacher in San Diego
With music schools, conservatories, independent teachers, and online platforms all competing for your attention, choosing the right piano teacher in San Diego can feel overwhelming.
The right choice isn’t just about credentials – it’s about finding someone who gets your goals, fits your schedule, and makes you want to come back every week.
Here’s what to look for:
Experience with your level – Whether you’re a complete beginner in Chula Vista, a returning adult in La Jolla, or a competitive student in Rancho Bernardo preparing for ABRSM or RCM exams, you need a teacher who has worked successfully with students exactly like you – not someone who will figure it out as they go.
Style match – San Diego’s musical identity is genuinely diverse. Want to explore the classical tradition? Dive into Latin jazz rooted in the city’s border culture? Play the indie folk songs your favorite local bands perform? Find a teacher who specializes in what actually excites you, not just what they happen to know best.
Lesson format – San Diego is a sprawling city with distinct neighborhoods spread across a wide geography. Online lessons eliminate the commute entirely and let you learn from your Clairemont apartment, your Encinitas home, or a military base in Oceanside without sacrificing lesson quality. In-person lessons are ideal when you want hands-on physical guidance that a screen can’t fully replicate.
Flexibility – San Diego life comes with its own unpredictability – base deployments, surf conditions, wildfire evacuations, and packed freeways all have a way of reshuffling the week. Choose a teacher who accommodates rescheduling without penalizing you for life happening.
Pro tip: All piano teachers at Wiingy are expert-vetted and offer a free trial lesson. For all your different needs, you’ll find someone who fits well and understands what it takes to grow as a musician in San Diego.
How to get started with a piano teacher on Wiingy
Getting started is easier than you think. Follow these three simple steps to find the perfect piano teacher and begin your piano journey today.
Book a free trial – Test the vibe before committing
Start playing piano – Learn from a piano teacher who understands your pace and passion
Conclusion
San Diego’s piano scene is as rich and varied as the city itself – and whether you dream of playing classical sonatas, exploring Latin jazz, writing your own songs, or simply sitting down at a piano and finally feeling at home there, the right 1-on-1 piano teacher in San Diego can make it happen.
Start your journey today with a trusted piano teacher on Wiingy and unlock your musical side.
What if I have no musical background at all – not even knowing how to read music?
You’re in the same position as most beginners, and that’s not a disadvantage. Reading music is something you’ll learn in lessons, not something you need to know beforehand.
You don’t need to know note names, what the pedals do, or how to position your hands. A good teacher builds all of that from the ground up, using the songs and exercises you’re working on.
The students who progress the fastest aren’t necessarily the ones with prior knowledge. They’re the ones who show up consistently, practice between lessons, and aren’t afraid to ask questions when something doesn’t click.
How do I practice effectively at home between lessons without reinforcing bad habits?
The answer is simple: slow practice is usually better than fast practice. If you play at full speed before mastering a passage at half speed, you’re just reinforcing mistakes.
Your teacher should give you a clear practice plan, explaining how to practice and what to listen for.
If not, ask for it. Structured practice between lessons is key to real progress.
How do I know if I’m actually making progress or just going through the motions?
Progress in piano can be hard to notice because you’re too close to it. A piece that felt impossible a few weeks ago now feels normal, but that shift is progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Signs you’re making progress include learning new pieces faster, no longer needing to look at your hands, and recovering from mistakes mid-song without restarting.
If you’re not seeing these after several months, talk to your teacher about adjusting your lessons.
Best piano teachers in San Diego
