Japs Cunanan
Discover the Art of Improvisation, learn Piano and Theory, Jazz, Classical and note reading
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Japs Cunanan
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Japs - Your piano teacher
Hi, I'm Japs—a passionate music educator with formal university training and over 12 years of teaching experience. I specialize in a variety of subjects including music theory, ear training, improvisation, sight-reading, and more. Whether you're into Jazz, Classical Piano, Pop, or a blend of styles, I provide lessons tailored to your skill level—from complete beginners to advanced players. My teaching style is flexible and student-centered, focusing on personalized learning to enhance performance skills, develop solid technique, and deepen musical understanding. I aim to make every lesson engaging, productive, and fun. Whether you're preparing for exams, competitions, auditions, performances, or just want to enjoy making music, I’m here to support your goals. Let’s hit the right notes together in your musical journey and unlock your full creative potential!
Japs graduated from St. Paul University
Your piano teacher skills
Ear training
Piano Technique
Performance Skills
Piano Repertoire
Sight Reading
Chord Theory
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Rhythm and Timing
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for kids
Piano for advanced
Piano for beginners
Piano for adults
Piano for intermediate
Piano lessons at a glance
My teaching methodology is student-centered and tailored to each learner’s unique goals, learning style, and pace. I believe that music education should be both structured and inspiring, so I combine technical training with creative exploration. Lessons include a balanced mix of music theory, ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, and performance skills. Whether a student prefers learning by ear or through sheet music, I adapt my approach to suit their needs. I encourage consistent practice, clear goal-setting, and musical expression to build strong fundamentals and confidence. I also integrate listening and analysis to deepen musical understanding. From beginners discovering the basics to advanced students preparing for performances, auditions, or exams, I strive to create a supportive, engaging, and motivating environment that fosters growth, discipline, and a lifelong love of music. My goal is to help each student become a confident, independent, and expressive musician.
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Player Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Jazz Piano
Piano concepts taught by Japs
The Student and Tutor worked on the piano piece "Overjoyed," focusing on challenging sections from pages two to four. They clarified notes, chords, and fingering for both hands in various measures, and the Tutor explained musical symbols like repeat signs and first/second endings. The Student was encouraged to practice the new fingerings and maintain a slower tempo for the piece.
Precision in Note Selection and Voicing
Rhythmic Accuracy through Syllabic Practice
Strategic Piano Fingering
Mastering Tempo for Ballads
Music Notation: Repeat Signs & Endings (Volta Brackets)
The Student and Tutor practiced instrumental pieces, starting with "Jesus Loves Me" and then moving to "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." They focused on a structured practice method involving four correct repetitions of each section and reviewed correct hand positioning for the G position. The Student was assigned to continue practicing these pieces using the established repetition drill for the next session.
Repetitive Practice Method
Segmented Practice Strategy
Accuracy-Focused Repetition
Assembling Longer Musical Sections
G Position for Piano
The Student and Tutor practiced piano pieces "Golden Hour" and "Furies", focusing on hand independence, posture, and structural analysis for memorization. They then delved into a new piece, exploring left-hand techniques, and discussed music theory concepts such as Alberti Bass, G7 chords, and chord inversions. The next session was scheduled for later in the week to continue practicing these concepts.
Tactile Piano Practice & Focus
Weak Hand Leadership in Synchronized Playing
Analyzing Musical Structure for Memorization
Proper Piano Posture and Distance
Broken Chords & Alberti Bass
Understanding 7th Chords
Chord Inversions
The Tutor and Student worked on practicing two piano pieces, "I have decided to follow Jesus" and "Jesus Loves Me." They focused on revising left-hand chord progressions, simplifying difficult sections, and improving rhythm and transitions. The Student was advised to practice specific challenging parts of both songs three times daily to enhance fluidity and speed in chord changes.
Left-Hand Chord Simplification & Revision
Identifying and Playing Basic Chords
Coordinating Left-Hand Chord Changes with Right-Hand Melody
Fingering for Right-Hand Melodies
Effective Piano Practice Techniques
The Student and Tutor engaged in a comprehensive review of advanced piano techniques and music theory concepts. They discussed various methods for chord inversions, voice leading, and incorporating melodic ornaments using sixths, thirds, and arpeggios. The session also covered chord progression exercises, simplified chord thinking, and improvisation techniques using pentatonic and blues scales, with the Student planning to reconnect for further lessons in September.
Chord Inversions & Voice Leading
Left-Hand Voicings & Chord Building
Sixths and Thirds for Melody Harmony
Simplifying Chord Progressions (1-4-5 Technique)
Arpeggios for Endings & Basslines
Approach Tones for Improvisation
Pentatonic & Blues Scales for Improvisation
Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson on the song "Overjoy," focusing on the first two pages. They addressed specific fingering for the left hand, practiced timing through rhythmic subdivisions, and discussed using a metronome. The Student demonstrated strong note-reading skills, including ledger lines and double stops. They also discussed strategies for practicing combined hands and exploring different octaves, and scheduled their next session.
Rhythmic Subdivisions and Internal Counting
Musical Interpretation: Octave Placement and Spacing
Music Reading Progression and Achievements
Utilizing a Metronome for Consistent Timing
Left Hand Fingering and Hand Position
Strategic Piano Practice Methodology
Approach & tools used in piano classes
DAWs
Looping Software
Backing Track Libraries
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Piano Tuner Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Record lessons
Open Q&A
Pets are welcomed
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.