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
Improvisation
Piano Repertoire
Rhythm and Timing
Ear training
Music theory
Pedaling Techniques
Piano Technique
Sight Reading
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 adults
Piano for kids
Piano for advanced
Piano for intermediate
Piano for beginners
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 practiced piano pieces, focusing on improving hand movement techniques, including shifting and stretching exercises. The Tutor reviewed "Amazing Grace" and introduced playing chords for "10,000 Reasons," explaining how to use a chord chart to accompany singing. The Student was encouraged to practice these new chord concepts and the assigned songs.
Piano Hand Shifting Technique
Effective Hand Stretching for Pianists
Understanding & Playing Chord Charts
Differentiating Melody Notes vs. Chords
Effective Practice & Material Management
The Student and Tutor worked on playing the song "Overjoyed" on the piano, focusing on enhancing the left-hand accompaniment by adding octaves and rhythmic embellishments. They reviewed the song's structural elements, including repeats and codas, and discussed practice strategies such as memorizing sections and maintaining consistent rhythm. The Tutor mentioned future lessons on 'broken chords' for left-hand accompaniment and applying these embellishment concepts to other songs.
Left Hand Doubling: Octaves
Rhythmic Embellishment with the Thumb
Phrasing and Breathing for Musicality
Structured Practice & Memorization
Melody (Right Hand) vs. Accompaniment (Left Hand)
The tutor and student explored advanced music theory, focusing on reharmonization techniques using the circle of fifths and secondary dominants. They practiced applying these concepts to modify chord progressions and discussed how to embellish songs with additional chords for harmonic interest. The student is tasked with applying these techniques to a simple song for the next session.
Chord Voicings and Extensions
Augmented and Diminished Chords
Chord Functions (Tonic
Subdominant
Dominant)
Circle of Fifths Application
Secondary Dominants
Reharmonization Techniques
The student and tutor reviewed piano technique for specific musical passages, focusing on fingerings and hand coordination. They then moved on to understanding song structure by identifying and labeling sections like intro, verse, and chorus, with a homework assignment to practice the entire song with repeats by Friday.
Summarizing Musical Pieces
Musical Arrangement and Sequence
Song Structure and Section Labeling
Piano Fingerings and Technique
Musical Measure Numbering and Identification
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on coordinating melody and left-hand accompaniment for a song. They practiced rhythmic accuracy, chord progressions, and efficient hand positioning, and discussed different approaches to learning music by ear versus reading sheet music.
Learning by Ear vs. Reading Music
Musical Structure: Repetition and Variation
Melody Transcription Techniques
Hand Positioning and Finger Landmarks
The tutor and student focused on jazz piano improvisation techniques, including chord voicings, rhythmic comping, and scale/arpeggio practice. They discussed strategies for developing improvisational motifs and explored advanced concepts like chromatic scales and the historical influence of blues music. The session concluded with advice on practicing scales musically and rhythmically, and using reference points for theoretical understanding.
Improvisation with Left Hand Stability
Comping Rhythmic Strategies
Developing Melodic Ideas (Motifs)
Scales as Bridges in Improvisation
The Importance of Rhythm in Jazz
Pentatonic Scales and Their Applications
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
Backing Track Libraries
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Looping Software
Piano Tuner Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Open Q&A
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.