Japs Cunanan
Discover the Art of Improvisation, learn Piano and Theory, Jazz, Classical and note reading
Show all photos
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
Pedaling Techniques
Performance Skills
Ear training
Piano Technique
Music theory
Chord Theory
Improvisation
Finger Placement & Hand Position
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 beginners
Piano for kids
Piano for advanced
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 practiced playing "Amazing Grace" with two hands, combining the melody with left-hand chords. They then began to learn "Jesus Loves Me," focusing on new chord positions and sustained notes for the left hand. The Student was assigned to print the sheet music for "Jesus Loves Me" and practice the C, F, and G chords for next week.
Left-Hand Chord Foundations (Key of C)
Two-Hand Coordination: Melody with Chordal Accompaniment
Applying Chords to New Sheet Music: 'Jesus Loves Me'
Understanding Note Duration and Chord Sustenance
Effective Practice and Preparation
The Student and Tutor practiced piano techniques, including playing without looking at hands, recovering from mistakes, and coordinating both hands through specific exercises. They also focused on proper pedal usage to connect notes cleanly and began working on a new piece, 'Rondurka,' discussing musical notation and specific fingering. The Student was assigned to continue practicing 'Golden Hour' and the new piece for the next session.
Recovery from Playing Mistakes
Efficient Fingering for Recurring Patterns
Musical Notation in Rondurka: Ornaments & Articulations
Sustain Pedal Technique for Smooth Connections
Two-Hand Coordination & Sensory Focus
The tutor and student worked on identifying and correcting musical notes in a piece, likely "Amazing Grace." They then transitioned to learning and practicing basic major and minor chords with the left hand, and explored the pentatonic scale as a simpler musical framework. The student was assigned to practice these chords and progressions for future application in songs.
Learning Sacred Music
The Pentatonic Scale
Playing with One Hand
Understanding Chords
The Tutor and Student explored jazz chord voicings, focusing on shell voicings and their application in progressions and songs like "All the Things You Are" and "Fly Me to the Moon." They practiced identifying and executing movements between minor 7, dominant 7, and major 7 chords, as well as 2-5-1 progressions and turnarounds. Homework involves practicing the discussed chord movements and song sections.
Circle of Fifths Movement
The ii-V-I Progression
Chord Voicing Movement Rules
Shell Voicings
The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on smooth chord transitions and finger coordination. They also delved into music theory, covering key signatures, time signatures, and interpreting complex notation in a piece identified as "Moonlight Sonata." The next steps involve continued practice and exploration of musical notation.
Reading Sheet Music: Clefs
Ledger Lines
and Notation Nuances
Time Signatures: Understanding Musical Rhythm and Meter
The Neuroscience of Learning: Effortless Skill Acquisition
Piano Practice Drills: Improving Finger Independence
Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on chord transitions and building finger muscle memory. They practiced specific chord progressions using a metronome to improve speed and rhythm, and explored techniques for playing black keys effectively. The Student was assigned to practice new chord progressions from "Golden Hour" and continue metronome drills for both hands.
Recognizing Common Chord Progression Patterns
Bass-Chord Left Hand Pattern
Anticipatory Playing (Looking Ahead)
Metronome for Tempo Control and Speed Building
Optimizing Fingering for Black Keys
Achieving Smooth Transitions & Eliminating Gaps
Deliberate Practice for Muscle Memory
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
Piano Tuner Apps
Ear Training Software
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
DAWs
Interactive piano lessons
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.