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
Chord Theory
Performance Skills
Piano Repertoire
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Piano Technique
Pedaling Techniques
Improvisation
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 intermediate
Piano for adults
Piano for advanced
Piano for beginners
Piano for kids
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 focused on piano technique and repertoire. They worked on improving tempo and phrasing in "Isn't She Lovely," practiced coordination and finger placement in "Ode to Joy" and "Jingle Bells," and addressed challenges with hand position changes in "Spring Theme." The tutor provided strategies for practicing difficult sections and introduced "Stormy Weather" as a future learning goal.
Tempo and Rhythm in Music
Musical Interpretation and Performance Practice
Hand Coordination and Finger Technique
Musical Phrasing and Breathing
The Tutor and Student worked extensively on jazz piano chord voicings, focusing on 7th and 9th chords, inversions, and 2-5-1 progressions. They practiced applying these concepts to specific songs and explored techniques for creating richer chord sounds. The Student was encouraged to practice the learned shapes and progressions.
Chord Voicings and Inversions
Seventh and Ninth Chord Extensions
The Circle of Fifths and Borrowed Chords
Minor 7th and Dominant 7th Chord Construction
Inversions as Overlapping Notes and Voice Leading
The session involved a piano lesson where the tutor worked with the student on improving her music reading speed and technique using a new approach. They practiced reading notes by their position on the staff and reviewed basic music theory concepts. The student's progress and preferences were assessed to tailor future lessons.
Reading Music: Note Identification and Fingerings
Systems in Music Notation
Musical Practice Strategies and Preferences
Musical Staff and Clefs
The tutor and student reviewed foundational piano concepts including the grand staff, treble and bass clefs, and note placement on lines and spaces. They then practiced identifying and playing specific chords and chord progressions, with a focus on recognizing patterns within different keys. The student was assigned practice on specific chord sections for "Lady on the Moon" and the last two bars of each system in "Ode to Joy."
The Grand Staff
Lines and Spaces
Ledger Lines
Finger Placement and Muscle Memory
Chord Shapes and Patterns
Finger Independence Training
Reading Musical Notation: Measures and Beats
Finger Numbering System
Note Grouping: Leaf Notation
The Student and Tutor reviewed advanced piano concepts including chord voicings, 2-5-1 progressions (major and minor), and music notation. They practiced exercises for hand span and explored note reading techniques, including interpreting repeat signs and key signatures. The session concluded with an introduction to a piece featuring a Beethoven lick.
Reading Sheet Music: Clefs
Key Signatures
and Repeats
Hand Stretches and Voicings for Large Spans
The 2-5-1 Progression
Chord Voicings and Extensions
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Backing Track Libraries
Metronome Apps
Looping Software
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Open Q&A
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.