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
Music theory
Improvisation
Piano Repertoire
Scales and Arpeggios
Rhythm and Timing
Piano Technique
Performance Skills
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 intermediate
Piano for beginners
Piano for advanced
Piano for kids
Piano for adults
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
Student and Tutor had a piano lesson focusing on advanced techniques for playing 'The Girl from Ipanema'. They practiced voicing melody and chords with the right hand and bass with the left, learned to apply 'cut time' rhythm, and adjusted a C7 chord for easier playability. Homework includes practicing specific chord transitions and playing the melody along with a provided recording.
Advanced Piano Arrangement: Blending Melody & Chords
Adaptive Chord Voicing for Accessibility
Understanding 'Cut Time' (Alla Breve)
Targeted Practice for Smooth Chord Transitions
Playing with Accompaniment for Rhythm & Interpretation
The Student and Tutor practiced piano techniques, focusing on applying over chords and chord tones to baselines using "Peaceful Easy Feeling." They then started learning "Can't Help Falling in Love," breaking down its intro, verse, and bridge chords, including specific inversions and passing chords. Additionally, "Fly Me to the Moon" was introduced as a circle of fifths exercise using consistent chord shapes, with the Student assigned to prioritize practice on "Can't Help Falling in Love" for the next session.
Song Breakdown: "Can't Help Falling in Love"
Over Chords & Bassline Substitution
Chord Tone Baselines
Song Introduction: "Fly Me to the Moon"
The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, refining two pieces: "This is the Day" and "Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul." They practiced correct song structure, efficient hand positioning, and a structured practice method focusing on mastering small segments. The Student was assigned to practice specific left and right-hand parts of "Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul" separately until they felt natural, prioritizing accuracy in sections.
Rhythm and Counting (The Song's Backbone)
Separated Hand Practice (Building Individual Proficiency)
Deliberate Repetition (Practice Until Natural)
Segmented Practice Technique (Four-Bar Repetition)
Strategic Finger Usage (The Five-Finger Principle)
Efficient Hand Positioning (Covering the Most Ground)
The session focused on the student's piano practice, covering chord counting, right-hand melody reading, and a new left-hand chord technique. The Student practiced several songs, receiving feedback on note identification and rhythmic accuracy. The Tutor assigned homework prioritizing the left-hand technique and continued counting practice for previously covered material.
Visual Chord Division for Uneven Rhythms
Reading Sheet Music vs. Guessing
Independent Hand Practice & Prioritization
Consistent Fingering for Muscle Memory
Left Hand Broken Chord Technique (Jumping)
Chord Counting in Bars
The Student and Tutor reviewed piano techniques for playing with a guitarist, focusing on rhythmic blending and reharmonization strategies. They practiced the song "Lean on Me" to explore diatonic and chromatic bassline modifications and discussed applying reharmonization principles to other songs like "Sweet Easy Feeling." The Student was given the task to practice the techniques and concepts discussed, including the smooth baseline theory and specific chord inversions.
Effective Piano Accompaniment with Guitar
Diatonic Chord Progressions (Roman Numerals)
First Inversion Chords in Diatonic Exercises
Chromatic Baselines and Basic Reharmonization
Smooth Baseline Theory & Chord Tone Utilization
Suspended Chords and High Register 'Sparkles'
Student and Tutor worked on practicing chord progressions for two songs, "This Is The Day" and "Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul." They focused on smooth chord changes, correct voicings like D over F#, and practicing left-hand chords before incorporating the right hand. The Student's homework is to practice these chord progressions with both hands, starting with the left, up to the end of the first verse of each song.
Left-Hand Chord Foundation
Smooth Transitions & Tempo Control
Right-Hand Chord Introduction
Chord Bass Notes (Inversions)
Progressive Practice Strategy
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Looping Software
Backing Track Libraries
Piano Tuner Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Open Q&A
Record lessons
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
