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
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Performance Skills
Scales and Arpeggios
Pedaling Techniques
Rhythm and Timing
Music theory
Piano Repertoire
Chord Theory
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 advanced
Piano for kids
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 reviewed advanced piano concepts, including understanding major and minor keys, identifying borrowed chords, and utilizing chord extensions and voicing techniques. They discussed practical exercises for hand familiarity across different keys and methods for practicing scales and arpeggios in a musical context. Future sessions will explore auxiliary ornaments.
Understanding Chord Families & Borrowed Chords
Determining a Song's Key and Tonal Center
Enhancing Chord Voicings & Extensions
Contextual Scales & Arpeggio Practice
Mastering Improvisation & Musicality
The Student and Tutor practiced piano chords, focusing on C, G, D, and E minor within the context of the song "10,000 Reasons." The Tutor introduced and explained chord inversions to improve playing fluidity and addressed finger positioning. For homework, the Student needs to practice the full "10,000 Reasons" piece with left-hand chords and another song, "One Day at a Time," without mistakes.
Chord Inversions
Efficient Chord Fingering
Reading and Playing Chords in Song Context
Effective Piano Practice Techniques
The Student and Tutor worked on piano techniques for achieving speed and analyzed chord progressions for two songs. The Tutor introduced the tremolo technique with specific finger-tapping exercises for both hands and guided the Student through identifying complex, inverted chords in 'Pretty Baby'. Homework was assigned to practice the tremolo technique on various keys and to memorize the detailed chord progressions for the song, focusing on muscle memory and specific fingerings.
Chord Inversions and Common Tones
Developing Aural Skills for Transcribing
Tremolo Technique: Playing Faster
The Student and Tutor worked on piano practice, focusing on mastering the form and sequence of the song "One Day" and starting to learn "10,000 Reasons" by reading and playing its chords. The Tutor also explained the importance of repetition in developing musical proficiency and overcoming technical difficulties. The Student was assigned to continue practicing the form of "One Day" and the chords for "10,000 Reasons" for the next session.
Effective Practice Strategies
Navigating Song Form and Sequence
The Principle of Repetition in Music Theory
Developing "Brain Shortcuts" for Skill Acquisition
Approaching New Songs with Chord Charts
The Student and Tutor reviewed the Student's practice with reharmonization techniques, specifically secondary dominants, on jazz standards. The Student's independent experimentation led to the discovery of tritone substitution, which the Tutor then formally introduced. They also discussed various common chord progressions and their alterations. The Student was assigned to learn the chords for Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet" for further study and practice with reharmonization concepts.
Tritone Substitution: Chromatic Dominant Harmony
Creative Experimentation & Voice Leading
Advanced Progressions: The 7-3-6 Movement
Secondary Dominants: Expanding Harmonic Possibilities
Reharmonization Techniques: Adding & Subtracting Chords
The Student and Tutor worked on a piano piece, "One Day at a Time," focusing on understanding and applying musical repeat signs, including first/second endings and the D.S. al Segno mark. The Student was assigned to practice this piece with all repeats and to prepare a new piece, "10,000 Reasons," by printing its chord chart.
Music Repetition Symbols: Repeat Signs
Reading Chord Charts for Accompaniment
Structural Analysis for Efficient Music Practice
Music Repetition Symbols: Dal Segno (D.S.)
Music Repetition Symbols: First and Second Endings
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
DAWs
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Virtual Piano Apps
Backing Track Libraries
Metronome Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Mobile joining
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Record lessons
Pets are welcomed
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.