Hello! I’m Yuriko 🎹

I began my piano journey in Japan, where I studied classical music and graduated from Tokoha Gakuen College. After moving to the United States, I expanded my studies to include pop and jazz, and taught private lessons in the San Gabriel Valley.

After that, I relocated to Garden Grove CA. As the pandemic began, I started offering online lessons, allowing me to connect with students both locally and across other states. After in-person lessons resumed, I continued to offer both online and in-person instruction, giving students the flexibility to learn in the way that suits them best.

In addition to teaching, I actively perform at cafés, nursing homes, weddings, and other events. I also work as a collaborative pianist, accompanying singers, violinists, flutists, and other musicians in both recitals and community performances. I serve as the resident pianist at Mission Community United Methodist Church, an accompanist for the Garden Grove School District, and TK-3rd music teacher in the Orange Unified School District. I’m also a member or Music Teachers Association of California.

My teaching philosophy focuses on nurturing both technical proficiency and musical expression.
I aim to help each student discover their own unique musical voice, build confidence, and develop a deep, lifelong appreciation for music.

I believe that learning piano should be both challenging and enjoyable, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love for exploration.
By combining structured technique with expressive freedom, I guide students to not only play notes accurately, but also to communicate and connect through music.