Diane Reiner

I offer piano and voice instruction for students of all ages, and at all levels of musical development. My musical background includes solid classical training, a music conservatory education, and professional performance. I also love to teach and perform in a variety of styles, including jazz, rock, blues, folk, world music, and more. Music provides an expressive outlet, emotional satisfaction, connection to others, spiritual sustenance, fun, and more. With all students I emphasize both technique and inspiration. We work on technique, repertoire, and performance issues such as emotional expression, presentation, and stage nerves as needed. I expect students to work, but I have a patient and supportive approach. I enjoy working with all ages, and I have a real ability to connect with children. The goal is not only to learn to play, but to develop a lifelong love of music. I base my piano teaching on classical piano method. Solid keyboard technique, repertoire, theory, and music-reading are all an indispensable part of piano instruction. Depending upon the student's interests, we can work on various styles of music, including classical, popular, show music, ragtime, and more. The ability to read and play piano music opens the door to a large and versatile musical world. Voice students receive instruction in good vocal technique, which includes work on breath support, tone production, and diction. We also work on style, expression, and interpretation. Each singer is an individual, and I adapt my teaching to each student's style and needs. Songs in a variety of genres, including blues, rock, pop, jazz, classical and more can be included, depending upon the student's particular preferences. Singing is an expression of both body and spirit. Our goal is to develop a healthy physical approach that will allow the singer to express the spirit and meaning of the music. I received early private music instruction in Los Angeles and later trained in San Francisco and at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to piano and voice, I have studied violin, guitar, West African drumming, and world music theory, including North Indian classical music, the gamelan music of Bali and Java, and more. I have held professional positions as a pianist for singers, choirs, and dance studios. My professional vocal experience includes recital work, and positions as a soprano soloist with choruses and orchestras in the Bay Area and Boston and with various churches. I have also been a member of major professional choruses such as the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. My work as a choral conductor has included positions with Berkeley Community Chamber Chorus, University of California, SingersMarin in Marin County, and more. If you would like more information about my professional experience, I will be glad to speak with you and provide my resume. References are available. Student Comments: "Our daughter made an immediate connection with Diane and has always looked forward to her piano lessons. We think that Diane has a great way with kids and makes learning music fun, even for very young children." - Arnim and Barbara Polster Parents of a young piano student "Diane's love for music is very apparent through her teachings. You can sense her passion and drive as she talks about different artists, pieces, and composers, which always got me more excited and eager to learn. She has wonderful patience and creativity. She consistently introduced new warm-ups and challenged me on new songs. She is a talented musician and an excellent teacher, always in a cheerful mood and ready to make music." - Kelley Roudebush Adult voice student "If you are looking for a music teacher, Diane Reiner is the real deal. She very skillfully cut through all the obstacles and gave me the keys to play the music of Chopin and Gershwin. She is extremely well-trained, and she is patient and kind. She studied at the New England Conservatory, and she passes that and her innate talent to her grateful students." - M. Martori Adult piano student "I am a 40-something rock musician and Diane has helped me dramatically improve both my vocal style and presence. Diane is very easy to work with and offers specific feedback to help me make the most of my performance." - Christopher Blood Adult voice student