Online Adult Piano Instruction
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Learning piano as an adult can feel overwhelming. The endless trial and error. The frustration of self-teaching with no real progress. The uncertainty of whether you're building the right habits or just reinforcing bad ones.
Thatās exactly why I created a clear, structured systemāso you donāt waste time guessing. With the right guidance, you can start playing your first piece on day one, your favorite tunes in weeks, and feel the success of playing like a real musician in months, not years.
For over 30 years, Iāve helped hundreds of students go from feeling stuck to playing with confidence, artistry, and ease. Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to the piano, you donāt have to figure it out alone.
Choose your learning path, and Iāll guide you step by step to mastering the piano and unlocking the musical ability youāve always wantedāall while truly enjoying the process.
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My MissionĀ is to provide aspiring pianists with the tools, support, and guidance to become confident, skilled musicians.Ā
How do I know itās possible for you?
With 30 years of teaching experience. Iāve guided students from beginners to accomplished professionals and passionate amateurs.
My framework is trusted by both students and professional educators, and Iāve shared my approach through masterclasses, lectures, and presentations at top national and local music organizations.
"I believe everyone has the gift of music inside-with the right approach and effort, it will grow and flourish."
Youāre here because you dream big and love music. Iām here to help you turn your dreams to reality.
And the best part? Weāll achieve it together!
It Wasnāt Easy Getting Hereā¦ In Fact, Itās Been Quite a Journey
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When my parents nudged me toward piano instead of competitive swimming, they set me on the path that became my lifelong rhythm.
I grew up surrounded by my momās teaching and often pretended to be a little teacher myself. Practicing, however, wasnāt always my favorite ā I even cheated the clock sometimes! But that experience taught me something powerful: piano practice can be tough, and the right approach makes all the difference.
Over time, I realized how easily bad habits form and how much they affect freedom and ease at the piano. Thatās why helping beginners build good and healthy habits has become one of my biggest passions.
In high school and college, I started assisting professors, fascinated by how technical problems could transform into beauty and expression. Later, at the New England Conservatory, I refined whatās now the PianoGenesis Online Adult Learning Blueprint ā a simple, effective system that helps students progress quickly while staying inspired.
Today, my greatest joy is seeing students grow ā not just as pianists, but as confident, expressive people. Teaching connects us through music in the most human way, and Iām honored to share that experience with you through PianoGenesis.
And Iām ready to do it with you through PianoGenesis.
Here's a few more personal bits of information about me...
And more importantly what you can expect from me as your teacher.
I'm a tiger mom
Well, a paper one anyway as my kids call me.
Tough on the outside but tender inside.
But when it comes to playing the piano, there is no compromise- seeking excellence is our goal!
Because, thatās how you get really good at it!
Otherwise, why waste your time, money, and your mental space?
Yes, piano can be hard at times, but that's when āPaper Momā shows up.
Paper mom understands your pain, frustration, and fears.
And she will be ā mom ā to soothe your feelings.
I believe piano learning is a perfect balance of both; High expectations but with compassion so you can keep on going without breaking.
I'm an "Opera" Singer
Ā
And you will be as well
Oh no, are you stressed out already?
All my students sing and guess what?
Thatās the magic weapon to make your playing expressive and beautiful
āI donāt sing!ā
āI have an ugly voice!
āI canāt sing!ā
I get it.. you donāt ever have to sing in front of me or anyone
And I only sing in front of my students
I donāt have a beautiful voice
Iāve never learned how to sing properly
Those are not important though
Why? Itās what singing brings us that matters
Singers sing with their voice and through their body
They breathe and they feel the shape of the song and itās a lot easier to connect with your body and emotions than a foreign subject
I sing the piece I play, because the music comes out naturally
Piano on the other hand is a percussion instrument
And thatās why itās super hard to make it sing
But āCantabileā(singing ) is one of the most important skills every pianist learns to master,
Like what Bach instructed
āAll training leads to Cantabile playingā
We will learn how to sing with your fingers, one of the first things we start to learn
Musicality, artistry, musicianshipā¦ all these refer to the quality of music being expressive, communicative, and the ability to ātouchā people..
And singing helps with that
Who knows, you might be surprised how you might enjoy singing,
and when you sing,
Your playing starts to sing too
I'm an "Salsa Dancer"
Ā
So my students have no choice but to get up and dance once in a while, though often enough
Be prepared!
Minuet has 6 beats and it dances differently than a country dance
A waltz is elegant and you need to dress up a bit so you feel the swirl and slide of smooth steps between you and your partner
And Salsa, is filled with energy, expressiveness, and exhilarating spirit behind each movement
You see, when you feel the rhythm of the music you play, your playing becomes alive and passionate
And itās irresistible to your audience
Thatās what we do as musicians.. make music relevant to us and othersā¦ and contiguous with joy and passion
But no worries, you donāt have to dance - if you absolutely prefer not to
But I will ask here and there, and I might dance a bit when necessary
Just so you know, Iām not a good dancer either
And if you choose, you can always dance in your private room when nobody sees it:)
But if you do, you will feel the rhythm š„
And you might add a bit of spice to the music you play..
I'm a Huge Brain Builder
Ā
That's what a teacher is supposed to do. Eating nuts (packed with flavor and antioxidants) might have something to do with it, especially peanuts (though I don't buy them for "self-control" reasons) - and pecans with their light sugar and salt coats ā those little bags you find in Trader Joe's. Fried calamari and a warm bowl of authentic New England clam chowder... Bubble tea? Strictly limited, but I sneak out by myself and get a large one with double bubbles when I think I deserve one when my kids are having their āteenā moments ā š
Pride and Joy
What am I most proud of? My four amazing kids, an awesome husband, our high-energy furball, Jax ā a 4-year-old Australian Labradoodle, still needs training though š„µ
And my Most Fabulous students!
And, living, loving, and making music! šš¹
I'm a "Breather"
Ā
And I hope you will become one over time
Itās incredible how much tightness in our bodies we create while playing piano, when we are not careful
And thatās the no. 1 killer for many pianists - they get sore hands, arms, and backs
They play with pain and sometimes we're told that itās a part of playing piano
NO, donāt listen to that..
Pain while playing the piano is simply wrong
Playing piano should be free and natural.
Healthy playing is one of the key elements we must learn first
Learn techniques that create no Pain for youā¦ if they do, stop and seek advice and figure out whatās wrong.
Breathing helps to release tension, relax our body, and mind.. It helps us feel the music pulse better
The Boring Professional Bio
Just in case you're one of those who want to see the moreĀ standard stuff... Here is my somewhat boring Professional Bio:
Isabella Li is a distinguished piano teacher, educator, lecturer, masterclass presenter, and frequent jury member of piano competitions, with close to three decades of experience at the New England Conservatory's Preparatory School and Adult Education. Her students have excelled in prestigious competitions, including the Young Artist Competition, Rubato International and the MTNA Piano Competition.
Born in China, Isabella debuted as a soloist and chamber player at the age of 8 and has performed across major cities. She holds degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
A passionate teacher, Isabellaās unique approach combines rigorous technical training with artistic development. Her online piano platform, launched during the pandemic, has connected world-class students and educators globally. Along with her varied involvement in local and national music organizations, she continues to advance excellence in piano education.
Have you seen enough and now ready to get started?
STEP 1: Choose Your Learning Path
Choose the right learning path and start your musical journey today.
STEP 2: Thrive Through Personalized Instruction
Enjoy learning through a structured learning plan tailored to your goals and strengths, helping you progress confidently.
STEP 3: Experience The Power Of Music
With ongoing support, masterclasses, and personal feedback, youāll continue to refine your skills and learn to play the piano with the artistry and confidence you desire.
