Yolande Witkin: A Pianist, Teacher, and Composer originally from London, England

 Yolande Witkin: A Pianist, Teacher, and Composer originally from London, England

I’m Yolande Witkin, originally from London, England and currently living in the United States. I’m known primarily as a pianist and music teacher, but I also write my own compositions. I teach piano both privately and to small groups in my studio, and I’ve also taught at several prominent institutions of higher learning in the United States including the University of Colorado Boulder, Mills College in Oakland, CA, Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, OR and University of Portland in Portland, OR.

Teaching Style

I like to teach in a way that really captures the student's interest. If a student is not interested in what I am teaching them, it will be very difficult for them to progress in their learning. Teaching piano lessons with enthusiasm is the key. One of my favorite ways to teach is by singing with students; this way they can actually feel how music sounds on the piano keyboard which makes it much easier for them to learn how to make different melodies.

Examples of Works Written

Born in a family of musicians, Yolande Witkin immigrated to the United States with her family in 2007. Currently she teaches piano at Luther College Conservatory of Music. In addition to teaching, she has composed a wide variety of musical pieces including theater scores and orchestral compositions.

Witkin's teaching methods are influenced by the Suzuki Method and stem from her experience in England where she studied under many top teachers at the Royal College of Music.

The Future

An international music prodigy by the age of six, Yolande Witkin went on to study with renowned teachers including Pierre Soufflard in Paris. She has traveled extensively as both a pianist and teacher bringing her elegant playing style to audiences all over the world. In 2001 she established the Yolanda Witkin Piano Studio in New York City where she teaches piano students of all ages.

Tips for Young Musicians

As a musician who grew up in the United States of America, there were plenty of things I did not know about playing the piano. One of these things is how to teach piano. But teaching piano isn't all that different from performing it! In fact, teaching is perfect for people who want to perform but are not talented enough themselves to do so.