Piano Instruction, James T. Creasy, Berkeley, CA

Piano Instruction, Berkeley, CA

James Creasy

Note: Not currently taking new students

Serious, dynamic, effective
Positive and encouraging
Teaching since 1986
Successful students of all levels and excellent references
Classical repertoire
B.A. in Music from Cornell University
Studied with Jonathan Shames, Malcolm Bilson, Barbara Shearer, Robert Helps
Located just two blocks from the North Berkeley BART station
Beginning through advanced

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Updated December 2011

I have been studying with James for 3 1/2 years. He has strongly stimulated my enthusiasm for music and deepened my musical insight. He also gave me the tools necessary to turn my frustrated technique into a confidently controlled one. With his help I gave a successful public performance recently- it was one of my most satisfying experiences. Daejoon Anh
(Mr. Anh then commuted from Los Angeles for two years to continue his studies with me.)

James Creasy is an excellent piano teacher. In one year with James, I went from having no previous musical experience to being able to play difficult pieces by Beethoven and Chopin. More than just keyboard skills, though, he taught me how to be musical and for that I am very grateful. - Bobak Morshed, U.C. Berkeley student

Studying with James has provided me with a new-found appreciation for the piano. During the course of our 4 years, his patience and insightful teaching have taught me things about the piano that I never thought to be attainable for someone of my caliber. His teaching encompasses all aspects of piano performance. His knowledge of piano technique and theory is quite extensive, but, in addition, he teaches his students how to learn on their own with specific exercises and drills that complement the skills necessary to play the piece that is being studied. On the other hand, James encourages the exploration of the passionate side of music. The result is a balance between technically sound playing and music that is both enjoyable to listen to rewarding to learn. I have always left our lessons feeling enthusiastic to learn more about playing the piano. Not only are James' lessons great for learning to play the piano, but I am surprised to find myself using his principles for other technically challenging that I have encountered. All-in-all, I am glad that I have studied the piano with James and I am forever indebted for his efforts. - Sam Kim, U.C. Berkeley student