THOVEN - Music Education Platform
Erika Kanai

Erika Kanai

Piano Teacher

New York, NY
10+ years experience
All Ages
Online
Piano

Free intro call. $25 off your first lesson.

Credentials & Qualifications

DEGREE

Piano performance

2000

degree
Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan, with extensive training in classical piano performance and music education.
AWARD

International piano competition great teacher award

2025

award
Multiple students from my studio were selected to perform in Carnegie Hall winner concerts in New York City.

About Me

Hi, I’m Eriko, a professional pianist and piano instructor based in New York City. I teach private online piano lessons for students of all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced musicians. My teaching focuses not only on technique, but also on musical expression, confidence, and building a genuine love for music. Lessons are personalized for each student’s goals, pace, and interests. Over the years, multiple students from my studio have been selected to perform in Carnegie Hall winner concerts, and I take pride in helping students grow both musically and artistically in a supportive environment. I aim to make lessons engaging, encouraging, and inspiring while maintaining strong musical foundations and consistent progress.

How I Teach

My teaching approach is supportive, structured, and personalized for each student. I believe strong technique and musicality should develop together, while also helping students build confidence, discipline, and enjoyment in music. I work with students of different ages and levels, and I adapt lessons based on each student’s goals, learning style, and pace. Whether a student is preparing for competitions, auditions, performances, or simply learning for enjoyment, I focus on creating steady progress and a positive learning environment. I also emphasize expression, tone, musical interpretation, and healthy practice habits so students can develop both technical skills and artistic individuality.

Additional Expertise

Music HistoryPerformance PreparationMusic TheoryRhythm TrainingSolfege / SolfègeSight-ReadingEar Training

My Musical Styles

Classical

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe piano lessons should be both inspiring and structured. My goal is to help students build strong technical foundations while also developing confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Each lesson is personalized based on the student’s age, level, personality, and goals. I work with beginners through advanced students, including students preparing for competitions, auditions, performances, and examinations. As a professional pianist trained in classical piano performance, I place strong emphasis on tone quality, musical expression, technique, rhythm, and healthy practice habits. I also strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel motivated to grow and enjoy the learning process. Over the years, multiple students from my studio have been selected to perform in Carnegie Hall winner concerts in New York City.

Monday

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 PM - 5:30 PM

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

All times in UTC