Eric Sakumura

I received Bachelor's degrees in both Piano Performance and Chemistry from the University of Kansas in 1983. While taking graduate courses to be certified to teach high school chemistry, I began teaching piano lessons from my home to supplement my income. As I proceeded through the curriculum and instruction courses, I realized I could apply the same concepts to my piano instruction.

I went on to develop my group classes for beginning students (kindergarten-6th grade) and continued to teach private lessons for more advanced students. My approach to piano instruction encompasses all aspects of music, including reading music, composition, improvisation and performance. I believe that the group setting develops social engagement in a student's learning experience and confidence during individual performances.

Hiring university-trained musicians as assistants in my classes and as private instructors has given my studio teachers with strong credentials. I embrace the fact that each teacher, with their different backgrounds and interests, continue to bring new ideas and energy to Lawrence Piano Studio.

After more than 40 years of teaching piano, I still look forward to each day with my students. I have had students stay in my studio from the time they are 5 years old until they graduate from high school. Watching these kids grow up and incorporate piano into their adult lives in many different ways is a joy I didn't expect when I began this journey.