The "average" child of today often learns at least one instrument and participates in sports or musical ensembles, in addition to other school and extracurricular activities.Now, imagine if your child could learn an extraordinary skill applicable in all aspects of life; that helps them become truly great at what they do. Imagine a skill that allows your child to complete learning tasks at a fraction of the time compared to their peers; a skill that pushed musicians like Joshua Bell, Yundi Li, and Lang Lang, athletes like Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, and Michael Phelps, comedian Chris Rock, Benjamin Franklin, and Warren Buffet, just to name a few, into the upper echelon of their respective fields.
Did they all take piano lessons? Most likely not. But the one common skill that propelled them to greatness can be learned and honed through piano lessons under the guidance of a knowledgeable and strategic piano teacher with an intimate understanding of this method of learning.
My goal in lessons at my piano studio is to introduce the different parts of this method through various aspects of piano learning, to get your child accustomed to this learning method, little by little, in their daily practice sessions. And in time, make it second nature to the way your child works so that they can apply the same principles to other parts of their life.
Associations and certifications
- Music Teachers' Association of California
Services
Two quotes from TED talk legend Sir Ken Robinson revealing the roadmap for raising your kids. While all the intellectual benefits of piano and music lessons are a nice bonus, the real value of taking music lessons are the life skills and values it teaches kids. The fact that music education creates well-rounded, confident children, helps them become whole human beings who are sensitive to the world around them and teaches them the ability to think critically is why finding your music school and giving your kids music lessons is such an important and worthwhile undertaking.
We offer the best music lessons in Irvine for adults and children by solving two major problems common with music lessons and music schools. Lonely practice sessions and lack of ongoing teacher training on teaching. A lot of times kids quit music lessons because they don't like to practice. FreshStart helps students practice with Piano Dojo and group classes so they make progress together.
He's been really helping me shape my music and my musicality with technique work and working on pieces that I really enjoy. The thing I like about Kevin is he doesn't make you feel bad about your mistakes; he's really there to help you. He supports you and we laugh together when I make a bad move and he really helps me figure out what the pieces mean to him and what they could mean to me in a way that focuses on the music.
We're not fans of stinking piles of manure, but we are fans of spreading it around to make things grow. It all started with a blind boy named Nathan who took lessons at our studio. We found out about the wonderful work being done at the Academy of Music for the Blind through Khim, his godmother, also taking piano lessons at FreshStart!
Irvine, California - FreshStart Piano Studio, a music school serving the Irvine and Long Beach, California areas, has donated half of its tuition committed over the summer to the Academy of Music for the Blind. The Studio gifted piano lessons to its students and with the proceeds raised, they were able to pay it forward to the Academy.
People
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Reviews (16)
Ann Prasetya
May 25, 2022
My daughter, Leilani, has been studying piano at Fresh Start since she was 6 yrs old. She is 11 now. It's been a pleasant journey watching Leilani grows and appreciate classical piano, and to be part of Fresh Start Music Studio. "It takes a village to raise a child" and it's true. We thank Kevin and Clare who created Fresh Start as a music school that understands the challenges parents and their kids go through in keeping up with practice by offering piano dojo for their students and organizing fun recitals.
We also thank Miss Belle, Miss Margaret and Miss Keika who diligently and passionately taught Leilani one of the best life skills that promotes perseverance, patience and a sense of fulfillment.
We also thank Miss Belle, Miss Margaret and Miss Keika who diligently and passionately taught Leilani one of the best life skills that promotes perseverance, patience and a sense of fulfillment.
ShuLin Huang
Mar 28, 2022
Victor & Vy
Mar 20, 2022
My 10 year old daughter has been with the studio for almost 5 years and she enjoys learning piano with Ms. Ellie. My younger 7 year old daughter started violin couple months back with Ms. Lisa and she loves it! I love the studio's focus on creating a tight-knit and supportive community to foster the love for music in children. I already recommended the studio to my neighbors and friends in the area. Highly recommended!
Jenny Chiu
Feb 26, 2022
My kids love it here! My daughters are with Miss Shelby and Miss Ellie for piano and Miss Lisa for violin. My daughters love their teachers so much that I literally have to drag them out because they want to stay longer after their lesson. It is such a warm and welcome place for my kids to learn music. The recitals are beautiful and the owners Kevin and Claire are super sweet. Would totally recommend this music school!
A. W.
Feb 21, 2022
There are many other reviewers already talked about how great the teacher and how awesome this music studio bring to their kids or themselves. I would like to share some other unique part of them. And every time when I mention this to other parents would be hit their heart to join this studio. Fresh music studio has a program call piano dojo, every piano student would get a 30 minutes practice time with a practice teacher weekly.
One time slot only 3 students could sign up at the same time. The director of the studio truly understand the parent's biggest panic, how could we get the kids to PRACTICE. For my daughter, she loves the teachers, love the 45 mins lesson, but practice.errrrr. Yes, there is reward system that studio set up with the parent. Honestly a 5 year old kiddo, how you could ask for more?
With the dojo program, my daughter have a profession to practice with. And sooner she found the joy from the benefit of the practice, and cycle going on and on. She build up the habit to practice at home too! During Christmas time, she would like to learn a easy arrange version of 'Joy to the world'. However, with less than 6 months learning period, that piece was still quite difficult to her.
With her teacher Ms. Joyce's intro and dojo practice teachers' practice help, she was able to play through with both hands. I am so proud of her and praise all the teachers. I am so sorry could not mark all the dojo teachers' name. They all should get better recognized. They are truly patient with all the students, and leave feedback after every practice! I sure all the parents enjoy this part so well!
One time slot only 3 students could sign up at the same time. The director of the studio truly understand the parent's biggest panic, how could we get the kids to PRACTICE. For my daughter, she loves the teachers, love the 45 mins lesson, but practice.errrrr. Yes, there is reward system that studio set up with the parent. Honestly a 5 year old kiddo, how you could ask for more?
With the dojo program, my daughter have a profession to practice with. And sooner she found the joy from the benefit of the practice, and cycle going on and on. She build up the habit to practice at home too! During Christmas time, she would like to learn a easy arrange version of 'Joy to the world'. However, with less than 6 months learning period, that piece was still quite difficult to her.
With her teacher Ms. Joyce's intro and dojo practice teachers' practice help, she was able to play through with both hands. I am so proud of her and praise all the teachers. I am so sorry could not mark all the dojo teachers' name. They all should get better recognized. They are truly patient with all the students, and leave feedback after every practice! I sure all the parents enjoy this part so well!
Marcela Moskowitz
Jun 20, 2021
My daughter started piano at Fresh Start Studio when we won a silent auction at our school fundraiser (We love businesses that support local schools) and we loved it so much. Mrs. Christine was the perfect teacher for Grace and it was very delightful to see how much she learned. Mrs. Christine helped Grace to reinforce the love she has for piano and we will always be so grateful for all her dedication.
We loved working with Kevin and Clare, and all their profesional team at the studio. If you are looking for the best place to learn great skill for music, we highly recommend Fresh Start Music Studio! The Moskowitz Family
We loved working with Kevin and Clare, and all their profesional team at the studio. If you are looking for the best place to learn great skill for music, we highly recommend Fresh Start Music Studio! The Moskowitz Family
Helen Ni
May 11, 2021
Our two boys have been learning piano in FreshStart Music Studio for two years. The teachers there are so professional and have passion for teaching. Our kids have not only learned how to play piano, they've learned to love to play and enjoyed the everyday practice. My 11 yrs old son just got CM Piano level 6 both State Honor and Branch Honor, and my 8 yrs son first time joined CM piano level 2 and gained State Honor which encouraged him a lot and gave him huge confidence in learning. We feel so blessed that our kids can have the chance leaning music from FreshStart Music Studio. We believe that we made the best choice for our kids.
Kelly Tap
Feb 21, 2021
Fresh Start Piano Studio is a well ran studio that prioritizes the experience of their students, parents of students and their instructors! Kevin and Clare has the graduate education, years of experience and patience; to successfully run the best piano studio in California! Highly recommend! If you are looking for piano lessons, please contact Fresh Start! You will be glad you did! Ten Stars! Not just five!
Jessica Liu
Jan 12, 2021
My daughter has been taking piano lessons since she was five and it has been a great two years and counting:. She is a observer hence it always took her a long time to get used to a new environment and meet new people. However, the teachers and staffs in the music studio are all so welcoming and caring and being very patient with her to help her build confidence in herself and taught her how to appreciate music. I would highly recommend this music studio to any parents who want to introduce music or piano to their little ones.
Timm Liu
Nov 14, 2020
We live in San Diego and our daughter is taking remote lessons with Ms. Audrey and she really enjoys them! I'm sure in person lessons are even better. The staff is friendly and responsive, and the director has personally reached out to me to check on how the lessons have been going. If you're thinking about music lessons for your kids, definitely give FreshStart a try!
Angela Fang
Oct 03, 2020
I've been taking classes with Kevin for almost five years now. He is wonderful. I'm an adult student, and Kevin helped me so much to grow. I had years of training as a child. Then I stopped for almost twenty years. Honestly practicing piano wasn't fun for me when I was younger, but that's not the case with Kevin. He is very good at bringing the best out of you. I'm very happy with my progress, and It has been a joy. I highly recommend.
Mandy Everson
Jul 25, 2020
My children have taken virtual group lessons during this unending COVID-19 shutdown, and I admittedly have high expectations since I am a music instructor myself. I have nothing but praise for the owners, teachers, and staff. Their dedication, passion, and pedagogically sound instruction is what every parent wants for their child. Kevin and Clare go above and beyond to ensure success, and we will absolutely continue with FreshStart.
Kim Bogardus
Jan 20, 2020
I cannot say enough about this studio! My children have been attending for a little over a year and I can't imagine them learning anywhere else! The owners, office staff and piano instructors are attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and so very helpful. My kids have grown in both musical knowledge and delight in playing piano and singing and I think these are life-long skills they will have because of Fresh Start.
David Robidoux
Jun 28, 2019
If you are looking for a piano studio for your child look no further than Fresh Start studios. Our daughter and family are very happy with our experience at Fresh Start, we feel like we are part of a family. The love of teaching and dedication to the students by the owners/operators Kevin and Clare really shows through in the environment they have created and the continued growth by the Fresh Start is well deserved.
The staff is also the best. We couldn't be happier with our teacher Miss Belle. Her patience and dedication to our daughter have made a huge difference in her progress. Yvonne and Caitlan in the office are extremely professional with a great positive attitude and always ready to help. Our family appreciates the attention to detail by the staff in all aspects at the studio.
The twice yearly recitals are so well organized they feel like a professional production and are the highlight of the year for our daughter. Also the the gift cards giving to the kids for their continued progress is a nice touch. The most amazing part is all these additional features such as the recital, gift cards and many other extra features are included in your basic lesson fees.
There are no additional costs for anything. I recommend Fresh Start with the highest praises possible. Your child will have an excellent experience and you will very happy with your choice.
The staff is also the best. We couldn't be happier with our teacher Miss Belle. Her patience and dedication to our daughter have made a huge difference in her progress. Yvonne and Caitlan in the office are extremely professional with a great positive attitude and always ready to help. Our family appreciates the attention to detail by the staff in all aspects at the studio.
The twice yearly recitals are so well organized they feel like a professional production and are the highlight of the year for our daughter. Also the the gift cards giving to the kids for their continued progress is a nice touch. The most amazing part is all these additional features such as the recital, gift cards and many other extra features are included in your basic lesson fees.
There are no additional costs for anything. I recommend Fresh Start with the highest praises possible. Your child will have an excellent experience and you will very happy with your choice.
Uyen Vo
May 09, 2018
FreshStart Piano is nothing short of AMAZING! My 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter had been taking lessons at another studio for 5 months and hating it (name of school withheld :)). After finding FreshStart's info online, I met Mr. Kevin, Ms. Clare and Ms. Belle and had my fingers crossed that they would be good for my kids. It has been almost two years and I have not been disappointed since!
My daughter has been taught by Ms. Clare for group lessons and now by Ms. Belle for private lessons. My daughter has enjoyed piano time so much so that she has actually cried when I forgot to take her to her class one Saturday, what?! My son continues to take private lessons with Mr. Kevin and he has not only improved from the last school but exceeded my expectations!
The school offers multiple recitals to celebrate the kids' hard work throughout the year, group lessons where the kids dress up for holidays (such as Halloween) and have pizza, share music, just to name a few. Kevin and the team are very personable and they care for the kids not just with their piano but the well-being of the kids while in school and at home as well. We love FreshStart Piano and my kids are students here for life!
My daughter has been taught by Ms. Clare for group lessons and now by Ms. Belle for private lessons. My daughter has enjoyed piano time so much so that she has actually cried when I forgot to take her to her class one Saturday, what?! My son continues to take private lessons with Mr. Kevin and he has not only improved from the last school but exceeded my expectations!
The school offers multiple recitals to celebrate the kids' hard work throughout the year, group lessons where the kids dress up for holidays (such as Halloween) and have pizza, share music, just to name a few. Kevin and the team are very personable and they care for the kids not just with their piano but the well-being of the kids while in school and at home as well. We love FreshStart Piano and my kids are students here for life!
Susan C.
My 6-years-old daughter takes private piano lessons with Ms. Tsai and group class with Ms. Clare. Their music material is systematic and they are experienced in teaching young kids. Annabelle progresses steadily and gains confidence from the encouragements of Ms. Clare and Ms. Tsai. I feel Annabelle gets lots of individual attention from them, which she might not have in YAMAHA or other franchise commercial music school.