Testimonials/Reviews:
Cornelius O.
Jan 27, 2020
Tobi is an amazing piano teacher and I couldn’t recommend someone more. I’m an adult student and have been taking lessons with Tobi for the past 7 months. At a high level, she is a great instructor who has really helped me learn. I really enjoy working with her and am very proud of my progress. I’ve played at a recital which was a great learning experience and have gotten great feedback from friends who have heard me play. This is testament to the guidance and teaching I’ve received from Tobi. On a more granular level, she is very detail oriented (laser focused on learning all the intricacies of a piece such as hand placement, timing, dynamics, pedaling etc.), very patient (understanding when I have bad weeks and makes a big effort to be encouraging), and makes a big effort to go through your learning journey with you. I’ve learned so much over just 6 months and have gone from a complete beginner to being confident to play simple pieces in LAX airport as people walk by. I’m more interested in pop pieces, and Tobi has been great about giving me the right balance between theory, typical progression pieces that help me learn, and pieces that spark my interest as something I’d really like to be able to play. For example, currently I’m learning a Chopin piece while also learning All of Me by John Legend. She’s very flexible in terms of tailoring lessons around your goals and is very attentive to what interests you as a student. Each week you leave with a homework sheet containing specific things to work on for the week. This includes scales, warm up exercises, various pieces you’re currently working on and detailed notes to go along with them. It takes approx. 20-30 minutes to run through this homework once each day. Tobi is really good at identifying your strengths and makes sure to use that asset to your advantage as you learn. This has made lessons thoroughly enjoyable and has kept me motivated. She also gets the right balance between pieces that suit your level and ones that challenge you to be better. You won’t go wrong by choosing to work with Tobi!
Steeve P.
Jul 21, 2018
When my daughter kept saying she wanted piano lessons, I had NO idea how to find a good teacher. Toby had great reviews on this site, so I took a chance, and the results have been far beyond my wildest expectations. What’s so fantastic about Toby is she doesn’t have a “one size fits all” approach to instruction. Instead, she developed a lesson plan that best fit my seven-year-old daughter’s interests and style of learning. Most remarkably, she encouraged my daughter to start composing. We now come home from a lesson and my daughter wants to work on writing her pieces right away. I had no idea that within a few months of starting weekly lessons, she could be reading and composing music at such a young age, and I can’t imagine that another teacher would have brought this out in her, but I’m so thankful that she has Toby as an instructor. From our very first interactions, Toby has been unerringly professional and quick to respond to any scheduling needs. Since she teaches at the college level and composes herself, she has so much knowledge to draw on and a real gift for imparting it to students. She’s also just a cool lady! I’d recommend her to any parent!
Manisha G.
Aug 6, 2020
Toby has been my daughter's piano instructor for over a year. She is at the top of her game and one of the best instructors we have met. Her method of instruction is very effective - my daughter has made so much progress working with Toby and she continues to stay excited about learning more and always looks forward to her lessons. Toby is very professional in how she conducts her lessons. She always gives enough heads up on her upcoming days off or any schedule change and has always been kind enough to accommodate any unforeseen changes at our end . I would highly recommend Toby to anyone who is looking for a piano teacher in the area.
Maseline N.
Aug 3, 2020
It’s been one year since my son, who’s eight years old, has started piano lessons with Toby without any prior tutelage. He has progressed immensely in that time span that it’s hard to believe it’s only been one year! Toby is patient, attentive, and gives constructive feedback in a way that he’s able to grasp and utilize. Along with piano lessons she also arranges recitals with all of her students that give students something to work toward, and look forward too. Since the start of the shelter-in-place during this pandemic, she has transitioned to zoom lessons that he’s still able to learn and advance his skill level. I definitely recommend!!
Melissa L.
May 21, 2020
My 7 year old daughter started taking piano lessons with Miss Toby at the beginning of this year, 2020. We were referred to her by a friend, and we have not been disappointed. Miss Toby is a very talented musician and pianist...it's a treat to arrive early some days and overhear her playing some of her original pieces! We had a few months of in-person lessons, and once the SIP started due to COVID19, Miss Toby transitioned easily to virtual lessons. My daughter has really progressed throughout this time. Miss Toby has a very patient and calm energy, which works well for my daughter. Miss Toby provides ample encouragement and no pressure to progress faster than what she is ready for. I like that she allows her students to choose contemporary songs that they are familiar with, which makes learning the music more fun for them, especially at a younger age. We are grateful to have found Miss Toby for our piano teacher.
Rod C.
May 30, 2020
I have been re-learning the piano with Toby as my teacher after a hiatus of over 40 years. She is an excellent teacher as well as an accomplished composer and performer. This means I not only get expert guidance on improving my abilities, but I also get to hear how complex pieces should sound which is both inspiring and helpful. In addition, we can also talk about composition techniques and different musical styles. I would happily recommend Toby to anyone both beginner and advanced.
Neeraj U.
Apr 24, 2020
My son (10 year old) started learning piano with Ms Toby 3 months back.. He is not much of a music person and we thought this was something he was taking up while he was nursing an ankle injury due to soccer. After the first month he expressed his desire to learn "Memories Maroon 5" which Toby encouraged whole hardheartedly and there has been no looking back after that. I have seen a complete 360 change in my son in the last few months. I would say the best part is she treat each student differently and encourages creativity. We are so happy to have such an accomplished & amazing teacher guide him during this journey and instill confidence to learn new things. We were concerned when the "Stay-At-Home" restrictions were enforced and how the teaching would be impacted. Distance Learning is easier said than done.. specially for music where-in one needs to see the keys, listen to sound, etc. Toby has been very patient and flexible during this time and my son looks forward to weekly zoom sessions. She never rushes during these sessions which helps him enjoy the learning, while being remote. Last but not the least one should look at her worksheet that she sends after every session. It shows dedication and the desire to bring the best out in my kid. We would have given her 6 stars if there was an option. She is amazing accomplished pianist and composer and that inspires kids to learn & enjoy music as a part of this journey which sets her apart from others we have interacted.
Jun N.
Mar 28, 2020
My 6 year old daughter chose Toby after a couple of trial lessons with different piano teachers. Toby was her favorite. My daughter has been making great progress since then. Toby has been very nice and patient to her. Toby teaches kids at all different skill levels, and she adjusts her teaching plan that very much fits my daughter. Toby is also a unique piano teacher because she, as a professional musician, is actively composing and performing with her band. Her love for music is what makes her a great teacher to kids. My daughter really enjoys listening to Toby’s original music. She likes visiting her music studio whenever there is a chance. Toby is quick at responding to scheduling requests and make-up lessons. We are very happy with our experience and would highly recommend her to any parents.
Gungor P.
Mar 28, 2020
Toby is teaching my 5.5-year-old son for about two months now. Most recently, online through Zoom, due to coronavirus lockdowns (which is surprisingly effective as well). My son had an extremely basic practical knowledge of super simple songs on Piano prior to start with Toby. No formal background. In just two months, there has been very significant progress. Toby truly understands the common problems with such young kids and can engage with them very well. She creates a very fine-tuned relation such that my son respects her, but, at the same time, he does not get bored with the lessons and the practice. Almost every week, we can progress to a brand new song. And when we miss a week, my son immediately asks for the next piano class.
Radhika G.
Mar 27, 2020
My children started taking lessons from Toby a year ago. Her passion for music has helped revive their interest in piano again. Toby is very patient and encouraging in her teaching style and loves the art form. This motivates students to do better and improve their skills. Highly recommend Toby.
Ishwarya I.
Jan 24, 2019
I am a working adult who always wanted to play the piano. I am so glad to have found Toby. She has a great zeal and passion for piano! She is extremely talented and an amazing teacher. She is very attentive and focuses on both piano playing and the theory behind it which makes it so much easier to understand the intricacies. She gives her all to her students! She lets me learn at my own pace while at the same time pushes me to become better! She is helping me learn not only the classics but also the new pop songs that I wish to play! She is very considerate and focuses on the overall development. I have been learning for 3 months now and I have already played a small piece in the annual recital! I could not have been more happy with my progress! I am extremely thankful to her and am going to continue learning from her!
Himani P.
Mar 27, 2018
Piano Lessons (for adults):
Toby is an amazing professional and an excellent teacher. She focuses on learning the technicalities which makes it easier to understand the complex nature of piano. I have had very good experience with her through and through.
Sara C.
March 12, 2018
Piano Lessons (for children):
My two boys (9 and 5) have been having piano lessons with Ms. Toby since last year. Ms. Toby is an accomplished pianist and composer. My sons enjoy her friendly, encouraging and professional teaching approach very much and they enjoy practicing at home. Since Ms. Toby treats each student uniquely, her customized lessons benefits my sons a lot. She helps my sons choose the songs they like and so they are motivated to play. My older son is inspired by Ms. Toby's songs, and he plays his own arrangement on Canon which is very impressive. My younger son has very good progress since his very first piano class with Ms. Toby. She holds two recitals a year at a professional recital hall with a Steinway grand piano. I'm happy to have her as our piano teacher.
Louise P.
June 23, 2017
Toby work well with my talkative 7 year old. She is calmly able to get him to refocus when he goes astray. He is progressing really well.
Tamara B.
June 6, 2017
She is an Exceptional Teacher! Passion, Commitment, Quality My 7-year-old daughter has been working with Toby for 8 months and we couldn't be happier. She is truly an exceptional teacher and a virtuoso player. My 9-year-old son has gotten so excited hearing his sister play that he decided to start working with Toby this month, to. Toby has a unique ability to engage younger children and really cares about her students. She chooses the right songs for my daughter to work on which have gotten her so excited about practicing that I don't even have to ask her to do it. Passion, commitment, and value are all qualities Toby has in excess as a teacher. We often go past the hour as Toby cares about her students and doesn't mind. She has such a generous and kind nature.My daughter has gone from not knowing how to play, to playing easier classical songs with confidence and skill in just 8 months. She will do her utmost as a teacher to help your child excel and you will really see results. In just a short time! I see in the reviews that many of the students don't talk about how well Toby plays. Whether it's one of her own beautiful compositions, or classics from the canon such as Fur Elise, the Moonlight Sonata, or some beloved Chopin, Toby plays with sensitivity and skill. Her compositions are gorgeous and my daughter wants to play like her! She also doesn't hesitate to go the extra mile for her students and makes recordings of herself playing lesson songs and also plays the original pieces to inspire her students at the lesson. Don't hesitate to call her; you won't be sorry. She is truly amazing.
Suzanne R.
June 5, 2017
I started taking lessons from Toby in January 2017. I am an adult student that returned to piano lesson after decades. I stopped lessons at 13 y/o. Without lessons, I can read music and "play" the song. But now, with just a few months into my lessons with Toby, I can hear the difference. My songs now have the correct timing, tempo and spirit the composer intended for his songs. What a difference! My husband now recognizes the songs I play. Thanks Toby!
Butterfly H.
May 25, 2017
Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
My 7-year-old boy started his piano class with Ms. Toby a half year ago.Now he is on his third books. Ms. Toby is very patient and encouraging. It's nice to see my son practicing piano at home without asking him. We are happy about the progress. Thank you Ms. Toby for the good leading.
Tobey W.
Pei Z.
May 22, 2017
I started piano lessons with Toby in January 2017. Toby is one of the best teachers I have ever known. She is incredibly patient, well-organized, and customizes lessons to fit each student's unique needs. I am a Chopin lover and Toby specializes in Romantic period composers like Chopin. She truly cares about the progress of her students. Toby lets her students choose their pieces and she often plays select classical pieces to inspire and push me. I am starting a beginning intermediate Chopin piece already as she has really inspired me to practice and improve. She has also played some of her original compositions which are beautiful. She is a virtuoso pianist. I feel so lucky to have her as a teacher. Don't hesitate to contact her for lessons.
Jessica K.
May 18, 2017
Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
My 8yr old daughter has been doing lessons with Toby for 2 months. She is making great progress and she really enjoys the lessons, she is always eager to go and especially loves that she is already working on her own composition! Toby is really helping to foster her love of music and we are excited to her progress!
Kathy S.
January 31, 2017
Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
I can only say great things about Miss Tobby. She is an amazing piano teacher and great with kids. She never rushes the lessons, and really cares about her students progress. She encourages my daughter and motivates her to play in a fun way. The songs my daughter is learning are fun so she looks forward to keep practicing. Thank you Tobby. So glad we found you!
Jaymi G.
January 21, 2017
I've really enjoyed my first few lessons with a Toby! She's extremely knowledgeable, patient, and thoughtful in her approach. Looking forward to future lessons.
Rosa C.
January 4, 2017
I have nothing but positive things to say about Toby. Since last October I have had weekly lessons with her and she is very patient, encouraging, and extremely talented. I had an opportunity to listen to one of her own compositions and what I told her afterwards that it moved me I didn't quite have the words to explain it but it was beautiful. I also I think it's great that she is organized and tailors each lesson to the needs and wants of each of her students to provide a meaningful and healthy lesson.
Cynthia M.
January 3, 2017
I recently hired Toby for lessons in composition and to help me gain more agility and greater finger dexterity. I played piano for 5 years as a child, but stopped in high school because I became too busy. I also wanted to start writing my own music. I have lyrics, but I don't know how to put them to music. Toby has been working with my daughter who started piano lessons 3 years ago. My daughter had some interest in playing, but had a hard time getting motivated to practice. Toby got her back on track and excited about practicing. She is unique in allowing her intermediate students to play with her band which plays originals, including her own which are a mix of classical and rock. Toby has had an amazing influence on my daughter who went from not knowing how to play to playing intermediate pieces with a wonderful tone, dynamics, and dexterity. She is currently working on a some Chopin (Toby is most skilled in the Romantic era pieces such as Chopin and Rachmaninoff) and the Mozart Turkish March sonata. My daughter has also learned how to write songs and compose music to match them. Toby studied at Berklee which is well-known as the premier school for songwriting and composition, and it shows in her teaching. I am so excited to have an opportunity to work with her. She is a fantastic teacher and her original music is gorgeous and inspirational.
Chengchen L.
December 6, 2016
I'm picking up piano again after having lost contact with it for many many years. Toby saw me play in our first meeting and then was able to recommend some pieces good for my level, she recommended the pieces after listening to my preference, and then I picked which piece i was interested in working on. The piece she recommended that I am currently working fits my criteria very well, it is the right level for me with some challenges that allow me to work on the techniques. She also teaches music theory, and she played for me a piece she composed beautifully. She also played some pieces for me to get familiar with pieces of different composers. She is good for beginner as well as advanced level classes. Meeting with Toby allows me to enjoy playing music again and improve my playing, I am looking forward to continuing the piano lessons with her and enjoy some more piano playin!
Jessica A.
October 29, 2016
Piano Lessons (for adults/children)
I have been taking classical piano lessons with Mrs. Matoush for 2 years now and am delighted with my progress. Toby is an excellent teacher with an unmatched passion for classical music. I have progressed at a rapid rate in spite of not having a great deal of time to practice daily. Toby really knows how to motivate and inspire her students to play and integrates music theory with a nice blend of classical music songs so that her students learn the fundamentals, but also enjoy playing classical songs very quickly. She is fantastic at picking the most appropriate music books. Hearing her play her beautiful original compositions is such an inspiration that I have decided to also learn songwriting from her. Toby and her band are working on making a YouTube video of one of her compositions and I can't wait to hear and see it. My daughter is now studying with her as well as she has grown to love hearing classical music too and wants to study rock piano with Toby too.
Kathy L.
October 23, 2016
Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
My son Tyler has been studying classical piano with Toby for the past three years. She is an amazing teacher, pianist, and composer. Toby is extremely good with kids and very kind, patient and careful to offer only positive encouragement and feedback. She also really makes learning fun; my son is never bored! Tyler loves studying with her and is excited about learning how to compose with her. Her original piano compositions are beautiful and haunting. She is a real gem
Ying J.
October 19, 2016
Piano Lessons (for children)
My daughter has been taking piano classes from Toby for a month and a half now. She absolutely loves it! Toby makes it fun to learn, and explains things in a way that's easy to understand. She also gives helpful notes about things learned in the class, so my daughter can refresh her memory when she's practicing. I would definitely recommend Toby to someone wants to learn piano. She's great with kids and plays beautiful music!
Scott J.
October 5, 2016
Piano Lessons (for children)
My 11 year old daughter recently started taking lessons from Ms. Matoush and I can't believe the progress and enthusiasm! My daughter was very excited about learning, but seems to lack discipline (I bought her books and videos to learn at home; but that didn't end up working out). These in-person lessons have gotten her genuinely excited and she's practicing and progressing wonderfully now. I'm considering enrolling my 9 year old son as well, since now he's suddenly interested in playing the piano too!
