My goal is to demystify the artistic process so everything seems possible and within reach.
In lessons, I help students discover ways of combining verbal language skills they already know with musical concepts of articulation and phrasing to organically speak the language of music. Helping my students of all levels to discover this ability, for me, is the most rewarding part of teaching. I also enjoy working with beginning-level students of all ages as they start on the musical journey that will provide a lifetime of joy! I believe each student is unique in their style of learning and progress- I prioritize discovering these attributes and building a caring relationship with each of my students.
I have taught advanced students in masterclasses setting in international festivals in Greece and South Korea, and I have presented lecture/demonstrations on the topic of Classic Performance Practice in many teacher organizations in Chicago, Portland Oregon, and Nebraska.
Past students have been prize winners in collegiate competitions and recipients of scholarships in prestigious music institutions. I have served on the faculties of the Glenn Korff School of Music, and as Fulbright Scholar at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels Belgium, focusing on Classic Performance Practice.
My teaching repertoire includes works by the masters of the standard piano repertoire such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin to modern jazz and tango-influenced composers Kapustin and Piazzolla. For beginners, I utilize both highly respected pedagogical method books as well as suitable level standard piano repertoire and technique development.
My performances have been showcased in Fortepiano Festivals in Italy, and Belgium as well as recital series in Madrid (Spain), St. Petersburg (Russia), Seoul (South Korea), Brussels (Belgium), Yoshi’s in San Francisco, and The Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
COVID 19 update: We need music now, more than ever! For lessons, I’m open to discussing mutually agreeable formats – So Let’s Talk!
“Before I met Dr. Chang, practicing and performing the piano felt something that I wanted to avoid. During lessons with Ann, I found so many insights about interpreting classical pieces, and how to articulate each note. Under Dr. Chang’s professional teaching, I have gained much knowledge about how to approach different genres of music, and practicing and performing became something I enjoy in my life.”
– Naeun Lee, BM, Indiana University 2018
“Ann is a wonderful teacher. She motivates, leads by example, gives wonderful advice, and always listens. Ann is the best mentor a young (or any) musician could want. She listens, provides context and perspective, and has such a healthy and real relationship with the piano, that she never fails to be an inspiration.“
-Dr. Rebeca Ordóñez Rodríguez, Coordinator of keyboard skills, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica
“Dr. Chang has been a blessing in my daughter’s music education. She is excellent at keeping my daughter motivated while challenging at the same time. Dr. Chang is very proactive in her communications with me in letting me know how lessons are going and any needs that may arise. My daughter absolutely enjoys her time with Dr. Chang and always leaves her lessons in a great mood. We took a long break from piano lessons during Covid, but it was worth the wait to begin in-person lessons again with such a wonderful instructor.” – Mika Ishida