Cornell CS + Mannes Piano (English/中文) anything you want

Johnny W.

I’m Johnny, and I tutor piano and musicianship in both English and Mandarin. I’m currently a Master of Music student in Piano Performance at Mannes School of Music (NYC), and I previously earned a B.S. in Computer Science & Applied Mathematics and an M.Eng. in Computer Science from Cornell University. My graduate study includes pedagogy-focused training through coursework and studio work, and my academic background also helps me teach with clear structure, measurable goals, and efficient practice strategies. I do not currently hold a third-party teaching certificate (e.g., Suzuki/ABRSM/RCM), but my instruction is grounded in conservatory-level training and active teaching experience.

I have taught in one-on-one settings since 2021, working with students at early and developing levels. I currently teach weekly as an Associate Mentor with Musical Mentor Collaborative (since Oct 2025), where I work with an elementary-aged student on piano-related fundamentals, rhythm, listening, and core music theory skills in an engaging, age-appropriate way. In my private teaching, lessons are tailored to the student’s goals -- whether that is building basics, improving reading and rhythm, developing technique and tone, or preparing a piece for performance.

In lessons, students can expect a supportive but detail-oriented approach that balances healthy technique and sound production with real musicianship. We work on coordination, tone, rhythm accuracy, and phrasing, and I connect theory directly to repertoire (intervals, chords, patterns, and basic harmony) so students become independent learners rather than memorizing notes. Each session ends with a clear practice plan -- what to do, how to do it, and how to track improvement -- so progress stays consistent even with a busy schedule.