About Us

The Chopin Academy of Music is synonymous with excellence in music education. Located in Issaquah and serving Bellevue, Sammamish, and the greater Seattle area, we offer exceptional instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, and flute for students of all ages and levels.

Whether your goal is personal artistic enrichment or preparation for a professional career, our faculty provides the highest level of training through a structured and comprehensive approach. With internationally trained instructors and a proven curriculum, the Chopin Academy of Music delivers a premier music academy experience in a supportive and inspiring environment.

At the Chopin Academy of Music, each student receives a customized curriculum designed to meet individual goals within our structured programs, including general study, exam track, and competition track pathways.

We offer:

• Private lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, and flute
• Music theory, ear training, and music history classes
• Chamber music and performance workshops
• Frequent performance opportunities in professional venues

Our academy prepares students for high-level concerts and competitions, with performance opportunities in distinguished venues such as Benaroya Hall and beyond. As organizers of the Seattle International Piano Festival and Sonare International Piano Competition, we provide students with access to a broader artistic community and professional-level experiences.

As a leader in the Seattle metropolitan area, the Chopin Academy of Music proudly serves Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Sammamish, Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. Conveniently located near I-90 in historic downtown Issaquah, our academy provides a welcoming and vibrant musical community.

Students and families who join the Chopin Academy become part of a culture defined by dedication, excellence, and artistic growth. If music matters to you, you belong here.

What sets the Chopin Academy of Music apart is our unwavering commitment to quality.

• All instructors hold at least a Master of Music degree, with many holding doctoral degrees
• Faculty are active performers, not just instructors
• A unified curriculum ensures consistency and long-term development
• Students receive a comprehensive education beyond weekly lessons

Unlike many studios, we are not a collection of independent teachers renting space. We are a cohesive academy where faculty collaborate to guide each student’s musical journey.

Instrumental instruction has always been rooted in the relationship between student and master teacher. Our faculty maintain this tradition by demonstrating both technical mastery and artistic depth in their teaching.

In the United States, there are no standardized licensing requirements for private music teachers. Unlike many professions, individuals may legally offer lessons without formal training or credentials.

This places the responsibility on students and families to carefully evaluate the qualifications of a teacher.

Improper instruction can lead to long-term technical issues and even physical injury, including conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or focal dystonia. Proper technique—guided by experienced professionals—is essential not only for artistic development but also for long-term physical well-being.

At the Chopin Academy of Music, we emphasize healthy, efficient technique from the very beginning. Piano playing, for example, involves the coordinated use of the entire body—not just the fingers—and must be taught with precision and care.

Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) was one of the most influential composers of the Romantic era and a master teacher whose artistic ideals continue to shape piano pedagogy today.

Unlike many virtuosi of his time, Chopin preferred intimate settings and devoted much of his life to teaching and composition. His approach emphasized refinement, expressive sound, and technical efficiency—principles that remain central to our philosophy.

“…it was with veritable joy that he devoted all his strength to teaching…”
—Karol Mikuli, student of Chopin

The founders of the Chopin Academy of Music studied with distinguished pedagogues connected to this lineage, including students of great Chopin interpreters such as Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Alfred Cortot. This heritage informs our teaching approach and commitment to artistic excellence.