About

Discover the Heart of Music Education at Cobb Piano Studio

In the realm of education and personal growth, there's a key that unlocks boundless potential – piano and keyboard studies. These musical journeys hold profound importance for our children's development and well-being. Music, a remarkable blend of challenge and healing, empowers us mentally and emotionally, fostering creativity that's uniquely our own.

At Cobb Piano Studio, we believe that piano lessons are more than just notes on a page. They cultivate focus, nurture confidence, and elevate both mental and physical abilities. This enrichment resonates not only in school but also throughout life's diverse pathways.

Learning an instrument isn't solely about mastering melodies; it's about conquering personal mountains and fostering growth. This voyage of achievement, untethered from external pressures or needless rivalry, stands as a testament to individual progress.

Our monthly performance workshops at Cobb Piano Studio transcend the ordinary. They forge deep connections among students, birthing musical moments that inspire and uplift all.
Engaging musical endeavors encompass exploring professional performances, deciphering intricate scores, delving into music's history, and harmonizing rhythms together.

Every student we welcome treads a distinct path – from the pieces they embrace to the cadence of their lessons. A cornerstone belief of ours is the significance of tailored guidance. We wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to nurturing each student's unique interests and talents, crafting an educational voyage that speaks to them personally.

Join us at Cobb Piano Studio, where music intertwines with individuality, and every note resonates with the promise of growth and harmony. Your musical odyssey awaits.

COBB PIANO STUDIO is a vendor
with Compass, and Lake View Charter schools.

Meet Susan van Wyk

Piano Teacher

Nurturing Musical Journeys with Passion:
With a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from California State University, Northridge, Susan van Wyk brings a wealth of expertise to her teaching. Her musical journey began at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, her birthplace.

As an engaged member of the Music Teachers Association of California, Susan wove herself into diverse teaching experiences. Her involvement spans from evaluating piano exams for the California Association of Professional Music Teachers to judging local competitions in Southern California. She's also contributed insightful articles on piano pedagogy to Keyboard Companion magazine.

With over 30 years of piano teaching, Susan's dedication shines through her students' achievements. Her guidance has led them to excel in community workshops, examinations, recitals, and competitions, enriching their musical growth and passion.

An Inspirational Path to Cobb Mountain:
The path that led Ms. van Wyk to Cobb Mountain was one paved with remarkable experiences. Susan had the privilege of collaborating with the esteemed pedagogue, Richard Chronister for a number of years. This connection led her to the Pasadena Conservatory of Music in Southern California, where she joined the faculty for an impactful 9 years.

Guided by director Stephen McCurry, Susan actively engaged in developing a group keyboard program. This endeavor deepened her insights and provided her with comprehensive training in the distinctive Music Tree piano method, crafted by Frances Clark.

Susan certainly cherishes her moments as a performer, but her heart truly resonates with the accomplishments of her students. From witnessing the pure joy of her young learners to engaging in enlightening discussions with her more seasoned students, from nurturing the promise of newfound keyboard prowess to sharing in the collective journey of learning and connecting each week – these, undoubtedly, are the sources of her greatest joy and fulfillment.

Susan van Wyk
(pronounced "fun vake"
~ rhymes with lake)

"Everyone needs a teacher that will explore with them, adventure with them, nurture and challenge them.
I’m committed to being that teacher."

WORKSHOPS, REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

2025-2026 Workshops for Students only...

September: An Etude & Technical Performance Workshop.

October: Halloween - Parents invited.
Observe how workshops challenge, encourage & inspire.

Early Dec: REHEARSAL for the Holiday Recital
Performing Holiday pieces and one other piece of choice.

December:   STUDIO HOLIDAY RECITAL

January:   Baroque Period (1600's)
Students perform pieces by composers like Bach,
Telemann, Handel.

February: Classical Period (1700's)
Students perform pieces by composers like Mozart,
   Beethoven, Clementi.

March: Romantic Period (1800's)
Students perform pieces by composers like Burgmüller,
  Schumann, Chopin, Grieg.

April:   20th - 21st Century Period (1900 to now)
Students perform pieces from classical contemporary
      composers like Bartok, Kabalevsky, Shostakovich, and
   more modern genres of Rock, Pop, Jazz and Blues.

May: REHEARSAL for the end of the year recital.
Piano duets may be included.

June: PIANO CELEBRATION RECITAL

THOUGHTS ON MUSIC

Music is both sound and silence, it is both being and becoming.

Music helps us feel what we cannot explain, and explore what we have yet to question.

Being in the process of making music, we grow a little more into our selves.

While we are making music, music is making us.

Music can help you go deeper, and grow from the inside out, if you listen to your sounds and are brave.

A good teacher leads her students into music and then let's go.

Cobb Piano Studio - Established in 2010