For some time, my wife had been looking around at different music schools for a program that balances technique and theory, similar to her musical training. We were also hesitant to put our daughter into any type of private lesson for her first musical experience not knowing if she would like singing. I first met Nani in a hula class and discovered she is a professional opera singer. Our daughter naturally gravitated towards Nani so we decided to give the private session a try. After the first lesson we were amazed on how much our daughter learned and Nani was able to immediately correct some of our daughter's bad habits. Nani taught her the proper way to use and care for her voice as an instrument, not to over stress and prevent long-term damage. Nani is extremely patient and has a passion for sharing her joy of music with her students. This is evident during the bi-annual recitals and watching the interactions amongst her students. We are most impressed about Nani for the way she tailors her teaching style to the student. Our younger son begged us to take voice lessons after watching how much our daughter was learning. Now our children love to sing and perform together. If you are looking for a music or voice teacher, we highly recommend Nani. read more

My sons and I have been voice and piano students of Nani for nearly 4 years and she has made our musical journeys so incredible. She approaches her student's needs with individualized lesson plans weaving theory with practice throughout her approach. She makes learning music fun and helps address fears of performing to an audience with empathy and patience. Her home is filled with beloved pets that have become family and she opens her heart to all her students. There are music teachers and there are teachers who teach students how to understand and love music so they can achieve their goals; whether that's to apply to a musical conservatory, audition for a recital or play, or just to be able learn how to sing harmonies with others, Nani is ready to support you every step of the way. You don't want to put your children or your own musical journey in the wrong hands as it could lead to a loss of love for piano or singing. I know because I had a terrible teacher when I was in my teens and I didn't want to play piano anymore as a result; what a shame! Nani achieves progress and growth in her students in a way that is both challenging and rewarding. She truly is the musical coach that everyone needs. read more

I wanted to help my granddaughter to learn piano and how to read music. Wandering around the choices, I found Nani. She was accessible and easy to communicate with, and this was in the early period of COVID-19 lockdown. She adapted brilliantly and helped us with introducing my 12 year old granddaughter to the piano and to reading music. Remotely! This is a teacher who obviously loves music and teaching. She's been wonderfully adaptive to the whole situation of teaching and learning during COVID. And, there's great chemistry with her and her student, at least as far as the feedback that granddad gets:) I wholeheartedly recommend Nani to any parent, or grandparent, as a children's piano teacher. My experience was for a young girl beginning to learn about piano. I hope to check back in later with observations about Nani as to a more advanced student as my granddaughter may continue and progress. If I had to guess, I'd say Nani can teach and inspire students well beyond beginner level. Hope to find out. read more

I wanted my son to be able to read music and carry a tune. We bounced from teacher to teacher until we found Nani. She is brilliant. Amazingly accomplished she sings with artists like Renée Fleming and Cindy Lauper's people wrote a special rendition of True Colors just for her. But you would never know it given her total down to earth attitude. Her support and encouragement would have anyone coming back. Three years later my son sings well and has finished Level 3 Basics of Keyboard Theory. Check and check! I'm even starting to think about lessons... read more

Nani is very well rounded and knowledgeable in her musicianship and teaching abilities. She never underestimates the difficulties of a song whether it is the language I am singing in or if it was a theory question. She has only shown patience and when I was not able to understand she adapted her teaching skills to my ability. She always makes me feel confident and successful after every musical encounter. I respect the fact that I can go to her about a song in any romance language, a pop song or a musical theater tune. She makes music fun and makes you feel like you belong just as you are. read more

I found Nani through a now defunct website. It was a very happy accident! Nani is extremely patient, talented & kind. At the time when I began seeing her for lessons, I was experiencing a huge lack of self confidence & stage fright (even though I had been singing for years). Slowly through our working together I began to regain my confidence and improve my skills. She was a lifeline for me throughout that semester. Two years ago I wanted to audition for a college production of Cabaret and I texted her to beg for an audition prep/lesson. She was more than accommodating to my request - thankfully she had an open evening for us to meet. We met twice more to get me ready for callbacks, etc. I got the part! I know it was not only my dedication & talent, but having Nani on my side reminding me that I could totally do this was my secret weapon. I've gone to her for other auditions, & will continue to do so if we ever get back to live performances. She has an awesome new lower level studio where she holds her lessons. It's just the two of you & she encourages you to feel safe & protected, to feel free to explore the music & see yourself in a different way. She has dogs, but if you're not afraid they're a wonderful mini audience! Overall if you're in need of a voice coach who is experienced, affordable & amazing at what she does - then call Nani. You will not regret it. read more

If you are looking for the ideal vocal music instructor, look no farther! My 5th grade students have worked with Nani on several projects, both in-person and virtually. With her positivity and encouragement, Nani is able to reach out and engage every learner, even with a large group of children, even in a Zoom session. Nani's talent and creativity can meet any musical challenge, and she adapts her lessons as she works to resolve every concern. Nani's kind, caring nature reassures every learner; her compassion shines through, even during the most difficult times. My students look forward to each and every lesson they have with Nani to guide them. Bravo, Nani! I look forward to our next collaboration! :) read more

Nani is such a warm and encouraging piano teacher for my 10 year old son, and he has learned so much in such a short span of time. He has learned music theory and note reading, while studying both classical and pop music to perform. She clearly knows so much about music as an opera singer herself, and has a passion that infuses everything. Her sweetness and enthusiasm make the learning process very fun--we could not be more fortunate to have found her! read more

Nani is a long time colleague of mine as well as my son's vocal instructor. She is the consummate artist - her technique and delivery in her own performances are stunning, but she also has the unique ability to be able to teach and impact young musicians. Whether I am performing with Nani or my son is taking a lesson, each session is filled with joy. Nani's instruction is fun and accessible for the kids but is packed with top notch technical instruction. She has an enormous music vocabulary but at the same time is able to express it in simple enough terms for my 7 year old to excel. Whether you are looking for lessons for your beginning child or looking to advance your technique as an accomplished musician, I highly recommend lessons with Nani! read more

I have been working with Nani for almost 6 years. She is amazing!!! When I started working with her I was hanging around the altos in choir, knowing I could hit some higher notes and not hit some of the lower ones. She taught me that singing is like working a muscle. By stretching and exercising the muscle, I was able to develop and strengthen my head voice. I identify as a soprano now! She is entertaining, inspiring, and kind. She is a teacher and friend. Forever grateful!! read more