Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Premier Music Education in San Jose Since 2009
Legato Music School is dedicated to providing high-quality performing arts education that nurtures students' potential and fosters a lifelong love of music. Since 2009, we have offered personalized curricula tailored to individual goals, whether students aspire to professional careers or seek music as a rewarding hobby. Our instructors, all holding bachelor's degrees or higher in music, bring 10-25 years of teaching experience and a passion for mentoring. We emphasize cognitive development, social growth, and technical mastery through recitals, ensemble performances, and community engagement. Our collaborative approach includes annual parent-teacher meetings, progress reports, and customized learning plans.Located in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, we serve students of all ages and skill levels. Our faculty includes master instructors with advanced degrees and decades of experience in public schools, community programs, and professional performance. We maintain rigorous standards for both musical excellence and character development, believing music education cultivates compassionate leaders. Through partnerships with local organizations, we provide performance opportunities at senior centers and nonprofit events. Our commitment to accessibility includes instrument rentals at discounted rates and flexible lesson formats for in-person, online, or hybrid learning.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Group Lessons
Instrument Rentals
Music Theory Classes
Performance Coaching
College Audition Prep
Ensemble Training
Voice Lessons
Piano Lessons
String Instrument Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Instructors hold master's or doctoral degrees in music with 15-25+ years teaching experience
- Personalized curriculum tailored to individual learning goals and pace
- Monthly recitals and annual performances at professional venues
- 98% of faculty graduated from top US music conservatories
- Flexible lesson formats: in-person, online, and hybrid options available
Associations and certifications
- Certificate of Merit (CM)
- MTNA (CAPMT)
- ABRSM
- RCOM
- Piano Guild
What people say
Wonderful piano teacher
Improved tremendously
Patient and nurturing
Excellent recital opportunities
Passionate instructors
Services
Private Music Lessons
Customized weekly lessons for all skill levels and ages. Experienced instructors develop personalized curricula focusing on technical mastery and musical expression. Students gain confidence through regular performance opportunities and progress tracking.
Group Lessons
Structured group sessions with master instructors. Students learn ensemble playing, music theory fundamentals, and collaborative performance skills. Includes 12 sessions with all necessary materials included in tuition.
Instrument Rentals
Discounted instrument rentals exclusively for enrolled students. Available for violins, cellos, woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments. Flexible terms with 10-20% savings compared to commercial rental rates.
Performance Coaching
Specialized training for competition and recital preparation. Includes stage presence development, audition techniques, and ensemble coordination. Students gain experience through monthly recitals and annual concert series.
Music Theory Classes
Comprehensive music theory curriculum aligned with certification requirements. Covers notation, composition, and aural skills. Classes integrate practical application with instrument-specific examples for better understanding.
People
Haruna Shiokawa-Mo
Founder & Principal
Established Legato Music School in 2009 after teaching in public and private schools. Holds bachelor's degree in music education. Specializes in piano instruction and curriculum development for special needs students.
Philip Orselli
Trombone Instructor
Award-winning trombonist with New York All-State honors. Teaches brass instruments with focus on technical development and expressive performance. Active performer and competition coach.
Nick Hewett
Brass Instructor
Specializes in trumpet instruction and competition preparation. Develops personalized practice strategies and performance techniques. Helps students achieve placements in honor bands and youth orchestras.
Questions
What lesson formats do you offer?
We offer in-person, online (Zoom/Skype/FaceTime), and hybrid lesson formats. All sessions maintain the same quality of instruction and personalized attention.
How do you match students with instructors?
We consider learning style, musical interests, and skill level when matching students. Trial lessons help determine compatibility before committing to regular sessions.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in monthly recitals, annual concert series, and community performances at senior centers and nonprofit organizations throughout the year.
Do you offer instrument rentals?
Yes, we provide discounted instrument rentals exclusively for enrolled students with 10-20% savings compared to commercial rates for violins, cellos, woodwinds, and brass instruments.
What certification programs do you support?
We prepare students for Certificate of Merit (CM), MTNA (CAPMT), ABRSM, RCOM, and Piano Guild certifications with specialized theory instruction and performance coaching.
How do you handle scheduling conflicts?
We allow 3 make-up lessons per year with 48-hour notice. Temporary withdrawals are available for extended absences with guaranteed re-enrollment within specified timeframes.
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