About Joel

Hi, I’m Joel Tepper, and I’ve been teaching piano for over 25 years. I’m a proud graduate of UC Berkeley and Mills College, and I’ve been honored with awards from both the National Teachers Association and the Berkeley Teachers Association. Currently, I teach at Veksler Academy of Music and Dance in Sunnyvale, CA, where I’ve been an instructor since 2012. I also enjoy teaching children and adults at my Oakland studio, where I’m especially well-loved by UC Berkeley students and the staff at the Laney College Music Department.

As a concert pianist, I’ve had the privilege of performing with Bay Area orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony, where I was a first-place winner in the Youth Orchestra Piano Competition, and the Berkeley Symphony. My performances span many venues across Berkeley and the Bay Area, where I’ve presented major works from the piano repertoire.

In my teaching, I blend my experience as a performer with a sense of humor and a passion for sports, creating an engaging and well-rounded learning environment. I teach all levels and styles, including Classical, Jazz, and Popular piano techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced pianist, I’m dedicated to helping you achieve your musical goals.