Hello! My name is Esther Judson, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching piano to hundreds of students over the past few decades. My musical journey began back in 1967 in Jinhae City, South Korea, where I took my very first piano lesson at age 9. That initial year sparked a passion in me, and even after formal lessons ended, I was determined to continue learning on my own. By the time I entered high school, I was accompanying the congregational hymns and the choir at my local church—a formative experience that deepened my love for music.

In 1981, I moved to the United States to further my musical education. I studied under the late Dr. Charles Lynn Wheeler at Pacific Union College, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a piano emphasis. His mentorship helped shape me as both a musician and teacher, and I am grateful for his influence during my early years of study.

ABOUT ESTHER

I officially began teaching piano in Central California in 1995, starting with just one student. However, within a few months, my studio quickly grew to seven students, and by the end of the year, I was teaching 20 students. Very quickly it grew to 40! It was an exciting time, and I soon realized that teaching piano was not just a career but a lifelong calling. During these early years, I continued to refine my own skills by studying with the late Mrs. Lillian Cox, a former Juilliard graduate and world-renowned concert pianist.

My teaching career took me to several educational institutions, including Bakersfield Academy, where I taught K-12 music, choirs, and handbell choir. Later, I moved to Northern California and taught at Redwood Academy, Rio Lindo Academy, and Pacific Union College as a contract piano teacher.

I firmly believe in giving students the opportunity to perform and grow as musicians, both within and outside of my studio. I encourage participation in public recitals, local and international competitions, and I’m proud to say that three of my students have had the incredible honor of performing at Carnegie Hall as winners of international competitions.

In 1997, I became a member of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), and in 2003, I began entering my students into the Certificate of Merit (CM) program. Over the years, I’ve guided many students through this rigorous program, with several reaching Level 10 and even earning the prestigious "Senior Medallion" upon their high school graduation. In 2010, I became an accredited CM evaluator, allowing me to further assist students in reaching their highest potential.

Currently, I am teaching at Pine Hills Academy and from my private piano studio located in Lincoln, CA. My goal as a teacher is not only to develop technical proficiency in my students but also to inspire a lifelong love for music. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, I look forward to helping you discover your own musical voice.

Thank you for visiting my studio’s website, and I hope to share the joy of music with you!

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