Students work with Lou at all levels, from beginning to advanced.
Most study the piano. Others develop their creativity by learning songwriting, composition, or film scoring.
(The students portrayed here wrote their own testimonials, gave permission to be posted, and were not compensated.)
Lisa R.
Texas / Benitachell, Spain
“I feel honored to be taught by Lou. He supports me with a quality of instruction like none other I have gotten before. I find him easy to understand. He has great patience and such a love for music that it inspires me to do well. He is clever and funny in his instruction and I learn so much during each session.”
George K.
Silver Spring, Maryland
“I was a 65 year old in the DC suburbs and wanted beginning piano lessons. I checked reviews and Lou Tuman came up with the best reviews, even though he is in the Los Angeles area. We skyped the lessons. He clearly has a lot of experience teaching at all levels, including mine. He was extremely responsive to my needs. I continued lessons for about three years until my personal situation required me to put them on hold, but when circumstances permit I will certainly be contacting Lou again.”
Diana P.
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
“For years, I had been searching for a piano teacher who could inspire me and I finally found one. My initial contact with Lou was memorable - I immediately felt his warmth and genuineness. His interview is thorough in that Lou truly wants to identify your goals and dreams so that he can help you attain them. And you will!
“Lou is very sensitive to the needs and desires of his students. I have made giant leaps of progress under his tutelage, accompanying myself on piano and mastering songs in a very short time. With his decades of experience, Lou can navigate complicated musical terrain by simplifying the journey. He is extraordinarily professional, kind and responsive. Lou gently pushes me to the edge of my talent and creativity; he encourages and inspires me to stay the course and not give up. Most importantly, at least for me, he makes it fun and keeps it light.”
Armando L.
Oxnard, California
“I would never consider studying with anyone else. Lou makes me feel that I am in a collaborative relationship with him. My previous coaches were rigid and used only one approach to teaching. It is of particular value that Lou is able to tailor the instruction to his student’s particular interests, ability and life style. That makes him unique.”
Sara R.
Germany
My work as an attorney required me to change location often, so I was happy to find an instructor who could "travel with me." Lou has been perfecting the practice of lessons by live video since 2013. He is a gifted musician and instructor. I felt honored to have him take me on as a student. He was able to demonstrate and walk me through everything. It was incredibly effective and I progressed well under his instruction. I could not recommend a better person.
Nell C.
Santa Barbara, California“I had been writing songs for a couple of years, accompanying myself on the guitar by ear, and thought I could use some professional coaching. I found exactly what I needed in Lou. Within seconds he could show me on the piano how to transform my simple guitar rhythms into beautiful works of art. In addition to musical skills, he gave me the clarity and focus I was looking for and I took off like a rocket. Lou helped me to discover my true self and overcome any fears I had of my songs being heard. Now you can’t get me to stop singing, and others are loving it. It is like he opened a door up to me and helped me to believe in my potential and I ran right through it. He not only taught me the nuts and bolts of music, but he empowered me to explore, discover, and accept my gifts. My creative expression is unlocked and I am going to town with it...
“I was able to produce many songs during my time with Lou. I became very driven and was even able to put together many pieces that I had in the works before we started. Lou gave me the clarity and focus I was looking for and I managed an average of two songs per month. I now have about thirty pieces and am continuing to work on them with other musicians who share my vision and want to bring them to the world. It is beautiful how it all transpired since meeting Lou.
“During my time with him I found an approach for my music that I feel is invaluable. I am now very aware of the message I am projecting in my lyrics, a powerful outpouring of emotion with a suggested resolution and healing factor. I had an idea regarding healing before, but was not clear on it until Lou brought it out of me. I think this is the most valuable thing he has done for me. Now I can be of better service to others. I am happy to be able to share my music instead of having it locked up inside of me. Lou enabled me to free myself from the limitations I used to carry around. I am eternally grateful.”
Surendra K.
Bristol, UK“Lou really has a great ability to teach any kind of music. I have learned quite a few songs, both Western Classical and Bollywood, under his guidance. He knows my strengths, capabilities and background, and is able to create piano versions of popular songs adapted very well to my musical experience...
“The quality of coaching I have received is truly superior. Lou’s whole approach to teaching is different from others, and results in a special bond with his students. One notable difference is that he understands his student’s goals or objectives, and formulates a teaching method which will help to achieve them. In my case, he started off teaching me the fundamentals of music theory and how to play piano. Later he gradually introduced various aspects of composing, arranging, and producing music. I make time in my busy life for lessons with Lou, and feel privileged to have the opportunity.”
Randy S.
Lahaina, Hawaii
I have truly enjoyed learning with Lou. I decided to start learning piano as a 55 year old, so I looked for teachers who were technically excellent, experienced, and skilled in working with mature adults, and was lucky enough to find Lou. He has not only helped me gain skills in reading music and physically playing the piano, but also provides meaningful context in terms of music theory and music history. That makes the experience more complete and satisfying. While I have been working with Lou for a few years, playing piano has brought joy to my life.
Katherine M.
Arlington, Massachusetts
“Lou has several amazing qualities as a piano teacher. Most obviously, he generously shares his love of music and his passion for teaching with all his students. Lou is also equally prepared and organized every time we meet, offering creative and unique explanations during our lessons that assist me in the understanding and integration of difficult concepts (which also make his lessons fun)!
“This is particularly true during the times he actively spots and then helps me to solve problems, build skills, and/or recognize challenges in my playing (as they occur) and then resolves them in a kind, supportive manner. However, I most especially appreciate the quantity and quality of time Lou places into integrating the history, theory and practice of piano playing into our lessons. He is a very gifted teacher, and I highly recommend him.”
Jeannine B.
Kenmore, Washington
“It was wonderful. I have learned a lot in a relatively short time. I went from a complete novice to playing Moonlight Sonata. Lou is a very kind and skilled teacher. His expertise and experience make him so good at what he does, and having our lessons over skype was easy. I looked forward to it every week. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn - at any skill level. His talents are boundless!”
Cindy W.
Meridian, Idaho“I had piano instruction when I was a child but found it extremely boring and lost interest early on. In contrast, Lou made even the process of practice fun and fulfilling. I appreciated that he approached me differently. I couldn’t believe how fast I was able to progress, and was soon playing my favorite songs from films and Broadway musicals. My theory lessons were thoroughly enjoyable as well. In just the first few months, I had already progressed far beyond my expectations...
“I loved my lessons with Lou and looked forward to each one. Each time I felt like I had accomplished so much in such a short time and was anxious to work on my next assignment. The very first piece I learned was an arrangement of “Fur Elise” and I was amazed at how fast I was able to get through the piece and feel confident about my accomplishment.”
Charles M.
Palo Alto, California
“Lou's knowledge and experience make him extremely valuable to any musician, from beginner to professional. Although I was pretty proficient at playing the guitar, it was challenging to write songs based solely on knowledge of the guitar. Noticing many song writers use the piano as their instrument of choice I decided it was time for me to give it a go. After speaking with Lou for about thirty minutes I decided to join with him and have never looked back. In a relatively short time I learned to read music, play piano with both hands, understand music theory, format and write songs, and in general gained a more solid foundation in the world of music.”
Mary R.
Midland, Michigan
“I had taken lessons in the past with three other piano teachers. I finally found the right match in Lou. He is a very talented, professional individual who gears lessons to my goals. A brilliant man, yet humble. I feel fortunate to have found him - and it's also nice to not have to leave my home for lessons! I am very comfortable with him and find his teaching stimulating. He is very encouraging, and lessons are fun. He has always responded to my emails in a timely manner, too. After each lesson I feel even more motivated.”
Randolph M.
Georgetown, Texas
“Lou is a terrific musician and an equally terrific teacher. He worked with me both in learning the piano (after a 50-year hiatus) and in guiding my composition of a number of pieces. His insights into and suggestions regarding my compositions were spot on, and very much improved them. Lou is an encourager, so I always felt better about my own musicianship after each lesson. We worked together on the goals of my lessons. Each week I would have some achievable milestones in piano and composition for the next lesson, so I made steady progress at a pace that worked for my abilities and schedule.”
Chase L.
Thousand Oaks, California“What I have found in Lou is so far and away better and more enjoyable than what I remember from teachers I had in the past, that it is impossible to compare. The progress I have made is far beyond anything I ever expected. Lou has let me guide the speed at which we go. He has an encouraging and enthusiastic way of teaching. His approach is different. It is not canned. It is personal. It is specific. It is directed toward what I am looking for. It keeps my interests very much in its focus.
“I had been away from the piano for many years and was looking to get started again. I was solely interested, and remain so, in playing for my own enjoyment. I wanted to learn more about jazz and blues and similar styles - wanted to be able to sit down, having heard a song, and be able to play it. Playing by ear or from a fake book is my preference. Lou listened closely to what I said I wanted, started me from scratch and took me to the point I thought I wanted in just a few months. I have been studying with him for four years, and he has taken me far beyond my initial goals, and I am having a grand ball.
Linda J.
Palm Harbor, Florida
“Taking piano lessons with Lou online is fabulous. Just sit at your own piano and he's there by Skype. I had taken lessons years ago and now I wanted to study as an older adult. Lou creates a learning situation based on my own interests. He knows a lot of music and the history and construction of many, many music genres. He's very encouraging and takes into account that adults have multiple life roles....he goes at the speed I want to go.
“I've made a lot of progress in a short time and music has become a central pleasure in my life again. Anyone who seriously wants to learn and be more fluent in music in general and piano in particular will enjoy this style of learning. It is great to practice and play on your own piano with no commute and in the comfort of your own home.”
James E.
Newark, Delaware
“Although not personally a student of Lou's, I have the unique perspective acquired from sitting in on lessons that he gave my young adult son and my appropriately older significant other. My son, already partially trained in piano, wanted to learn more about jazz and improvisation. My partner began lessons with less background in piano. In both cases, Lou quickly sized up their aptitudes and learning goals. He designed lessons that matched their interests, stimulated their engagement, and provided a series of rewarding and increasingly advanced achievements. He has an unusual gift for making lessons both fun and productive.
“In the interest of full disclosure, I have also known Lou for over 4 decades and have seen his development from a superior student of music to a revered teacher and composer. During these years I have had experience, as an amateur musician, with many music teachers. Lou stands out - which is why I have wholeheartedly recommended him to those dearest to me and would also recommend him to others seeking an exceptional opportunity to further their musical education.”
Sis P., M.D.
Ventura, California
“I would walk on my hands, up and down hills, through mud and snow, to attend lessons with Lou.”
Patricia M.
Reno, Nevada
“Lou uses video conferencing to listen and watch your hands and your playing. He is very skilled and provides useful and insightful instructions, comments and corrections. I had not played since I was a child, but Lou was able to fairly quickly get me conversant again in reading and playing Level 2 music. He is patient, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun.”
Gene F.
Goodyear, Arizona
“Lou is an excellent music teacher. Punctual and professional, he tailors his teaching to the individual. My goal was to learn to read music for the keyboard. I went from being a novice to being able to interpret and play fairly complex sheet music (including 16th notes) in about three months.”
Seth G.
Santa Monica, California“Lou’s coaching is unparalleled. With his help I quickly grew from a rookie musician into an experienced recording artist.
“Lou’s instruction is so unlike most other teachers because of his versatility. He doesn’t have just one thing to teach you. Your lessons can progress and change with your needs. Whether it’s piano, note reading, theory, song writing, recording, studio preparation, or copyright legalities, he can cover it all. Because of this, my experience with him is far beyond anything I thought you could find in a coach. I have made great progress in my songwriting, and never thought I would be playing piano and writing songs like I am, so soon.
“I had been a guitarist for years and was never really able to figure much out about music theory and reading notes. Guitar teachers would always hit a road block with me when trying to teach theory and sight reading. Since I wanted to develop my songwriting skills, and all I knew was how to sing and play guitar, I decided to take up piano to try to learn some theory so I could write and produce my own music and communicate with other musicians.
“Lou explained everything to me in an easy format. He made everything click, right away. Lou also has an amazing ability to make you feel good about your accomplishments no matter how small they are at first. Which, after all is said and done, makes you believe you can try a little harder and get where you want to go.
Rollin T.
Westlake Village, CA / Cottonwood, Arizona
“Lou was my second teacher, the last was when I was a teenager. I mainly wanted to find out if I could learn to play a bit of piano accompaniment, to plunk down a few chords while other folks were playing other instruments and singing. Lou convinced me that I could do that and more, and provided me with the tools and encouragement, and I was pleasantly surprised, which was terrific. I never thought I would be able to even attempt some of the Dr. John styles, or even the slow-jazz standard styles, quite so quickly.”
Danny B.
Ventura, California
“I never saw such progress in a short amount of time. Thinking back, I still don’t know how he did it! Lou incorporates an unusual amount of creativity in his lessons. Being a composer himself allows him to have much more creative freedom in his teaching than others who do not create music. This is one of the reasons for the great progress I made under his guidance.”
Joan L.
Oxnard, California
“Brilliant, top notch, world class coaching. Lou is an inspiration to me, and my mentor...
“I’ve been a student of Lou for years. The quality of instruction I’ve received exceeded even what his reputation led me to expect. Lou has a gentle way about him that sets a student at ease. Though I’ve had skillful instructors in the past, none of them came even close to Lou. Among the qualities that set him apart are his phenomenal knowledge, his sense of humor, and how he treats you with the utmost respect in every lesson.”
Raelynn C.
Rochester, New York“Before working with Lou, I was already active professionally as a performing musician and music teacher. I wanted to expand into the areas of theory and composition and approached him for coaching. With his expertise in musical techniques and styles as a composer, Lou is able to make even complex musical concepts easy and fun for anyone to understand. After only a few months of lessons, my comprehension of music theory and its applications for creating my own music have been deepened and broadened greatly...
“Lou perceives and values every student’s innate musical potential and is talented in grasping what students need in order to attain their specific goals. He knows how to tailor lessons for each student, and is creative and patient in his approach. His love for music and commitment to his students’ growth permeate his delivery of every lesson. I have been very fortunate to learn the art of music-making from such a wonderful and dedicated musician.”
Cristina A.
Ventura Keys, California
“My piano lessons with Lou are always a welcome break in my busy work week. I really like the fact that there is no pressure. Everything is at my pace. With music as a hobby, I look forward to lessons, knowing that I will have a fun and relaxing time.
“What makes Lou so effective are his original teaching methods, his patience and his kind nature. He is very approachable, sensitive and always open to listen to my expectations and goals. Lou definitely makes all the lessons very interesting.”
Gary B.
Knoxville, Tennessee“Lou is an important part of my musical journey and has definitely taken me to a higher level as a composer and musician. My progress, growth, and the amount of ground we have covered are unbelievable… from chords to ear training to four-voice counterpoint to compositional techniques and much more. Lou is an excellent teacher and has a special approach when working with songwriters and composers. When I first went to him for an interview, he impressed me by listening carefully to the songs I had written and brought with me...
“During lessons, whenever I have brought compositions to him for review, he compliments me on what he likes about the piece before pointing out any problems. One thing I appreciate is that he doesn’t ‘interfere’ and tell you how to fix it (i.e., change this note to a G), but explains the issues involved and gives you musical guidelines on how to resolve the issue on your own.
“Lou is very personable in his teaching and crafts his lessons specific to each student. For example, before analyzing my demos, we studied various aspects of music theory and songwriting skills to prepare me. Then we analyzed each song in detail and worked on improving them before returning to the recording studio. When I was writing material for my second CD, Lou would provide valuable feedback and helped me ensure that each song fully expressed what I had in mind for it to become.
“As a music coach Lou went far beyond what I expected in a teacher. He was willing to step outside the ‘normal’ music lesson and oriented me in areas that helped me develop a musical path for myself, including a marketing plan for my CDs.
“Lou is an excellent teacher, and a friend and colleague. I appreciate his humor, flexibility, and willingness to go ‘outside the box’ in his coaching.”
Ruth O.
Niagara Falls, New York
“Lou has vast musical experience and is a wonderful and talented instructor. I took piano lessons with him as a hobby. Long distance learning over Skype worked out perfectly; it was as if he was sitting in the same room with me. Lou is very patient, caring, and understands that everyone learns differently. He discovers the way his student learns best and tailors lessons to them.
“Lou spots problems as they are occurring and gives very constructive feedback, putting the lesson time to maximum use. He balances critiques by acknowledging what you are doing well, which I found very encouraging. Highly recommend!”
Margaret P.
Santa Paula, California
“We feel so lucky to have the chance to study with Lou. It is rare to find a teacher who is also a virtuoso performer and world class composer. As a college instructor, I am especially impressed by Lou’s ability to find creative and sensitive strategies which cater to his students’ individuality and developmental stages. Most importantly, he teaches and models the spiritual joy that music can bring to our lives.”
Raul David R.
Berkeley, California
“With Lou’s mentorship, I was transformed from a student into a musician. Before coming to Lou, I had not studied the piano or songwriting. After two years with him, I developed a plan to pursue a career as a film composer and was accepted into the music program at U.C. Berkeley.”
Dondre Y.
Nashville, Tennessee
“Lou allowed me to dive right in where I wanted, with the music that I love. I was able to move as fast as I wanted, and learn any type of music at the level of difficulty that I wanted. In three months I jumped from playing children’s songs (that I had learned with a previous teacher) to the love theme from the film Titanic – a complex, eleven page piece of music that I learned to read, memorize, and perform. At the pace I was learning with my previous teacher, it would have taken years to get that advanced. I would rate my progress as unbelievable.”
Robert D.
Ventura, California
“As a college teacher myself, I recognize the hallmarks of true instruction. Aside from the great pleasure of hearing Lou perform, one of the most astonishing experiences is to actually hear him teach. I have seen Lou work with beginning students on the fundamental playing skills, but have also seen him interact with advanced students who seek him out for his talents in composing and his work in the entertainment industry. Of course one knows his reputation as a musician; but it is just as notable to recognize his integrity as a professional and an educator. The depth of his training and teaching make him one of the most valued instructors I have ever met.”
Haleh R.
Santa Barbara, California
“Lou’s expertise encompasses an amazing amount of knowledge, experience, and ability. When teaching, he is mindful and sensitive to everything; from my mood, energy level and frame of mind to how much I have practiced and how well I am progressing. He seems to know exactly when to push me if I needed motivation and when to hold back if I need extra time to digest the material. And his sense of humor and witty demeanor make even the most challenging moments fun and engaging. I thank him for helping me find a source of happiness, inspiration, and growth in my life with the wonderful art of music.”