"My piano career with Mrs. McManus began when I was 5 years old, starting young like most Asians do, plinking around on a keyboard. We spent many weeks gradually warming up to the piano, familiarising my fingers with the feel of each of the keys, and slowly but surely improving my hand dexterity and posture. Back then, I had little grasp of how much depth piano actually had, and I learned a lot since then. I learned through hours, days, weeks of lessons with Mrs. McManus practicing techniques over and over again, or meticulously playing one phrase to develop the proper technique, tonality, and musicality. Going through all 10 levels of Certificate of Merit has taught me so much in terms of music fundamentals, theory, technique, repertoire, but it’s also brought things such as perseverance, self-confidence whilst in the spotlight, and a deeper appreciation for music and the arts. Admittedly I was a pretty terrible student and pianist for the majority of my time in the program. My parents chastising me for lack of practice, my teacher patiently, but frustratedly having to reteach the same sections over again because I made no improvement, were commonplace occurrences for the first few years of my studies. It was not until something drastic happened outside of my studies that I had to reconsider my goals and practice schedule with music. Losing someone very dear to me during my 2nd year of highschool brought a new perspective on music: it was an outlet for all the new negative emotions going on in my head. So, with my teacher’s support I dived headfirst into my practice, not only practicing my CM repertoire much more frequently, but also taking time to learn more about the history, composers, compositional styles and even branching out and exploring some pieces on my own. Lessons previously spent painstakingly repeating one phrase now spanned full pages, entire pieces. Instead of learning just the notes, we delved into the history and the emotion behind each composition, how the background of the piece influenced the composer’s thematic and musical choices. We went beyond the face value of notes on paper and explored the emotions, tones, dynamic complexities. Now, I plan to continue my studies of music in college, either through a minor or double major pathway. My musical journey will not get any easier in the future, but I can say that I wholeheartedly look forward to every bit of it."
~Preston H., Student, May 2021 -- link to Senior Recital Performance
"Ms. Laura has been a wonderful piano teacher for our children. My daughter started with Ms. Laura when she was 6 years old and have been learning from her for more than 2 years. Ms. Laura is very experienced and is very patient with her students. We have enjoyed the virtual recitals that were held every 2 months during this past year as it provided an opportunity for our children to get used to playing for others and work hard to improve themselves. The recitals also provided an opportunity for the students to learn from the older students and be inspired to improve their skills. In addition to piano skills, Ms. Laura also shared the importance of self time-management and project management that would enable my daughter to learn a new piece of music. She also tunes in to what her student enjoys to keep them interested and motivated. My daughter looks forward to her piano lessons weekly!"
~ Clare Y, Parent, May 2021
"Ms. Laura has been my 2 kids’ piano teacher for the last 2 years. My boys (ages 12 and 15) have very different personalities and temperaments and yet she is able to relate to them and engage with them. My boys have studied piano since they were about 8 years old and so we’ve had a few different teachers. Ms. Laura is firm yet kind when she works with the boys. My favorite memory I will always cherish is when Ms. Laura had the boys perform a duet together. It was wonderful to witness them work together under Ms. Laura guidance. My goal has always been for them to develop a lifetime love for piano music and I thank Ms. Laura for developing that."
~ Corinne Crowley, Parent, May 2021
"Both of my children started their piano journey with Laura McManus (Ms. Laura) over a decade ago when they were 3 and 5 years old. She systematically and steadfastly taught them a wide variety of piano techniques and styles, while instilling in them a deep appreciation of musical history and theory. My son was able to complete his Certificate of Merit-level 10 (highest level) during his junior year of high school, and my daughter will be testing for her CM level 10 this year, her junior year as well. Ms. Laura is very patient but firm in her one-on-one lessons; her guidance is always done through encouragement and positive reinforcement. My kids know that she expects progress with each lesson, and they work hard to live up to her expectations -- not out of fear of reprimand. Ms. Laura also likes to incorporate team building thru group lessons; every few months, her students perform for each other and critique others work. These lessons, together with regularly scheduled small recitals, have helped my kids to hone their performance skills tremendously. From nursing homes to concert halls, Ms. Laura has always been able to arrange recitals for the kids in different, varied venues. Even the Covid pandemic shut down did not slow her recital schedule, Ms. Laura had her students do virtual recitals, participate in virtual branch festivals/concerts, and Zoom group lessons. She is resourceful, creative, and dedicated to provide the best teaching/learning experience for all her students!
As a person, Ms. Laura has always been very kind, patient, and empathetic. My kids have had some rough moments with learning some required songs in time for Certificate of Merit testing, but Mrs. Laura was always there to make sure they got back on schedule or help them reach their goals through another approach. She is very kind with all her students and understanding of their different schedules and non-academic activities. When my kids's schedules started getting busier with high school and its related activities, she always managed to accommodate them without losing a step in their piano progression. Both of our kids found the real love and appreciation for music because of their love and respect for their piano teacher -- who herself loves what she teaches.
Mrs. Laura McManus is a well credentialed (Master Degree in Arts, Piano Pedagogy,), dedicated, and caring piano teacher with many years of teaching experience. During our time with her, we have seen many of her students progress from beginning level to advanced level. We feel blessed that she was able to guide our kids through her own rigorous and structured program as well as the California Certificate of Merit piano program.
Our family highly recommends Mrs. Laura McManus without reservations."
~ The Ho Family, May 29, 2021
"Mrs. Laura is an outstanding piano instructor who doesn't hesitate to help her students learn the power, history, and emotional impact behind such a wonderful instrument. Being one of Mrs. Laura's piano students for a little over three years now, I've learned a wide variety of crucial skills ranging from being able to sight read sheet music to fundamental piano techniques that help bring life and emotion to every piece I play. I find it awesome how Mrs. Laura tailors every lesson in a way that helps you achieve the individual and specific goals you truly want to achieve while learning piano. Also, Mrs. Laura is so flexible with scheduling and she has always been willing to accommodate even the busiest schedules which I know is a huge plus for a lot of students just like me. Overall, I really appreciate the patience and time Mrs. Laura puts into every lesson and am thankful for where I am now because of her!"
- Sebastian, College Student, June 2021
"Eight years ago, when we decided to send our son to learn piano, we did not think much. We bought a brand new piano and then looked for a piano teacher. Laura was recommended by our neighbor. He is in 9th grade now and just passed CM level 10 with great evaluations from the judges. We never doubt about Laura’s capabilities of being a great piano teacher: she is patient, always calm but firm, she understands music with good interpretations, and she knows her students. But the most important, is that she creates wonderful bonding with her students through music. My son is still learning from Laura; to him, Laura is not only her piano teacher, Laura is a friend, a mentor, and a coach for tasting great pieces of music."
~ Maryse L, Parent, June 2021
Our family is forever grateful to Laura McManus for being a wonderful, caring, and trustworthy piano teacher for my 2 sons for over 10 years. We cannot say enough of how amazing she is in her skills as a piano teacher and how comfortable I am with her being with my children when they were only 4 and 6 years old. I have very high standards when it comes to my children and want the best for them. Luckily Laura became our teacher and helped both of my sons in many ways, including giving the love and strong foundation of music. Both of my sons continue to love all types of music, including Classical and were Drum Majors for their high school. Having a piano in the house and Laura's teaching are one of the best investments our family had ever made.
Even though both of my sons are not music majors, one is business and the other is biology, they still enjoy listening to and playing music. The oldest one brought his electric piano keyboard to his dorm room, and the youngest purchased (with his own money) a guitar that he brought to college also. How blessed are my sons to have the opportunity to study piano under the careful guidance of Laura.
Thank you very much Laura for all the years of stellar teaching that you have given to my sons. I highly recommend Laura to anyone that wants the best for their family, or for themselves.