Teaching is one of the most meaningful parts of my life as a musician. Just as my own piano teachers have helped me grow as a person and a musician, so I strive to give back by being a compassionate, flexible, and communicative music educator, to create a positive environment for every learner, and to help each student derive enjoyment and satisfaction from their efforts and the achievement of their personal goals in music.
I teach students ranging in age from kindergarten to collegiate adult, with diverse musical backgrounds and learning styles, and I have extensive experience teaching in classroom, private instruction, and online settings. As faculty member of the piano department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, I co-direct the Indiana University Young Pianists program; lead the collegiate pedagogy class; and coordinate the secondary piano program, which provides piano instruction to over 800 music majors and non-music majors.
Photo by Marco Sanchez for the San Francisco SymphonyIn 2016, I toured in a trio through all the public elementary schools in San Francisco with the San Francisco Symphony's educational outreach program Adventures in Music, an incredibly rewarding experience that made me more passionate about the importance of accessibility of music for all.
I've been lucky to work with some wonderful students during my time at IU. Here's what a few of them have to say about my teaching:
She is so kind and encouraging. She always pushes me to do my best.
Elizabeth Yao is very enthusiastic about teaching, and took the time to help me with piano skills that I was struggling with. She made sure that my needs as a student were met, taking time to figure out my level of experience and giving me assignments that both challenged me and weren’t impossible for my level. She helped create a very productive learning environment by giving constructive critique when needed and encouraging me to challenge myself.
Elizabeth has been one of the most positive, helpful instructors I've had so far at IU. She is very attentive to the amount I have practiced and acknowledged my hard work/the things I struggle with. She has helped me to develop specific practicing strategies that have helped me to improve my playing. I feel very comfortable in asking for help and the learning environment is very positive.
My studio is currently full. If you are located in southern Indiana and are looking for a dedicated and experienced piano instructor for your child, please consider Young Pianists!
Teaching is one of the most meaningful parts of my life as a musician. Just as my own piano teachers have helped me grow as a person and a musician, so I strive to give back by being a compassionate, flexible, and communicative music educator, to create a positive environment for every learner, and to help each student derive enjoyment and satisfaction from their efforts and the achievement of their personal goals in music.
I teach students ranging in age from kindergarten to collegiate adult, with diverse musical backgrounds and learning styles, and I have extensive experience teaching in classroom, private instruction, and online settings. As faculty member of the piano department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, I co-direct the Indiana University Young Pianists program; lead the collegiate pedagogy class; and coordinate the secondary piano program, which provides piano instruction to over 800 music majors and non-music majors. 
Photo by Marco Sanchez for the San Francisco SymphonyIn 2016, I toured in a trio through all the public elementary schools in San Francisco with the San Francisco Symphony's educational outreach program Adventures in Music, an incredibly rewarding experience that made me more passionate about the importance of accessibility of music for all.
I've been lucky to work with some wonderful students during my time at IU. Here's what a few of them have to say about my teaching: