Piano Instructor Ian Shanks:

Ian Shanks started learning the piano at the age of 8 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Hawaii in 2018. Ian has taught piano for 9 years and has had the privilege to teach hundreds of students across the island of Oahu, at schools like Nobu Sakurai Piano Studio, Maryknoll Elementary School, Chuck James Music Studio, Musikgarten, Emily Lee’s Music Studio, and more.

Currently, Ian teaches privately in his home to a diverse range of students from age 6 to age 70! He is also a piano accompanist for Punahou School's Chapel services. Ian loves teaching music and helping students reach their goals with piano. His teaching philosophy is based on providing a well-rounded music education where students learn to read sheet music, understand chords/scales, learn by ear, and eventually create their own music. He believes this approach to music education will deeply enrich the student’s life by providing them with the great joy and fulfillment of playing music in a personal way.