Piano Studio
Inspiring confident, expressive, and thoughtful young musicians.
A Thoughtful Approach to Piano Learning
Nicole Chao Piano Studio offers a supportive and inspiring environment where students are encouraged to develop strong musical foundations, expressive playing, and confidence as performers. Lessons are thoughtfully tailored to each student’s individual goals, whether they are learning for enjoyment, preparing for examinations, or pursuing advanced performance pathways.
With a strong emphasis on musicality, active listening, and collaboration, students are guided to become well-rounded musicians who enjoy both the process of learning and the experience of performing. Nicole Chao is an IRMT registered teacher, and the studio maintains a strong commitment to professional standards and ongoing musical development.
The studio is equipped with a Steinway D concert grand and a Yamaha C grand piano, supporting a rich and responsive learning environment.
What I Offer
Tailored one-to-one lessons for students of all ages and levels.
Lessons focus on building strong technical foundations, musical understanding, expressive playing, and confidence at the piano.
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A supportive and inspiring introduction to music and piano. Lessons are designed to foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
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Healthy technique and posture
Reading, rhythm, and listening skills
Creative exploration and musical imagination
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Young students are gently introduced to performance through studio classes, recitals, and shared music-making experiences. These activities help them build confidence and enjoy making music at their own pace.
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Parents play an important role in supporting practice at home. Clear guidance is provided to help families establish positive and consistent routines that encourage steady progress.
Foundations & Younger Students
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Individual lessons for dedicated pianists seeking artistic refinement. Focus is on technical mastery, interpretative depth, stylistic clarity, and developing an individual musical voice.
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Coaching in ensemble playing, including piano duos, trios, and chamber groups. Emphasis is placed on listening, communication, balance, and shared musical interpretation.
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Guidance for performances, recitals, and selected competitions. Focus is on artistic depth, stage presence, and preparing performances to a professional standard.
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Lessons are tailored to each student’s ambitions and strengths, encouraging independent thinking, musical creativity, and long-term artistic growth.
Advanced & Pre-Professional students
At the studio, students thrive in a supportive and inspiring environment. Lessons combine technical skill, musical expression, and creativity, giving each student the tools to grow as a confident, thoughtful musician.
From recitals and chamber music projects to competitions and collaborative performances, students enjoy rich opportunities to perform and explore their musical potential. The emphasis is on joyful learning, personal achievement, and shared musical experiences.
Bringing music to life through learning, performing, and growing together.
Student Achievements
Students from the studio regularly take part in recitals, performance opportunities, and chamber music competitions. Ensembles coached by Nicole have reached the national finals of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest, including prize-winning groups and recipients of the Joan Kerr National Award.
Above all, success is measured through each student’s musical growth, confidence, and enjoyment of music.
Recent Studio News
Testimonials
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Ruby | Student for 12 years
“In all my years of school, I have truly never had a better teacher.
Through you, I’ve learnt how to understand each piece of music, how to be patient and persistent, and how to imbue each phrase with meaning and purpose. I’ve never been more moved by anyone playing piano live than I am hearing you, and that has been the source of musical aspirations for a decade. You taught me how to really truly listen to my music and how to love music, and I’m endlessly grate for that.”
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Rhonda & Geoff | Parents
“Thank you for teaching Ruby and Emmy piano over the last 12 years, and for playing such an important part in their musical education. We greatly appreciate your insistence on high standards and for pushing the girls to strive for perfection. You have been a great role model for them.”
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Ryan | Student for 14 years
“I’ve loved every minute of our lessons being a student of yours.” “I’m so thankful for the opportunities you gave me, solo competitions, duets, and my favourite of all being a part of the ‘3 Miles Trio’.”
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Grace | Student for 14 years
“I have learnt so much more than piano from you. I’ve learnt patience when learning pieces, tenacity when keeping to learning a difficult piece. I’ve learnt discipline and confidence - especially in performing, and most importantly, in life.”
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Bea | Student
“You are the most kind and cheerful person I have met. Thank you so much - You’re the reason I’m playing the piano so well.”
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Ravi & John | Parents
“I called Nicole to organise piano lessons for Roshi when he was six, she laughed when I awkwardly asked if she was a shouty teacher (because I wanted him to avoid the experience I had when I was a kid… ) and we’ve been laughing ever since. Thank you Nicole for teaching Roshi, Srian and Lila with astonishing precision and rigour but also being their friend. After 15 years, I won’t miss reminding people to practice the piano every day- but we will miss you!”
“You have given our whanau a wonderful gift of a house filled with music. Thank you a million times.”
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Rebekah | Student for 12 years
“Over a decade with you as my teacher and mentor has taught me many lifelong skills and helped me discover the beauty in music. You are so compassionate, supportive and understand, and never failed to comfort me at my low. I can tell that you deeply care for your students and want to nurture a valuable relationship with each one.”
“You’ve shaped a part of me, my future. Thank you for the extra effort that you put into my lessons, and for letting me essentially crash at your house for hours on end. This is something I will never forget.”
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Tali | Student for 11 years
“Thank you for being such a wonderful piano teacher for the last 11 years - I’ve had so much fun, and I’m so grateful for everything that I’ve learnt from you. “
“Learning with you has given me an amazing musical foundation for everything else that I’m doing, like songwriting and accompanying my school choir.”
“ I feel so lucky that I’ve had you as not only a piano teacher, but as someone to confide in and a teacher in life as a whole. Thank you for always being there for me, you’ll always have a very special place in my heart.”
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Fiona | Parent
“I also just wanted to say thank you so much for everything. I often think about my piano teacher and what a lifelong impact she had on my life. I know that impact will be similar, if not greater, for all three of my children.
I am constantly in awe of the way you teach, the care you have and the achievements you are able to lift the kids up to.”
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Joyce | Students for 12 years
“Thank you so much for being the best piano teacher I could ever ask for! Thank you for all the times you’ve believed in me.”
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Sonnen Trio | Kaydi, Catherine and Aubane
“Thank you so much for all the support with our group. We have been very touched by your kindness, dedication and enthusiasm. You have helped us with so much encouragement, positive feedback and love.”
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Tre Serenade, Norton's Notorious Trio | Rhea, Nadia & Tali
“Thank you for all of your endless hard work, dedication and sacrifice that you poured into our group. We all appreciate you more than you know and all of your time and efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your tough and strict, but loving nature. you played a huge role in the way we improved throughout this process and reached our potential both as individual players but more importantly, as a group.”
“Thank you for keeping us from going insane over the workshop weekend. Whenever you would pop into the room whether it was just group practice, or during a coaching, or masterclass, no matter how mentally exhausted and drained we felt, you always brought a spark of light and hope.”
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Schnittke's Snickers
“Thank you for providing us this opportunity to expand our knowledge and experiences! Know that we appreciate you so much for being with us in every step of this journey, both in our ups and downs. You have helped to create all the fun moments we have shared as a group.”
“Thank you so much for always putting all your effort and time to make sure we perform our absolute best.”
“You give us constant kindness and support which has helped us so much a long the way.”
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Czerny's Attorneys
“A massive thank you for being a wonderful teacher, and making the piano chamber process so fun and enjoyable. Thanks for being a legend, always having snacks in your bag, always having a good vibe, making sure we’re okay, supporting us, and continuing to teach us even on your rest days.
“This competition really has became a highlight of my year, even though it is definitely a challenge and extremely stressful, you still manage to make rehearsal so fun! We could not ever wish for another teacher!”
“ Thank you for being our teacher, mentor, supporter, parent, chef and so much more. We could not thank you enough for the amount of effort you put in for despite your extremely busy schedule! you work so tirelessly and prioritise us every time. This opportunity has been made possible by you and our friendship has been forged by the countless practices.”
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Jane | Parent
“This has been such an incredible journey for all of us, not just Francesca. You've been an incredible role model and support (and surrogate mother!) to Francesca over all these years and I am enormously grateful.”
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Francesca | Student of 11 years
Thank you for being the best piano teacher, role model and friend for the past 11 years. I would always look forward to our lessons because you not only taught me piano, but how to truly appreciate music, and always laugh and have fun! Thank you for everything!”
