Kumiko Hadley has been a Classical Piano Teacher for 22 years here in Central Texas. She moved to Austin from San Antonio last year, and is currently teaching from her home studio just north of the Arboretum.

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Kumiko has been immersed in music all her life. After attending a private conservatory for middle and high school, she graduated from Ueno Gakuen University with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, and received a teaching certificate in Music Education.

In addition to her home studio, Kumiko also taught at the Bulverde Academy of Music, and worked as an accompanist for middle and high school choirs in San Antonio and for UTSA’s Music Department. She also served as the Japanese Supplementary School of San Antonio (JSSSA) Director of Kindergarten for several years, where she made sure, amongst many other things, that the music hour was fun, enriching, and educational for the little ones.

Kumiko has been recognized as a Steinway & Sons Top Music Teacher for her long time as an established and passionate Music Educator. She teaches both performance and music theory to all of her students, and can instruct in either English or Japanese. She teaches all ages and skill levels (ages 6+), and specializes in prepping students to compete in UIL and other piano competitions. She also presents recitals every year for her piano studio, where every one of her students gets a chance to perform and display their artistry in front of an audience of encouraging peers and families.

Her approach to teaching is based on meeting each student wherever they are on their piano journey, and focusing on how they can develop musicality, creativity, intelligence, and confidence along with skill. She is a very warm, kind-hearted teacher and wishes to share her life-long dedication and passion for piano with anyone who has an interest!

When she’s not teaching or practicing, Kumiko enjoys gardening, cooking, floral arrangement, home decoration, and spending time with her silly Lhasa Apso puppy, Bonbon.

She hopes to see you on the bench soon!