Narae Koh
About
Hey there!
I’m Narae, a pianist, teacher, and music lover who’s been playing for over 20 years. I’ve lived and taught in six different countries, including Vietnam, USA and Germany which has given me a deep appreciation for different musical styles and teaching methods. Whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced player, I’ll help you build ✨CONFIDENCE at the piano while having ✨FUN along the way!
I specialize in classical, pop, and improvisation, and I love helping students unlock their ✨CREATIVITY. Want to play Chopin? No problem. Interested in learning how to improvise or compose your own music? Let’s do it! If you’re a K-pop fan, I can teach you songs from BTS, BLACKPINK, IU, NewJeans, and more! 🎶
My lessons are tailored to your goals, whether that’s learning your favorite songs, improving technique, or exploring music theory. I also offer lessons in English and Korean, so if you’re a Korean speaker or want to practice in Korean, I’ve got you covered!
If you’re ready to start your piano journey (or take it to the next level), let’s make some music together! 🎼
Teaching Style
I believe learning piano should be fun, engaging, and tailored to you. No two students are the same, so I customize each lesson based on your goals, interests, and learning style. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, I’ll help you develop a strong foundation while keeping lessons enjoyable and inspiring.
Here’s what you can expect from my lessons
✨ Personalized Approach – I adapt my teaching to fit your needs, whether you want to master classical technique, explore improvisation, or play your favorite K-pop songs.
🎼 Creativity & Expression – Music is more than just playing the right notes! I encourage my students to develop their own unique musical voice, whether through improvisation, composition, or emotional expression.
💡 Clear & Supportive Guidance – Learning an instrument can feel overwhelming, but I break things down in a simple, approachable way. My goal is to make sure you feel confident at every step of your journey.
🌎 International Perspective – Having lived and taught in six different countries, I bring a broad perspective to my lessons. I understand different cultural approaches to learning and can teach in both English and Korean.
🎶 Song-Based Learning – I believe you learn best when you love what you’re playing! That’s why I integrate songs you enjoy into lessons, whether it’s classical pieces, New age, pop hits, or K-pop favorites like BTS, BLACKPINK, IU, and NewJeans.
🎵 For All Ages & Levels – Whether you’re an adult beginner, an advanced pianist, or a child just starting out, I’ll create lessons that suit your experience level and learning pace.
If you’re looking for a teacher who will challenge and inspire you while making learning enjoyable, I'm here for you!
Curriculum
I use a mix of traditional and modern teaching methods to keep lessons engaging and effective. My approach is based on:
🎹 A Strong Foundation – I focus on proper technique, hand position, rhythm, and sight-reading from the start, ensuring students build skills that last.
🎨 Creativity & Improvisation – I encourage students to express themselves through improvisation and composition, even from an early stage.
👂 Ear Training & Music Theory – Understanding how music works helps students play more confidently and even create their own pieces.
🎵 Repertoire-Based Learning – I choose pieces based on each student’s interests—whether it’s classical, pop, new age, or composing their own music.
🎤 Performance & Confidence Building – Whether preparing for recitals, exams, or just playing for fun, I help students feel confident in their playing.
📚 Recommended Student Texts (Depending on Level & Goals)
🎼 Beginners:
• Faber Piano Adventures (Primer to Level 3) – Great for kids and adults alike
• Alfred’s Basic Piano Library – A structured and clear progression for beginners
• John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course – Good for younger learners
• Hal Leonard Adult Piano Method – A solid choice for adult beginners
🎹 Intermediate:
• Bastien Piano Basics – Great for refining technique and sight-reading
• Czerny – The School of Velocity & Practical Exercises – Strengthens finger technique
• Burgmüller – 25 Progressive Studies – Excellent for musical expression and technical improvement
🎶 Pop, New Age & Composition:
• 🎤 Pop Songs – BTS, BLACKPINK, IU, NewJeans, Taylor Swift, Disney, and more! I create or find arrangements suited to each student’s level.
• 🌊 New Age & Relaxing Music – Pieces by Yiruma (River Flows in You), Ludovico Einaudi (Nuvole Bianche), and Joe Hisaishi (Merry-Go-Round of Life).
• ✍️ Composition & Songwriting – I guide students in writing their own music, starting with simple chord progressions and memories.
Credentials & Affiliations
Freelance Piano Teaching (Online/Offline)
2021 - Present
Provide private piano lessons globally, both online and in-person. Specialize in classical piano and music theory with personalized lesson plans for students of all levels. Help students refine technique, develop musicality, and build confidence in their performance.
Freelance English Teacher, Ilsan (South Korea) — Conversational English Teacher
Feb 2024 - Present
Teach native English expressions with a focus on listening and speaking skills. Conduct both online and offline private and group lessons in Ilsan, Gimpo, and Seoul.
Freelance Piano Teacher, Hanoi (Vietnam) — Classical Piano and Flute Instructor
March 2018 - March 2020
Taught Classical Piano and Flute techniques to Samsung Korean families and Vietnamese students (ages 4-25) in both English and Korean. Designed personalized lesson plans based on students' skill levels and goals. Evaluated student progress and counseled parents of young students. One of my students was awarded 1st prize in a Classical Piano competition in Korea.
Yale Piano Academy, Seoul — Full-Time Music Instructor
February 2016 - January 2018
Provided one-on-one and group instruction in classical piano and basic flute. Trained students for Seoul music competitions and private recitals. Focused on developing strong technique, musical interpretation, and performance confidence.
* * *
• Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance – Sungshin Women’s University, South Korea
• Graduate of Deok-won Arts High School, specializing in piano performance
• Piano Instructor & Music Educator with 10 years of teaching experience, specializing in classical, pop, new age, and composition
• Taught in 5+ countries, bringing a diverse and global approach to music education
• Experienced in teaching both children and adults, from complete beginners to advanced students
• Fluent in English & Korean, offering bilingual piano lessons
• Expertise in ear training, improvisation, and composition, helping students explore creativity beyond sheet music
• Familiar with popular K-pop arrangements, helping students play BTS, BLACKPINK, IU, NewJeans, and more
• Background in online and in-person piano instruction, adapting lessons to various learning styles
• Former host of international language and cultural exchange events, fostering a deeper connection between music and global communities