ReferencesMarion has been our family's music teacher for 22 years! We began with our son, when he was about 7 years old. He took piano lessons for five years, but continued his interest in music with guitar, music theory; and now, as an adult, he owns a high quality keyboard so he can continue playing. Our daughter started piano when she was five; her love of music is paramount in her life. She still continues with piano and now also studies viola. Marion has instilled this love of music, and the playing of music for the love of it, through her special teaching style. We appreciate Marion's non-competitive approach; the quarterly recitals give students a goal to work towards to achieve their own "personal best" - not to win a prize. I have sat through most of my children's lessons, and took lessons myself (as adult trying to learn piano for almost the first time). Marion teaches students not only how to practice, she also teaches the importance of detail (tempo, fingering, dynamics), of musicality, of patience and the sheer fun and beauty of music.
-- Bonnie Packer, Palo Alto
Marion has been our son's piano teacher through his elementary and middle school years, and continuing as he enters high school. My wife and I are both musicians by background, and we knew we wanted Aaron to have the opportunity to experience the excitement and learning that music brings. From the very beginning, Marion nurtures this excitement by carefully tailoring her teaching to each student, and infusing lessons and recitals with thoughtfulness, respect - and fun. Many teachers have only one or two recitals a year, and they tend to use recitals to showcase just their best students. In contrast, Marion involves all her students in multiple recitals each year, giving them a chance to get over nervousness, learn stage decorum, listen and perform with others, and receive the satisfaction (and applause!) from accomplishing something substantial. Under Marion's teaching, Aaron's piano skills have become more and more advanced, and he has leveraged this foundation in learning the oboe, guitar, and even composing. Marion is outstanding at building the skills, knowledge, and attitude that can lead to the life-changing experience of music.
-- Corey Welch, Sunnyvale
Marion's music lessons contributed significantly to not only my daughter's musical abilities but also to her academic success. Marion taught her technique and music theory so that she has a well-rounded understanding of music. Marion's style of teaching gave my daughter a focus toward detail and the self-confidence to strive for ever bigger goals. It was Marion's encouragement and support that opened the doors to my daughter attending music camps and festivals in the United States and in Europe, and passing the ABRSM Level 8 Practical Exam.
-- Barbara Prati, Palo Alto
Ms. Rubinstein was my teacher for nine years, heavily influencing the path of my musical education. Her emphasis on attention to detail taught me both the patience and rewards of perfection, a skill that I have been able to apply to both my music and my academics. She is unique teaching her students music theory, and technique while also assigning pieces. I was thoroughly prepared, scoring a 5 on the AP Music Theory exam as a sophomore in high school. Ms. Rubinstein also introduced me to the joys of early music at a young age, giving me a distinct interest in music that I still carry with me today. She coached me through the ABRSM Practical Exams, and I credit her for my "merits" and "distinctions". Through Ms. Rubinstein's instruction, I was also able to attend music workshops and festivals from San Francisco to Indiana to Urbino (Italy), meeting amazing people from all over the world and experiencing music in ways I will never forget. Ms. Rubinstein was a wonderful teacher, and any student would be lucky to have her guiding them.
-- Annamaria Prati, Stanford
My now 11 year old son started piano lessons with Marion Rubinstein last September. After his first lesson, he said "she understands how I work." I saw through their first interaction she gets him. I felt she saw what he needed in order to have fun with the piano. What I have seen this past year is a big leap in his playing ability. She saw what he needed to focus on and set a personalized path for him to accomplish these goals. He is excited about piano and at times will practice just for the fun of it. After having worked with a few teachers in my kids' lifetime, I highly recommend Marion Rubinstein because she really knows how to motivate each student and help them find their passion through piano.
-- Los Gatos Parent