Call now (510) 665-5466

Golden Key Piano School’s August 2026 Newsletter

Dear Golden Key Piano School Community,

Hope you all had a great summer! We are excited to see everyone back in lessons as you are coming back from summer vacation.

This month, we’re sharing our school year calendar, introducing our newest teacher, and important reminders.

1. School Year Calendar

As the new school year approaches, please take a look at our new school year calendar for 2026-2027. Please note the duet recital is earlier in December this year, mark your calendars.

We want to encourage everyone to take advantage of our free monthly events that is our informal performance opportunities.

We look forward to making great music with you this upcoming year!

You can print the PDF version of the calendar here: 2026-2027 Calendar

It will be up on the website this year.

2. Teacher News

We are honored to announce that Anni is joining our Teachers team at Golden Key Piano School!

Anni Kiviniemi is a pianist, composer, and dedicated music educator with over 12 years of experience teaching piano, music theory, and composition. Her teaching experience includes private instruction, music schools, state-run music academies, elementary and high schools, and early childhood music programs across Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.

Anni believes that piano lessons should be both inspiring and empowering. Her teaching combines a strong foundation in piano technique and music theory with creativity, curiosity, and a constant focus on each student’s individual interests. Whether working with a beginner learning their first pieces, a young musician developing foundational skills, or an advanced pianist preparing challenging repertoire and performances, she creates a supportive environment where students can build confidence, develop independence, and discover the joy of making music.

With a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from the Norwegian Academy of Music, Anni developed a comprehensive understanding of piano pedagogy, performance practice, keyboard technique, and music theory. She also received her teaching credentials from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and later earned a Master’s Degree in Composition from the USC Thornton School of Music. Her broad musical background allows her to incorporate classical repertoire, jazz, improvisation, composition, ear training, and music theory into her lessons when needed.

Anni has taught students from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and musical abilities. In addition to piano instruction, she has taught music theory, general music, and Music and Movement classes for toddlers, and has worked as a choir conductor and accompanist. She particularly enjoys helping students develop a well-rounded understanding of music—not only how to play the notes, but how to listen, communicate, experiment, and make thoughtful musical choices. As a professional pianist and composer, Anni continues to perform internationally as a solo artist and with her jazz trio. Her work as a performer deeply informs her teaching, giving students practical insight into musicianship, improvisation, performance preparation, and the expressive possibilities of the piano. Anni’s goal is to help every student develop a positive and lasting relationship with music. She encourages students to become confident, curious, and self-driven musicians while providing the technical and musical foundation they need to grow at their own pace.

We are grateful to have Anni as part of our strong teacher’s team at Golden Key Piano School starting August 2026.

3. Makeup Policy Reminder

We request at least 48 hour notice when you have to cancel your lesson. The notice has to be by email to the office. No communication with the teacher counts as a notice.

The 48 hour notice allows us to offer your lesson time for other students for makeup lessons. And therefore, you get to use other students’ cancelled lessons for your makeup lesson at your convenience. In this way, every student can get their makeup lessons as long as they are registered at the school. This also allows for the teachers schedules’ to remain consistent and we can respect their time. I hope this makes sense.

In short, email us with at least 48 hour notice for your missed lesson and you will be eligible to sign up for a makeup lesson using the makeup link provided.