San Diego Piano Academy

A strong foundation, not speed, is what makes a student progress fastest. This article explains why sdpa sometimes takes a step back before moving forward, and gives three questions parents can ask to check whether their child's playing is built to last.

Chetan Tierra ran his first MTAC State Finals as Southern California Chair, reconnecting with his own teacher from ages 12 to 18 along the way. Read about the standout performances, including his student Luna Lee's second-place finish, and what the event has meant to him since he won it himself at 18.

Khai West is headed to UCLA to study with David Kaplan, capping a remarkable turnaround: he started with Chetan Tierra in 2023 barely playing seriously, and within seven months was winning prizes with Beethoven. See how far he's come, from Beethoven's Third Concerto to a 2026 competition sweep before college.