Student Testimonials

“I have had the absolute honor of being Gill’s student for 8 years, and I can say without a doubt that she has changed my life for the better. She is an endlessly kind, supportive, and thoughtful person who truly cares about her students and their growth on a deeper level. She nurtured my passion for piano with unfaltering patience and care through the years, and with her, I was able to accomplish things beyond my wildest dreams. Most of all, she has given me a sense of confidence in myself and my abilities that I never thought I’d be able to achieve as a shy and timid person. Even though I have since moved away for college, she is still a very important person in my life and we continue to keep in touch. I will always be grateful to have found her.”

"I should bake a cake for the friend that recommended Gillian Smith as a piano teacher for my child some 10 or 11 years ago.

Gill seems to admire the particular strengths of each student in a way that brings about a sort of flourishing in them. 

Piano lessons with Gill is a wise investment in a child’s future intellect and happiness. I see student after student of Gill’s continue to play music into and beyond their teenage years, either as a professional musician, or someone for whom piano is a fulfilling creative outlet.

My daughter is a senior in high school, happily and confidently about to embark on college and a professional career (already begun) in music. I’m not sure she would have gotten there without Gill as a teacher.

But even if my kid wanted to be a scientist or a bricklayer, studying piano with Gill has had a profound positive effect on her life.

You can’t do better."

"My daughter says Gillian is the best  teacher she ever had. Not just piano. Ever. Now I know why. I recently started taking lessons from Gillian after a brief time away from the piano—about 50 years. I’m playing compositions more challenging than I ever thought possible and having more fun than I ever thought possible."

"Gillian Smith is hands-down the best piano teacher in Los Angeles. We could not be have been happier with both her teaching method and the results we saw in our daughter. Gillian takes the time necessary to explain - in a fun and engaging way - each step of the way. She has a natural way with children that makes them love the piano and want to continue! Our daughter was with Gillian from the age of 7 until she finished her 10th year of Certificate of Merit at the age of 17.  I watched Gillian bring out the best in her for 10 years as she excelled and grew musically.  Gillian Smith has been a blessing to us and to our family and we highly recommend her."