Welcoming Our New Piano Instructor: Natalia Petrikovska
Posted on June 17, 2025
We are thrilled to welcome Natalia Petrikovska to the faculty at Pleasanton Academy of Music! A passionate and experienced piano teacher, Natalia brings with her a rich musical background and a heartfelt commitment to nurturing students of all ages and skill levels.
The Piano Teacher: A Lifelong Love of Music
Natalia’s journey with classical music began at the age of seven in Minsk, Belarus, where she studied piano at Music School No. 3 and later at a conservatory. As a young pianist and choir soloist, she performed on Union Radio—an experience that sparked a lifelong love of music and performance. Since then, Natalia has dedicated herself to teaching music and inspiring others through the power of the piano.
Her approach to piano instruction blends structure with sensitivity. Natalia creates an encouraging and thoughtful learning environment where children just beginning their musical journey and adults returning to the instrument can feel confident, creative, and inspired. She emphasizes the importance of daily practice, ensuring that students build a consistent routine to improve their skills. Her private piano lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, whether they’re preparing for auditions, working on recital pieces, or simply learning to enjoy the process of playing music.
Now based in California, Natalia continues to offer both in-person and online piano lessons, helping her students develop solid technique, musical expression, and self-confidence. She encourages them to listen closely—not just to the notes, but to their own evolving voice as musicians.
For Natalia, teaching is about more than just music—it’s about creating a lasting legacy. A single melody heard in a film like The Pianist or a YouTube clip can spark a deep emotional connection. She helps students tap into that joy and meaning through their own piano journey.
We’re excited for our students to learn piano with Natalia—whether you’re a beginner, returning after a few years, or starting piano lessons for your child. She is here to guide you with passion, patience, and expertise.
Welcome, Natalia! We’re so happy to have you as part of the Pleasanton Academy of Music family.
Introduction to Music
Music is a universal language that connects people across cultures and generations. From jazz to rock, from singing to solo piano, music has the power to evoke emotion, build confidence, and provide a lifelong outlet for creativity.
For many, the piano is a perfect starting point. It offers a wide range of expression, makes music theory more accessible, and serves as a strong foundation for learning other instruments. Whether you’re starting with just a few chords or building toward a full repertoire, the journey of learning piano is both meaningful and rewarding.
At Pleasanton Academy of Music, we welcome new students of all ages to begin this journey with the guidance of expert instructors like Natalia.
Learning to Play an Instrument
Whether you want to play the guitar, learn piano, or dive into music theory, starting music lessons can be transformative. For beginners, there are countless ways to get started—including free YouTube tutorials, mobile apps, and beginner-friendly sheet music.
But the best progress comes with structured guitar or piano classes, guided by a skilled instructor. In the film La Pianiste, we see how a passionate piano teacher like Erika Kohut, portrayed by Isabelle Huppert, shapes the emotional and creative journey of a student like Walter Klemmer, who studied piano and fell in love with the art of playing.
While the movie explores the darker psychological aspects of mentorship, it emphasizes an important truth: a knowledgeable, empathetic teacher can unlock a student’s full musical potential. Whether you’re taking private lessons or beginner guitar classes, the right instructor helps build confidence, expression, and technique.
At Pleasanton Academy of Music, our music school supports students through every step—from beginner lessons to advanced performance.
Music in Media and Culture
Music plays a vital role in media and storytelling, often heightening emotional impact in ways words cannot. In La Pianiste, music isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. The film’s powerful bathtub scene, the tension between Erika and Walter, and the music’s intensity all showcase how the piano reflects identity, desire, and repression.
Through Huppert’s acting and Haneke’s direction, the movie shows how learning to play an instrument can stir deep psychological themes. While real-life music education is usually far more uplifting, this film reminds us that music teachers influence not just what we play, but how we feel about learning.
Music Education and Resources
At Pleasanton Academy of Music, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of instrument classes for all interests and goals. In addition to private piano lessons, we offer:
- Guitar lessons (including electric guitar, bass, and acoustic guitar)
- Singing and vocal coaching
- Music theory instruction
- Group music classes and recital opportunities
Whether you’re just learning chords, exploring various styles like rock, jazz, or pop, or preparing for performances, we’re here to support your growth.
Our private lessons are built around each student’s comfort level and learning pace, ensuring a positive and productive experience. And for those interested in online lessons, we provide flexible, high-quality instruction from the comfort of your home.
Conclusion and Future Directions
At Pleasanton Academy of Music, we believe in the power of a great music teacher to change lives. With Natalia Petrikovska joining our faculty, we’re more excited than ever to help students discover their passion for playing the piano and expressing themselves through music.
Whether you’re looking for beginner piano lessons, want to play the guitar, or hope to enroll your child in their first music class, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Ready to get started?
Contact us today to schedule a trial lesson with Natalia or one of our amazing teachers, and let your musical journey begin.
