What are people saying about René?

Aphrodite M.

Colleague

Mrs. Johnson is not just a wonderful, well-rounded and well-trained piano instructor, she is also a wonderful, kind-hearted, compassionate individual. She loves and cares not only about her students' progress but also about the students' well-being. As an adjudicator in NVMTA events, she is always thoughtful and considerate and thinks very carefully about how each comment will benefit each student. As a former president of NVMTA, she helped the Association in so many ways with her choices and her executive decisions and as an IT expert now, she helps NVMTA continue to function and grow. Mrs. Johnson is a charismatic individual and it's an honor to have met her. Every student will benefit greatly from her expertise and also from her wonderful personality.

Aphrodite Mitsopoulou

NVMTA, President 2020

Payton O.

Adult student

I have been going to lessons with Rene for nearly three months now and am an adult beginner.

Her experience and passion really come through; she loves piano and loves sharing what she knows. This really comes through when speaking about theory and in ensuring the musical impact of each piece – just because you’re hitting the right keys doesn’t necessarily mean you’re playing it well. Her ear for detail in this respect really imparts an appreciation for the subtleties and nuances of the instrument.

As an instructor, I think Rene does a really great job balancing her meticulousness with encouragement and positive feedback. She won’t let you sneak by playing a piece poorly, but she’s quick to recognize each step you make in the right direction, which I found very helpful when you know you’re struggling.

I had played trumpet for a number of years back in middle/high school, and she was really good about adapting to what I already knew while at the same time identifying gaps in my knowledge (despite how lopsided the two may be: familiar - albeit rusty - with time signatures, rhythms, dynamics, but who needs a bass clef) and structuring lessons accordingly.

Julia M.

Parent

Rene is very conscientious in the way she teaches. She strikes a good balance between our child's need to see progress and still keeping high standards of musicality. In other words, she won't pass off pieces that aren't at a certain level of polish but she helps him see the progress he's made and how he can take the music to the next level. She communicates clearly with parents and helps us understand what is needed and required at home for good practicing. We would recommend Rene to anyone who is searching for a highly qualified piano teacher and is ready for serious instruction.  

John D.

Parent

We've had two children take piano lessons from Rene Johnson and have been very pleased with her professionalism, personable nature, and, most importantly, rapport with her students.

Jonathan J.

Parent

René Johnson is a gifted teacher. She does a great job making things fun and keeping my kids interested while challenging them and ensuring they learn technical accuracy as well as playing with feeling. I'd highly recommend her to anyone. 

Terry B.

Adult student

After a very long hiatus, I decided I wanted to take piano lessons again. I interviewed two teachers and decided on Rene Johnson.  I am thoroughly enjoying myself, as Rene is a thorough, but patient, teacher. I am learning the basics of music theory, which I never had when I took lessons as a child, and am playing a wide variety of pieces. She's great!

Ashley M.

Parent

My son's progress and growth in his piano playing (both technique and musicality) over just 11 months so far with Rene is amazing.  He loves attending lessons with her and she motivates him to practice and achieve. Rene is so thoughtful about what books to use, technique and theory to teach, and pieces to assign.  My son has appreciated opportunities Rene has given him to participate in local piano competitions and the fun group lessons and theory classes she holds with groups of students. I appreciate that my son is receiving such a great and complete piano education from Rene as well as the understanding of the importance of practice and the joy that comes with achievement.  

Henry H.

12 year old student

I used to have a piano teacher that let me play whatever I wanted and I would play basic chord songs but when I started playing with Mrs. Johnson, I was playing more classical music and found myself improving much faster while still enjoying my lessons. I think Mrs. Johnson is a fantastic teacher.

Paul S.

Parent

My son has really enjoyed working with Rene, who shows a great dedication to teaching and helping students develop and love music.