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.
(The following notes were received after Fall 2024 recital):
Grandparent
Thank you for another wonderful piano recital. It continues to amaze us how creative you are with the variety of themes and fitting pieces for each student. The trios were a special treat. Our granddaughter and our daughter-in-law are enjoying their growth in piano playing with you as their teacher.
Parent
All the kids did an amazing job. We are so proud of their performance. Thank you for teaching our son. I will gladly make all the efforts to support him.
Parent
Our son was pleased with his performance! And I enjoyed all the wonderful performances. Congratulations!
Parent
Our daughter was so pleased. We are so proud of her. Thank you for your wonderful teaching and for organizing the recital!
Parent
We appreciate all you do for our daughter and her enjoyment of piano! It was a great evening!
Parent
Just a note to say how glad I am that our son is taking lessons with you. He is improving in every way thanks to your work, and he seems to take more pleasure in playing than he has in the past. It's been really fun to watch him grow in such a short time. Thank you for all that you do!
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.
