Book a Lesson
To Book a Lesson, Contact a Teacher Directly (See Below)
We Strive To Provide The Best Piano Education in Philly and Online.
Our goal is simple at the Philadelphia Piano Institute - we want every student, whether a child or adult, to become an enthusiastic, skilled, versatile, and independent pianist.
Originally founded in 2018, the Institute has grown into storefronts in Queen Village and Bella Vista, a staff of highly qualified teachers, and a reputation for excellence. We work with students of all ages and skill levels, and while we believe that a classical approach provides the most holistic piano education, we love working with students on rock, pop, jazz, Broadway tunes, and everything in between. Please get in touch to inquire about enrollment - we’d love to work with you.
The Teachers
Dr. Junwen Liang
DMA, Penn State, MMus, Indiana University
Dr. Junwen Liang, a Chinese pianist, embarked on his musical journey at nine. His solo debut was at thirteen. He has showcased his talent as a soloist with orchestras like the Central Texas Philharmonic and earned accolades at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center. His performances have graced the airwaves on WSKG and WRTI Classical Radio in Philadelphia. In the upcoming 2023-2024 season, Junwen plans to captivate audiences with live and virtual performances across the United States, Italy, and China. Junwen holds degrees from Penn State (DMA), Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (MM), and Ithaca College (BM) and is currently pursuing a graduate professional diploma at the Peabody Institute under Richard Goode's guidance.
James Guglielmo, Piano
Piano & Composition with Clement Pertrillo and Vincent Persichetti, among others
James Guglielmo, former resident pianist at the Tropicana Hotel for the Folies Bergère in Las Vegas and the Music Director for Holland America and Princess Cruises, has accompanied numerous stars on the piano: Elvis Presley, Shirley Bassey, Rita Moreno, Henry Mancini, and many more included. He also composed the film score for the film, My Brother Has Bad Dreams, and has served as the rehearsal pianist for the Pennsylvania Ballet Company.
He studied composition with the great Vincent Persichetti (Julliard) and Joseph Cataldo (Philadelphia Musical Academy). His principle classical piano instructor was
Clement Petrillo, and he studied jazz with Dennis Sandole. He also studied orchestration with Albert Harris, an English musician who worked with the likes of Barbra Streisand, Roberta Flack and Cher. James studied conducting with Frederich Zweig.
James has taught piano lessons for over 50 years, and his scope includes classical piano, jazz and song writing. In addition to his career as a pianist, he has studied voice with Leigh Munro, Per Bristow and Jeff Alani Stanfill.
Dr. Sam Yulsman, Piano, Jazz and Composition
DMA in Composition, Columbia University
Sam Yulsman is a pianist and composer with a DMA in composition from Columbia University. A stylistically versatile expert in jazz and classical piano, theory, composition, and improvisation, he’s performed with a wide array of artists including the Sun Ra Arkestra, the Longmont Symphony, Gary Burton, Ikue Mori, Alicia Hall Moran, and Art Lande. As a teacher with six years of experience, Sam fosters dynamic, engaging spaces for students to explore the music that inspires them most - whether that is learning the subtleties of classical technique, mastering how to play jazz standards, composing a string quartet, or improvising freely.
Eric Delagrange, Voice
Professional Opera Singer Signed With Quintana Artist Management
Eric, an up-and-coming baritone based in Philadelphia, is currently signed with Quintana Artist Management. His professional roles have included Albert Herring, Eugene Onegin, Rusalka, and many, many more. He has performed with The Princeton Festival, Music Academy of the West, Heartbeat Opera, and others.
A graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Spruce Street, Eric remains active in the Philadelphia community despite the demands on his time from opera companies around the country.
Contact Eric directly for lessons in Philadelphia:
John Drake, Voice
BMus in Voice Performance University of Georgia, MMus in Voice performance Temple University(in progress)
John Drake is an emerging young artist coming from Athens, Ga who is currently pursuing his masters in vocal performance from Temple University. John has worked in a variety of professional singing engagements in a variety of styles, and provides a well balanced approach to singing stemming from a passion for pedagogy. John has sung across the southeast in ensemble and solo settings, and participated in the American Institute of Music Studies in Graz, Austria where he was coached by some of the preeminent teachers and coaches in Europe. He has performed roles such as Don Alfonso, Luka, and Enrico, and has extensive knowledge of diction and technique that he is excited to share.
Contact John directly for lessons in Philadelphia: johndrake748@gmail.com