About Us
More Than a Piano School
A single-location academy built on the belief that any motivated student can learn to play piano proficiently — given the right instruction.
Why Choose NTPPA?
The NTPPA Difference
"
All students may learn how to play the piano well, given the right instruction.
— Dr. Judith Jain, Founder
At New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy, we provide a tailored, concept-based, and graded piano curriculum from qualified faculty. Students are placed in the program that best suits their age and learning needs, and are taught according to how they learn — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
NTPPA deliberately remains a single-location academy so our founder can stay personally involved with every student's journey. Dr. Jain personally conducts a complimentary interview with every prospective student and family to ensure the right match.
Request Free Interview🎹 All-Yamaha School
Private lessons are held on acoustic grand pianos. Group classes are held in a Digital Piano Laboratory — a facility typically found only in colleges and universities.
🎓 100% Advanced Degrees
Every NTPPA faculty member holds a minimum of a Master's degree in piano performance or pedagogy. Most hold Doctorate degrees. No exceptions.
📚 Concept-Based Curriculum
Students learn musical concepts at each stage — not just repertoire. Like learning to read rather than memorise, this builds genuine understanding of music.
🎭 Performance Opportunities
Biannual recitals in December and June. Royal Conservatory of Music examinations at the studio. Carnegie Hall performances. Outreach events. Real-world stage experience for every student.
🔍 Personal Matching
Dr. Jain personally meets with every new student and family to assess goals, experience, and learning style — then personally recommends the right instructor and program.
🌱 Single-Location Quality
We don't franchise or grow at the expense of quality. One location means the founder is always present, faculty meet weekly, and every student is known by name.
Dr. Judith JainFounder & Executive Director · Carnegie Hall Debut 2010
Meet the Founder
Dr. Judith Jain
Dr. Judith Jain is the Founder and Executive Director of the New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy. She recognises the need for high-quality piano education from the very beginning stages, and has dedicated her career to making it accessible.
Her educational approach applies principles of piano performance, psychology, learning styles, and human development. Dr. Jain emphasises joyful learning, whole-person development, and high standards for students — believing that if the instructor is truly good, they should be able to teach anyone to play piano proficiently.
Dr. Jain balances a distinguished performing career alongside her role as pedagogue and institution builder. Her Carnegie Hall solo debut took place in October 2010. She continues to perform across the United States, Mexico, and internationally in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings.
She has presented at the MTNA Conference, been featured on PBS affiliate WEDU's Arts Plus program, spoken at the Oclef Podcast on music education, and has been recognised in Clavier Companion Magazine, the Tampa Bay Times, and as a CCM Alumna. She was also a Keynote Speaker at the MTNA Collegiate Chapters Symposium.
01
Carnegie Hall
Solo debut in October 2010. Continues to perform nationally and internationally.
02
Research-Based Pedagogy
Applies current research on learning styles, psychology, and human development to piano instruction.
03
Personal Involvement
Personally meets every new student and family. Teaches group classes. Leads faculty development weekly.
Teaching Philosophy
How We Teach Differently
NTPPA's teaching philosophy is grounded in one conviction: all students can learn to play piano well when they receive the right instruction and make regular time to practice.
The teacher-student relationship is framed as positive, encouraging, challenging, and supportive of both discipline and happiness. Qualified teachers are expected to be knowledgeable, empathic, and specifically trained for the age group and level they teach.
The goal is genuine musical knowledge and appreciation — not redundant reproduction or rote memorisation. Students should be taught according to how they learn, not according to a rigid formula.
"
Music lessons correspond with life lessons. Students should be taught according to how they learn — joyfully, rigorously, and with a love for the whole human being behind the instrument.
— NTPPA Teaching Philosophy
Curriculum Areas
Music Theory
Students learn the language and grammar of music — how it is structured, notated, and understood. Theory is woven into every lesson from the beginning.
Ear Training
Developing the ability to recognise and reproduce sounds — intervals, rhythms, melodies — by ear. A musician who can hear music is a musician who can truly play.
Technique
Building proper posture, hand position, finger independence, and touch from the very first lesson — on acoustic grand pianos, not digital substitutes.
Sight Reading
The ability to read and play unfamiliar music at sight is a skill developed systematically at every level — an invaluable tool for any musician.
Creativity
Improvisation, composition, and musical self-expression are actively cultivated — students don't just reproduce music, they make it their own.
Ensemble Playing
Group classes develop the ability to listen, adapt, and perform alongside other musicians — skills that are essential for any well-rounded musician.
Our Team
Meet Our Faculty
Every NTPPA instructor holds a minimum of a Master's degree in piano performance or pedagogy — and a proven commitment to inspiring students of all ages.
Dr. Judith Jain
Founder & Executive Director
Carnegie Hall soloist. Performer across the US, Mexico, and internationally. Expert in performance anxiety. Personally conducts all new student interviews.
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Alexandra Taggart Olawuni
Pianist & Pedagogue · M.M. Ohio University
Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. Warm, student-centred approach with strong pedagogical depth.
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Yi Lu
Musician & Educator · 10+ Years
Celebrated for proficiency in piano performance and music education with 10+ years of teaching experience across all ages and levels.
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Miguel Castro
Pianist · Soloist & Chamber Musician
Multi-faceted pianist known for deep passion for teaching and performing, both as a soloist and in chamber ensembles.
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Dr. ShunFu Chang
Pianist · Chamber Musician · Pedagogue · D.M.A.
International prizewinner. Multi-faceted pianist and chamber musician specialising in advanced students and competition preparation.
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Elaina McBride
Piano Instructor · M.M. Piano Pedagogy
Graduated magna cum laude with B.M. and earned M.M. in Piano Pedagogy. Nurturing teaching presence with strong academic foundations.
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Arasay Lima
Pianist · 25+ Years Experience
Distinguished pianist with over 25 years of experience in music teaching and performance across multiple countries.
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Sandra Cepero
Piano Instructor & Performer
Degrees from U of Arts Havana, Conservatory of Music Zaragoza, Austin Peay State U, and doctoral studies at U of Cincinnati CCM.
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Juan Lopez
Concert Pianist · Soloist · Pedagogue
Active concert and collaborative pianist. Associate Professor at the Conservatory of Tolima 2011–2026. International performing career.
Read Full Bio →100% Advanced-Degree Faculty
Dr. Jain personally oversees faculty development through weekly team meetings. Instructors receive ongoing training in pedagogy, communication, and curriculum alignment.
Find Your Instructor — Request Free InterviewReviews
What Our Families Say
Hear from the parents, students, and colleagues who have experienced NTPPA firsthand.
★★★★★
"Dr. Jain is an expert pianist and teacher — an artist and a mentor with strong insight into piano pedagogy."
Sara M. Ernst
NTPPA Parent
★★★★★
"Judith Jain is a gifted teacher and pianist. Students love working with her — she brings out the best in everyone."
Amy Glennon
NTPPA Parent
★★★★★
"The school is run by wonderful teachers with the guidance of Dr. Jain, creating a real love of learning in every student."
Bobby S.
Core Program Parent
★★★★★
"My twin four-year-old girls are absolutely thriving in the Preparatory Program. The teachers are patient, enthusiastic, and truly gifted."
Hemwattie I.
Preparatory Program Parent
★★★★★
"My nine-year-old daughter has become happier, more passionate, confident, and poised since she began at NTPPA. I cannot recommend it enough."
Anne
NTPPA Parent
★★★★★
"My six-year-old attends weekly private lessons and attended the summer camp — the instructors are knowledgeable, caring, and incredibly supportive."
R. Cruz
Core & Summer Program Parent
★★★★★
"The professionalism, the theory teaching, and the gifted instructors set this academy apart from anything we have tried before."
Lisette B.
NTPPA Parent
★★★★★
"As an adult student, I have studied with Dr. Jain for two years and have made more progress than I ever thought possible. An extraordinary teacher."
Joyce Marsh
Adult Program Student
★★★★★
"Dr. Jain is wonderful. My child has simply flourished under her guidance — musically and as a person."
Sloane Morgan
NTPPA Parent
★★★★★
"The teacher is enthusiastic, energetic, and motivating — every week my child can't wait to go to lessons. That says it all."
Sujatha
NTPPA Parent
★★★★★
"My high school freshman achieved top RCM scores and is now prepared for AP Music Theory. NTPPA gave her every tool she needed."
Diane
Advanced Program Parent
★★★★★
"My daughter describes piano as her favourite weekly activity. She eagerly awaits every lesson — what more could a parent ask for?"
New Tampa Parent
Core Program Family