Marisol M ~ San Diego, CA:

I am 38 and started taking lessons from Yoly in 2012. I’m not sure if I can adequately summarize why taking lessons from Yoly is an overall uplifting experience but I will try.

Yoly’s teaching style or teaching method is not the typical one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, her style/method is personalized to the needs and desires of each individual student. Because she takes the time to listen and understand what it is you want to achieve with piano, she is able to tailor your lesson time so it will be of most value to you. One attribute important to me that she encompasses and reflects throughout her personalized teaching style is her patience. She instructs and guides with persistence but also with kind patience. She encourages without being pushy and she has the unique ability to motivate you just by her being present. It is obvious Yoly enjoys sharing her gift because she uses her knowledge to teach with enthusiasm and encouragement.

I was lucky to also learn a bit of piano theory from Yoly, which I found to be extremely helpful by instilling a balanced understanding of the piano, piano playing and music which in turn led to an understanding of why it is necessary to practice scales!

I currently live in San Diego but if I am ever scheduled to be in the LA area, I am sure to schedule a lesson with her. Basically, the bottom line is – Yoly is an inspiration. Anyone who begins to take lessons from Yoly will quickly find out just how fortunate they have become.

Maggie M – San Diego, CA:

Yoly is a wonderful teacher. Her musicianship is extraordinary and her teaching style lovely. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the way she connects with her students. My son started taking lessons from Yoly when he was about 9 years old; the reason he stuck with it was because she was deeply invested in him as a person. She incorporated creativity, humor, and care into her lessons in such a way that my son was eager to go back week after week. He has now written a one-act musical of his own due, in part, to her support and guidance. We love you, Yoly!

Both my daughters (beginner and intermediate level) were students of Yoly’s in 2013-2014, before she relocated to LA. I feel they both really learned to enjoy piano when with Yoly; she will work with her students to find something they really enjoy playing. Her relaxed and friendly manner put the girls at ease and made lessons fun. At the same time, a yearly recital and National Guild auditions gave my daughters something to strive for and to excel in, with not too much stress. I would highly recommend Yoly as a piano teacher! Even when she moved, she gave us a great referral to another excellent teacher – that’s how dedicated and concerned Yoly is for her students. We miss her!

Christen T ~ Burbank, CA:

I can not say enough AMAZING words about Yoly. My daughter Sage (4 1/2) has been learning to play piano with Yoly for a little while now and she can already do so much. With every session, I see beautiful success in my daughter. I never knew learning piano at a young age could be so fun for children! Yoly has a wonderful teaching style, a bright personality, a welcoming/clean/calm/inviting environment specifically produced for creating/learning, and she gives all the time/attention/respect the student deserves all the while being the perfect mix of patient and playful. I can not express the gratitude I feel that Yoly is in our life and how beyond blessed Sage is to have such an expansive, enlightening experience at such a young age. Yoly is helping create the foundation for a beautiful relationship with music and learning. Yoly can teach anyone, any age with wisdom and grace. Again, I can not say enough amazing words about Yoly, her quality of teaching, and how much she positively affects those around her. If you’re looking for the right piano teacher – you found her.

Barbara Neri – Burbank, CA:

Piano lessons with Yoly are so great! I used to take piano lessons when I was a kid. Despite my teacher having no patience and often shouting at me, I kept going until one day I told my mum that it wasn’t for me, and I gave up. As a teen and then an adult, I always had a strong feeling that I wanted to try again, but I was so busy with school, sports, and then work that years passed and I always postponed the idea. Until I met Yoly in the gym, she was very friendly and such a lovely person that when she told me she was a piano teacher, I thought that it was destiny! Yoly’s patience, kindness, and relaxed way to teach made me realize that I can play the piano again! She is a true professional and she clearly shows her passion for music. I’m glad we met and I can take piano lessons here in Burbank.

Lucas T – Burbank, CA: 

I’m 52 years old and I always wanted to learn how to play music and, in particular, piano, but I always kicked the can as I thought I was too old to learn. Then I met Yoly and I couldn’t be happier! She is not only exceptional with music (she is a natural) but the best is that she has the capability of adapting to any specific student. She can teach kids because she knows how to connect with them, but then she is super able to change and register with a much older (and slower) student like me! Nevertheless, she is always cheerful, smiling, uplifting, and inspiring. Every time I finish a lesson I can’t wait to go back! Thanks a million to Yoly for being so patient and such a nice professional.

Liana-Melissa Allen ~ Burbank, CA

Yolande Witkin is a wonderful piano teacher whose enthusiasm for music shines in her lessons. She motivates students to strive to do their best and is open to instruct them in different types of piano music, from classical to modern. I really enjoyed my lessons with her and I learned so much about getting the most enjoyment from the piano.

I was truly sad when she moved to a different city and was unable to continue my lessons with her. Anyone who chooses Yolande Witkin for a teacher will not be disappointed. Thanks for the great piano lessons, Yoly!

Your student,

Janet N. ~ Del Mar, CA:

I have taken lessons from Yoly for over 5 years. I started piano as an adult so I needed a teacher who was patient and understanding. Yoly exceeded all of my expectations. In addition to being an excellent teacher with complete knowledge of practical and theoretical music, she is a most caring and kind person. Yoly knows just the right amount of encouragement to provide to keep me going. I have steadily improved under her guidance and enjoy my lessons and playing equally. I recommend Yoly to any and all levels of expertise. She is a gem.

R P Allen ~ Del Mar, CA:

Note: My daughter’s comments about Yolande Witkin express my sentiments, also. She is a fabulous and genuinely personable teacher of the piano! ‘Yoly’ is so good, that I was considering taking piano lessons with her too. That wonderful opportunity for me and my daughter ended when Yolande moved out of our area to Burbank to continue teaching, but also to be close to her father who was in ill health.

You will be delighted with Yoly Music!!

Joe Cavaglieri ~ Sherman Oaks, CA:

I have been taking piano lessons from Yoly for about two years and I could not recommend her any higher. It has been an uphill battle for her to disprove “teaching old dogs new tricks” with me having started as an adult, but she has been more than patient and encouraging. She is a delight and anyone that is serious about learning piano will be lucky to take lessons from her.

Marylin R ~ Sherman Oaks, CA:

Yoly is a fabulous teacher. She’s patient, calm, and flexible. I’ve been taking lessons from her for a few years and am thrilled with my progress.

Shanshan Ji ~ Burbank, CA: 

My daughter began piano lessons with Ms. Yoly at the age of five, and the experience has been exceptional. Ms. Yoly’s teaching approach is the perfect blend of patience, care, and musical expertise. She has a remarkable ability to make learning piano enjoyable while instilling discipline and a deep appreciation for serious music.

The biannual recitals are truly inspiring. They showcase the dedication, growth, and hard work of all her students, creating an unforgettable experience for both performers and audiences. Watching my daughter and her peers progress and perform with confidence and skill is incredibly rewarding.

If you’re seeking a piano teacher who will not only nurture a love for music but also help students excel, I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Yoly. Her passion, professionalism, and innovative teaching methods set her apart, making her the ideal choice for young learners and aspiring musicians

Tim and Julie ~ Burbank, CA:

Watching our daughter go from a piano novice to where she is now with Yoly has been amazing. Her skills have truly blossomed. Somehow Yoly manages to not only keep her on task week to week with lessons, but also makes it fun which has really instilled a love for piano playing in our child.

The increase in confidence we’ve seen in her playing has been tremendous. She’s learning to love playing music and we couldn’t ask for more than that. Hope this works for you. 

Melissa Chew ~ Sherman Oaks, CA:

Our family has been with Yoly Music Studio for over 4 years. Both of our daughters (ages 10 and 12) take piano lessons with Ms. Yoly and watching their growth and development over the years has been such a joy. I can still remember when they began lessons — Yoly made learning how to read music and play simple songs so accessible that their growth was immediate.

Fast forward through the years and I listen to them play piano now and I am mesmerized by how much they have learned and the complexity and depth of music they can play. With Ms. Yoly, you get the best in technical instruction around — just listen to Ms. Yoly play herself! Additionally, Ms. Yoly is a mentor and teacher who cares about her students far beyond the lessons.

Ms. Yoly invests deeply in knowing each of her students, taking the time to talk about their lives and knowing the things that motivate and inspire them as individuals. We highly recommend Yoly Music Studio. Truly an enriching experience for the entire family!

Katie & Gabe Roth ~ Burbank, CA:

Our son studied with other piano instructors before we found Yoly – but when he became her student, he became a totally different piano player. I had no idea he was so musical – but Yoly did. Her understanding of his potential as a musician has helped him understand himself, to build a relationship with the instrument, and to truly enjoy playing. Yoly has fostered a love for piano that we can see – and hear – when our son sits down to play.