Piano lessons that meet you where you are — and take you somewhere you didn't expect.
Whether you're a nervous beginner, an adult who always wanted to learn, or a kid who actually wants to practice — Nicki Kerns brings decades of real-world performing experience, genuine warmth, and the occasional dad joke to every lesson.
- Santa Cruz Mountains
- In-person & virtual
- All ages & levels
Classically Educated
Degrees from Dominican College and Boston University
All Styles Welcome
Classical, jazz, pop & more
4 Performances a Year
2 formal recitals + 2 informal showcases
Performer Extraordinaire
Thousands of professional gigs
You don't have to be a prodigy. You just have to want to play.
Adults & Beginners
Never touched a piano? Always meant to learn? It's not too late. Several of Nicki's most enthusiastic students started as adults with zero experience.
Kids & Teens
Patient, engaging, and never boring. Nicki connects with kids of all learning styles and builds real musical foundations — not just recital pieces.
Returning Players
Took lessons as a kid and quit? You're more than welcome back. Nicki meets you where you left off and helps you rediscover why you loved it.
More than just scales.
Every lesson is tailored to the student. Curriculum is drawn from a deep pool — you guide the direction, Nicki builds the map.
Virtual lessons available when in-person isn't possible.
What students & parents are saying
As an older adult student, I approached learning piano with anxiety. Was I too old to learn? From the first, Nicki put me at ease and taught me the skills to play the music I love. Now I'm playing Debussy's Claire de Lune, Satie's Gnossiennes, and music from The Lord of the Rings. With a teacher like Nicki, it's never too late to follow my dream of making music!
Ms Nicki brings a passion for music, ability to reach a student where they are, and positive encouragement for their growth and understanding to every lesson. Be ready for wonderful peer performances where students are encouraged to do their best on a piece they are working on and provide feedback to others about their efforts, recitals that highlight the students musical ability with community celebration afterwards, and a whole lot of smiles and laughter as Ms. Nicki teaches a subject she thrives at sharing with the world... Music!
A real musician who loves to teach.
Nicki holds a piano performance degree from Dominican College of San Rafael and a master's in music education from Boston University. She's performed with the Redwood Symphony, directed musical theater productions, played thousands of private events and weddings, and also plays string bass, clarinet, organ, and voice. She became a teacher by accident — and discovered it was her calling.
Need more than lessons?
Up Scale Music offers a range of professional music services beyond the teaching studio.
Voice Coaching
Individual vocal instruction for all levels.
Accompanist
Collaborative piano for singers, instrumentalists & auditions.
Music Direction
Full music direction for musical theater productions.
Rehearsal Tracks
Custom recorded tracks for singers and performers.
Solo Performer
Available for events, parties & private occasions.
Music Transcription
Notation and arrangement from recordings or memory.
Ready to start playing?
Reach out to ask a question or enroll. Nicki responds personally to every inquiry.
831-334-1215 · pianonicki88@gmail.com