Experienced tutor in Piano in Los Angeles, Barry offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

I've been taking lessons with Barry Wehrli for the last year -- I'm an adult beginner who just wanted to learn a new skill. His teaching method is very effective; the focus on good technique is particularly great for me as I'm trying to make consistent improvement over time. As a fan of classical piano music, I really enjoy now being able to play music that I like and being able to recognize playing techniques in videos I watch and understand more about the music I love. Barry is a great teacher, and I'm excited to continue learning from him.

Barry is the real deal. We feel very fortunate to have him teaching our sons to play the piano. He focuses on all aspects of learning to play: proper posture, finger technique, key placement, reading music, ear training, proper pacing, and then putting it all together. In the words of my older son, “Mr Barry makes sure I’m actually learning to play the piano without any shortcuts, so someday I’ll be able to pick up any piece of music and play it. He doesn’t let me move on until I really learn a piece. He also has great teaching strategies that make me feel very absorbed in learning. And he makes sure I’m doing it correctly, so I don’t practice the wrong thing.” And my younger son said, Mr Barry makes me feel happy when I’m learning piano.” As parents, we couldn’t be happier.

Before we begin, let me tell you the reasons why the first two times I tried to learn piano, I failed. First, I was too young and did not want to learn when it was my parents who chose for me to learn piano. Second, I did not have a good teacher who actually taught me to play piano.

As they say, third time’s the charm. This time, I had the motivation and all I needed was a good teacher. Thankfully, I found him.
Before I started my lessons with Barry, I didn’t have a rudimentary concept between a good and bad piano teacher. In my mind, a bad teacher was someone who was strict and rude. However, after my lessons, I soon realized what a good piano teacher needed.

First and foremost is patience. I am an older student and I had the discipline needed to practice, but I was also a full-time college student. Barry was very flexible and patient with me when I informed him of my midterms, finals, and generally whenever I was not going to be able to practice as much as I did. He understood that my school came first and collaborated with me to make a flexible practice schedule.

Second, is technique. Barry asks you to buy a set of books necessary for his piano curriculum. That may seem odd or inefficient since there would be so many other books you could buy, but that notion is incorrect. Barry’s books are super integral into actually learning piano. Any other book you buy for ten dollars or so will teach you how to play songs, but not technique. With Barry and his books, I realized just how much technique was necessary to play piano. Drills that seem like they should have been a walk in a park really tested my finger coordination, accuracy, and speed. The drills at time will be frustrating and tedious but I can promise you that you will emerge a better player because of it and that is something that you cannot buy in any book or with any teacher.

Third, is positive reinforcement. I must admit that there were some weeks that I didn’t practice or practice enough and I knew that Barry knew; the both of us could tell. However, on those weeks, I never felt any sort of punishment or disappointment. Barry always had a “let’s just keep moving forward!” attitude. Then came the weeks when I did practice a lot and I was able to show him just how much commitment I put forth. My hard work, without fail, was always recognized and always met with enthusiasm and excitement that really made me feel that all those hours of practice were worth it. Barry really believed in me and motivated me to be my best piano player.

Whatever your age your skill level, Barry will be the right choice. Take it from someone who has tried to play piano not once but three times.

I moved my daughter to Barry for piano lessons after 7 years with another instructor. Here's the basic difference. The other instructor taught Batya how to play songs. Barry teaches how to play piano. He has an excellent series of books that he has authored to provide a framework for the kids to learn. He has extraordinary patience with his students. There is a quiet structured environment for the one on one sessions. The quality of the instruction is top notch. Barry is a real pro who not only loves kids but loves his trade. I highly recommend him if you are considering piano lessons for yourself or for your children.

I am a currently a piano student of Barry’s and have been for a few years now. I always wanted to learn how to play the piano and was looking for a teacher that would be patient and supportive during my learning process. As I started my piano journey with Barry I quickly noted his passion for teaching and his desire for wanting me to be successful in my piano playing. He constantly encourages and reminds me when my hands, fingers, wrists (or whole body for that matter) need to be adjusted to help facilitate certain music passages that I may be having difficulties with. In addition, Barry is an active musician which I feel adds practicality to my own learning and playing experience. If you are looking for a piano teacher who is knowledgeable, meticulous (in a good way), encouraging and supportive of your piano playing goals, give him a call.

I've been taking piano lessons from Barry for the past few years and he might be the most exceptional teacher I've ever had — incredibly patient and analytical. I've seen strong and steady growth in my skills throughout my studies with him and am very happy with what I've accomplished. In addition to being a great in-person instructor I'm actually more impressed with his published instructional books - esp the Mastering Intervals Book and Piano/Keyboard Technique book. They're all so well designed and challenging, yet rewarding and straightforward.