Teachers / Staff
Their teaching experience, passion for the piano and education in Piano Pedagogy and Performance creates a wonderful learning experinence for any age or level inspiring pianist.
2023 National Conference for Keyboard Pedagogy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Margie Nelson
Teacher and Business Owner
Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Westminster Choir College
“One of my favorite aspects of teaching is when students make their own realizations about music. I love when they share them with me. I love to laugh with my students because we are doing something so special and sacred with each other. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than collaborate about music with the students.”
Margie established The Piano Studio in September of 2006. She started The Piano Studio simply to offer an opportunity for anyone who had an interest or great desire to learn how to play the piano. For the past 17 years, The Piano Studio has moved four times because it continues to grow. “We offer a fun learning environment that keeps students excited about their music and at the same time learning to be very musical pianists”.
Margie earned her Master’s Degree from Westminster Choir College in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy. She also studied and worked with Frances Clark and Louise Goss who were the founders of an Internationally known ‘The Music Tree’ Piano Studies. She is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association as well as the Royal Academy of Music and the ABRSM’s exams.
Allison Fog
Teacher and Educational Director
Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Southern Methodist University
With over 20 years of experience teaching piano privately and in group settings, Allison Fog is driven by the belief that everyone has the potential to play the piano beautifully, regardless of past experiences or perceived limitations. She has dedicated her career to helping students of all levels discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from making music at the piano. She has witnessed firsthand the many ways that music study brings meaning to our lives and enhances our well-being.
Allison earned her Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy/Performance from Southern Methodist University under the guidance of Sam Holland and Alfred Mouledous. She has also served previously on the faculty with Margie Nelson at The New School for Music Study in Kingston, NJ. Allision has taught at The Piano Studio since 2019 and has enjoyed seeing her students grow and flourish!
Allison is an active church musician and accompanist, and lives in Flemington with her family. In addition to teaching and playing piano, she loves taking walks, swimming, doing Pilates, reading, and watching British murder mysteries.
Julia Jasnosz
Teacher
Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Ithaca College
Julia Jasnosz is a music teacher from the Princeton, New Jersey area. She graduated from Ithaca College as a piano major with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. She has been studying the piano for over 17 years and her extensive classical training serves as a solid foundation for her abilities to play in a variety of styles including pop, rock, and musical theater. Her areas of expertise are in teaching the piano, voice, songwriting, ear training, and any level of music theory (including jazz theory). She prioritizes teaching you the music that you are interested in and will have you playing from the very first lesson! She is very excited to help you achieve your goals and guide you along your musical journey.
Charlie Banta
Teacher
Bachelor of Music in Composition – Piano
Charlie is a rising composer and pianist, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in 2022. With his interest in composition, Charlie brings a creative and analytical approach to teaching the piano. He hopes that this approach will serve his students not only at the keyboard, but in life as well. Whether tutoring music theory or collaborating with singers and instrumentalists, he has always enjoyed helping others discover their talent. Charlie is pleased to join The Piano Studio to share his musicianship and inspire his students through teaching. You can expect from Charlie a friendly personality and a desire to enhance your knowledge and proficiency of the music you love.
Yu Han
Teacher
PhD in progress (1 year remaining) of Musical Arts in composition and piano performance, University of Arizona
As a professional piano teacher, Yu is dedicated to providing personalized, one-on-one piano lessons, focusing on nurturing each student’s unique talents and goals. Throughout her career, Yu has been selected for numerous performances and compositions across the United States. Her multimedia composition, The Beauty Within, won the grand prize at the Red Rock Dance Festival. She has successfully worked with a diverse range of students, from beginners to advanced learners, tailoring her teaching methods to meet individual needs.
• Her teaching approach emphasizes the development of technical skills, musical expression, and a deep understanding of the repertoire.
• Through this individualized instruction, Yu has helped many of her students achieve significant milestones, including earning State Honors in the MTAC Certificate of Merit exam in California.
• Her commitment to each student’s progress ensures that learning is both effective and fulfilling.
Daniel Karnaukh
Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Piano Performance, Oberlin Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio.
Daniel Karnaukh is a jazz pianist and piano teacher based in Princeton, New Jersey. A 2024 graduate of Oberlin Conservatory with a Bachelor Degree in Jazz Piano Performance.
Daniel has been studying piano for over 15 years. His extensive training in both jazz and classical music enables him to guide students in exploring music with curiosity and freedom. Daniel’s teaching approach is both innovative and engaging. He enjoys using creative methods to enhance piano technique, deepen understanding of music theory, and develop ear training skills. He is passionate about delving into any genre that his students are interested in—be it classical, jazz, pop, rock, video game music, or Broadway show tunes. In lessons with Daniel, students can expect to refine their technique, musicality, and expressive abilities at a comfortable and steady pace. His enthusiasm for music and commitment to student growth make him an inspiring and supportive teacher.
K. Jenna Frank
Teacher
Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, Westminister Choir College; Comprehensive Practical Piano Teaching Program, The New School for Music Study
K. Jenna Frank is a piano and voice teacher based in the Princeton, NJ, area. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Westminister Choir College and completed the Comprehensive Practical Piano Teaching Program at The New School for Music Study. As an active soloist and ensemble singer, Jenna brings a unique perspective to piano teaching. Her lessons prioritized joyful self-expression at the piano. with emphasis on ear-training, sight-reading, score analysis, and interpretation. Jenna is thrilled to join The Piano Studio to share her love of music through teaching. She hopes that through time spent together at the piano, students will develop a lifelong love of music and discover a deeper understanding of themselves.
