When 13-year-old Emily Rodriguez sits down at the piano each Saturday morning, it's hard to believe that two years ago she had never played a note.

Emily lives with her family in Lake Balboa, about five miles from Angeles Academy of Music's Tarzana campus. 

Every week, she and her mom make the short drive down to Ventura Boulevard for her piano lesson, a routine that's become one of the highlights of her week.

She’s one of the students that we are proud to have. We interviewed Emily and her family to hear about their experience, the progress she's made, and what keeps them coming back.

What made you want to start piano lessons?

Emily: "I always thought piano looked cool. I'd watch people play songs on YouTube and think, 'I wish I could do that.' My parents asked if I wanted to try lessons, and I was like, 'Yeah!'"

Her mother, Melissa, says finding the right teacher was more important than finding the closest school.

"We searched online for piano lessons near us and looked at quite a few schools. Angeles Academy stood out because of the reviews, the teachers, and how welcoming everything felt. The drive from Lake Balboa to Tarzana wasn't very far, so we decided to schedule a trial lesson."

Do you remember your first lesson?

Emily laughs.

"I was nervous hahah. I thought everyone would be super good. But my teacher was really nice. We talked about songs I liked, and I got to play a few simple things right away. It made me want to come back."

How has your playing changed over the past two years?

"A lot!" Emily says.

"At first I didn't know anything. I couldn't even remember where the notes were. Now I can read music, play songs that I used to think were tough."

Her favorite accomplishment so far has been performing in one of the academy's student recitals.

"Playing in front of people was scary, but after I finished everyone clapped. My mom and friends cheered for me."

Why do you keep making the drive every week?

Melissa doesn't hesitate.

"It's about much more than convenience. We're only about a 10 to 15-minute drive from the academy, and every lesson feels worthwhile. Emily has become more confident, more disciplined, and genuinely enjoys practicing. The teachers know how to challenge students while making learning fun."

She also appreciates the consistency.

"We've been coming here for two years because the quality has never changed. Every teacher we've met has been encouraging, professional, and invested in helping students succeed."

What makes the lessons different?

Emily says it's the balance between structure and creativity.

"We learn songs… notes, scales, music on paper. I get to play songs I like. That makes me want to practice more at home."

She especially enjoys practicing with her band. When we asked her what motivates here, she answered:
"I don’t know. I guess playing with my friends… We have a band."

What would you tell someone looking for piano lessons?

Emily smiles.

"Umm Don't worry I guess??!!. I mean it’s not that hard." She laughed. 

Her mom agrees.

For Emily, those weekly drives from Lake Balboa to Tarzana have become about far more than learning piano. They've become part of a journey that's helped her grow as a musician, build confidence, and discover a lifelong love of music.