TESTIMONIALS
​Her lessons are like going to a Zen Master; first the student plays, then she asks a lot of questions (what he/she thinks about the piece, composer, what they want to express) until she and the student come to a consensus finding the essence of the piece. Then she begins teaching, taking plenty of time on the first part to create the perfect mood, structure and color according to the consensus. At this point I start getting nervous because I am afraid we will run out of time — but once the student realizes the essence of the piece and knows the right tools to express it, the playing is spontaneously transformed. Finally, the whole piece is completely different by the end of the lesson. I often see students surprised by themselves, as if they discovered their hidden potential, drawn out by Deborah. 
​— Megumi Kitamura, pianist and master class translator
I received detailed indication together with big passion. Freedom and passion! That’s the core of music, we always look for, I believe. — Naoto Chikaoka, student
Deborah has been a wonderful mentor in my ongoing efforts to grow as a pianist. With her guidance, I have gained a deeper understanding of piano music from the different periods of classical music, and am more confident as a solo performer. When I compare my playing twenty years ago to now, I see that I have reached a level where I am capable of playing the great masterpieces and I realize that I have transformed from being just a piano student to being an artist. Thanks to Deborah and her encouragement! — Edgardo Peña, student
If you are lucky enough to have Deborah Aitken as your piano teacher, you will be glad you do! She is a fabulous teacher! She has all of the credentials needed, but more importantly she has all of the experience that only comes with time.
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As a pianist myself and having multiple teachers in my past, I was looking for the right person to teach my children. It was very important to me for my children to have a teacher that was a concert or professional pianist, was flexible to teach different styles based on learning abilities and different personalities, knows the importance of teaching theory and technique and incorporates it from the very beginning, and to be an ongoing inspiration for my children (or in other words, create an environment where my children want to return week after week).

Deborah Aitken has met and exceeded my expectations. Not only did she have the wonderful credentials, but she has also provided a few unexpected surprises. Before we began, she wanted to know my expectations and goals for my children. She made me aware of different piano opportunities available. She is a very perceptive teacher and knew right away that one of my children was a visual learner. She works directly with the student and gets them to be accountable to her for their practicing during the week. As a parent, I don’t need to get involved. She cuts to the chase in teaching, she fast forwards the student based on their comprehension from concept to concept incorporating theory along the way. This keeps the children motivated and amazed that they are able to do so well so quickly! To top it off, she has an easy way with the children. She can be firm when needed, but also engaging and lighthearted.

As you can see, it has been a delightful experience for us to have Deborah Aitken as a teacher!
— Cheryl Yee, mother of students
All participants who attended the lecture-recital and master class of Deborah Aitken learned very much. It made a deep impression on all of us. All of the students and audience were very much impressed by her teaching style and performance. As an organizer, I intentionally selected diverse students for the master class: young and adult music lovers, a music high school student and a music teacher. She showed a clear image and musical vision of each piece, which made them understand music very easily. People were able to distinguish how those students’ sound colors changed quickly, and how they began to show their spontaneity regardless of their technical levels and careers. They were also convinced that her approach in dealing with rhythmical aspects gave the music vitality and clarity. After working with the students, each played differently than before and it brought the music to life.
​— Sophia Music Society, Tokyo
Studying piano under Deborah Aitken was an invaluable experience. She has flawless technic, but her true gift is artistry. She knows how to create vastly different tone colors from changing the position of the hand and wrists, deciding to play on the tip versus the pad, and choosing appropriate fingering for sound quality. I have much better musicianship and trained ear because of my study with Deborah. — Clarissa Joy Lee, student
Maestra Aitken showed a wonderful balance of technical-musical knowledge and a very friendly, encouraging and humane treatment of the (master class) students. Thanks to this ability to identify with the students and their music, the students were immediately able to modify and improve. They benefitted enormously from her comments about tone production, muscular relaxation and musical phrasing… thanks to the friendly, open and imaginative pedagogical approach of Maestra Aitken. — Rafael Guerra, concert pianist
FEATURED STUDENT
Professional pianists came from Japan to North Carolina for a week of intensive study with Deborah Aitken at the Wesley Chapel Music Institute​​