Lessons with Akiko

I’m Akiko Sampson, a music educator, songwriter, and performer with more than six years of experience teaching voice and piano to students from preschoolers to professionals. My teaching philosophy is rooted in curiosity, self-expression, and a holistic approach to technique and learning.

Before turning to music full-time, I taught both art and science in a variety of settings, from public schools to college classrooms, including at UC Berkeley. As a performing artist, I’ve released multiple albums and toured internationally in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Japan.

I believe that music learning is most powerful when it connects the mind, body, and voice. In singing, I help students access their own sound by developing healthy vocal technique and body awareness. In piano, I’m especially passionate about the foundational stages of learning, when music becomes a window into new ways of thinking and engaging with the world.