Piano
Communicate consistently and freely at the instrument.
A private piano studio in the heart of Pasadena offering premium, conservatory-level instruction through an individualized curriculum.
Undivided attention,
note by note.
In a world full of noise
PVT Studio believes high-quality piano instruction should be accessible to everyone, whether you are new to lessons, returning after a break, or refining advanced repertoire. The one-on-one setting makes a genuinely individualized path possible, and that is what produces better outcomes and a more satisfying experience at the instrument.
Communicate consistently and freely at the instrument.
Unlock your musical understanding by studying the language.
Create, explore, and discover new ways of engaging with sound.
The key to success for any aspiring pianist lies in not just finding a good teacher, but finding the right one.
Our mission is to assist you in discovering and mastering the music you love, developing your own interpretations, and, ultimately, cultivating your unique musical voice.
Dr. Voia-Tipei is an extraordinary pianist and instructor. We have had our daughter train with him for a few years now and have nothing but praise. Best instructor, hands down.
Paul magically makes our energetic boy sit on the bench calmly and attentively, training his hands and inspiring his mind, for at least 45 minutes. After every lesson, we could tell our son has had another amazing journey.
I've had the privilege of taking lessons from Dr. Paul for the last two years. His depth of musicality and knowledge goes beyond all teachers I've taken lessons with before. He is friendly and encouraging, but not afraid to tell you when you need to work harder.
Paul is a wonderful award-winning teacher. My two daughters have incredible success learning from him. He is patient, super talented, and teaches university-level students as well.
Begin with a free trial. The rest follows from that first conversation.
Lessons
Because the one-on-one teaching context allows for individualized learning paths, it results in better outcomes and a more satisfying experience. The emphasis can move from fundamental concepts and the principles of interpretation, to repertoire in its historical context, to intangibles like meaning, direction, and vision; endless, yet effectively tailored.
Build a technique that serves expression, learning to communicate consistently and freely at the instrument, from first contact with the keys to the most demanding repertoire.
Unlock your musical understanding by studying the language itself (harmony, form, and the inner logic of the music you play), so the score becomes something you read, not just decode.
Create, explore, and discover new ways of engaging with sound, from writing your own music to producing it, turning the instrument into a tool for your own ideas.
The Studio
In the heart of Pasadena, the studio is built for sound. Small-hall acoustics give every lesson the clarity and presence of a recital space; what you hear under your hands is the real thing, not an approximation.
At the center of the studio is a German-crafted Schimmel Konzert Series grand, joined by a Baldwin L. These are concert instruments, and they shape how you learn: the touch, the tone, and the listening they demand carry directly into your own playing.
About
Pianist, improviser, educator, builder.
Paul is a pianist and improviser by training, an educator by trade, and a builder by instinct.
Born in Arad, Romania in 1987, Paul studied at the School of Music "Sabin Dragoi" under Professor Ana Raita. He won prizes at the Pro Piano International Competition in Bucharest and the Carl Filtsch International Piano Competition in Sibiu before moving to Phoenix in 2005, where he took first place in the Arizona Piano-Schimmel Young Artist Competition's Concerto Division and went on to perform Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto with the ASU Symphony in 2013.
He has performed across Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and the United States, appearing with orchestras at venues including Mesa Arts Center, Scottsdale Arts Center, and Steinway galleries throughout the country.
Although rooted in classical music, Paul has a vast understanding of music and a remarkable versatility at the piano. His work spans pit orchestras, electronic music, jazz, solo performances, and contemporary compositions. He believes a great piano teacher should be familiar with both the concert stage and the teaching profession, considering them intertwined.
Paul holds a DMA in Piano Performance from USC Thornton School of Music, where he studied under Daniel Pollack, with prior degrees from USC Thornton and ASU Herberger Institute. Along the way he studied with Dana Borsan, Sorin Dogariu, Jeffrey Kahane, Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Mike Kocour, Otmaro Ruiz, and Russell Ferrante.
He currently serves as Adjunct Professor at the Paul T. Plew School of Music at The Master's University in Santa Clarita, alongside his private studio in Pasadena. He lives in Pasadena with his wife Simona and daughter Eloise.
For performances, recordings, and ongoing projects, see paulvoiatipei.com.
Doctoral committee: Alan L. Smith (chair), Daniel Pollack, Chris Roze, Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Russell Ferrante. Field papers: "Arvo Pärt's Tintinnabuli: a survey into a progressive, ever-evolving compositional style" (Theory & Analysis); "The Sacred Concerts: An overview of a new 'form of worship'" (Jazz).
Member, Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC).
Our mission is to assist you in discovering and mastering the music you love.
Developing your own interpretations, and, ultimately, cultivating your unique musical voice.
Tuition
Lessons are billed as monthly tuition and scheduled weekly. Three lesson lengths are listed below; the right one for you is what we sort out at the free trial: meet the studio, play the Schimmel concert grand, and decide together.
Already enrolled?
Manage and pay your tuition any time through the secure student portal.
Students & Families
We recently switched to Paul after my daughter had been with the same piano teacher for nearly 10 years. She had lost a lot of her motivation. Since starting lessons with Paul, it's like a spark has been reignited. She's making amazing progress, and we're honestly blown away by how much her playing has improved in such a short time.
Dr. Voia-Tipei is an extraordinary pianist and instructor. We have had our daughter train with him for a few years now and have nothing but praise. Best instructor, hands down. Also, super cool guy.
I've had the privilege of taking lessons from Dr. Paul for the last two years. His depth of musicality and knowledge goes beyond all teachers I've taken lessons with before. He is friendly and encouraging, but not afraid to tell you when you need to work harder.
Paul is an exceptional teacher. He's been teaching our 8-year-old daughter since she was 6. We've tried several other teachers before, but none of them showed the same level of passion and enthusiasm as Paul. He tests and challenges her, and the lessons are always tailored to her learning style.
Paul is a wonderful award-winning teacher. My two daughters have incredible success learning from him. He is patient, super talented, and teaches university-level students as well. I'm starting my Jazz improv skills with Paul. Highly recommend.
Paul magically makes our energetic boy sit on the bench calmly and attentively, training his hands and inspiring his mind, for at least 45 minutes. After every lesson, we could tell our son has had another amazing journey.
Come find out what your own playing can become.
Contact
I'll reply within 48 hours, often sooner.
By appointment. Begin with a free trial.
Free trial
A 30-minute conversation at the piano. No cost, no obligation. Pick a date, choose a time, and you'll get a confirmation by email.
All times in Pacific Time (Los Angeles)
Pick a date to see open times.