Classical concert pianist and Yale School of Music graduate is giving piano lessons

Simon is a great instructor. My son is 7 years old and has been going to Simon for 6 months now. It has been amazing. Simon works really well with him, and I can see the growth since we've been going. I would highly recommend Simon as your piano instructor.

It’s a privilege and joy to study piano under Simon. I’ve learned so much over the past four months. He’s an exceptional musician and piano teacher. I feel that he equipped me with what I needed to creatively, thoughtfully rediscover piano after a hiatus. He’s a patient instructor who will take the time to evaluate where you’re getting stuck, both technically and musically, and then work to simplify the solution.

Countless times, I’ve gone home after a lesson remembering what was explained because he made sure I truly understood the reasoning behind it. This kind of instruction has helped me immensely in my practice. It gives me clear direction and something concrete to work from.

I decided to start taking lessons after several years off, and Simon is exactly what I was hoping for. With his expertise and adaptive style, I've progressed faster than I ever have in my life, and I'm having more fun doing it. Highly recommended.

I’ve been studying with Simon for about five months now, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I had started playing piano again after a long hiatus and was looking for a new teacher. Before starting lessons with him, my repertoire had been stagnant for years, but in a relatively short time he has helped me expand it in ways that has been motivating and reinvigorated my love for piano.

One thing I especially appreciate is how flexible and accommodating he is with my busy work schedule. As an adult learner, it can be challenging to balance practicing with other responsibilities, but he consistently meets me where I’m at. Even during weeks when I don’t have as much time to practice, he finds ways to keep lessons productive and encouraging. His teaching style strikes a great balance between honesty and humor. He is candid with feedback (he’ll tell you exactly what needs work) but he delivers it in a way that’s constructive and funny, which makes the learning process enjoyable.

He also pays close attention to the musical and technical details that make playing sound polished. He frequently offers ways to improve my technique that also helps with voicing, articulation, and tone. He consistently pushes me to think more deeply about how the music should sound and not just how to play the notes. Simon brings a tremendous depth of knowledge from his training and performing career. I’ve grown musically in a short time and gained a deeper appreciation for music. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a thoughtful, skilled, and engaging piano teacher!

I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Simon as our children's piano teacher! His exceptional teaching skills have helped them progress at an unprecedented rate, and we've seen a significant improvement in their technique and confidence.
From the very start, Simon has demonstrated professionalism, patience, and a natural ability to connect with children. He makes learning piano a delightful experience for my kids - they're always eager to attend lessons and practice at home!
I wholeheartedly recommend Simon to any parent seeking a talented and committed piano teacher for their child.

When I took his number from a flyer on the street ("Study with a Concert Pianist!"), I had no idea what I was getting into. But I'm lucky to have met Simon, a brilliant and hilarious teacher with a gift for clear, precise explanation. He's a formidable pianist who makes every note sound effortlessly beautiful, so it's worth taking his advice! In just a couple of months, I sound more confident, fluid, and graceful at the piano than ever before. My technique has improved, I play more freely and expressively, and it's only going to get better from here.

I recommend Simon to anyone who wants to study classical piano. If you're a beginner, he'll start you on the right foot; if you're experienced, as I am, you'll learn faster than you thought you could. Either way, you'll get good, and you will never be bored.

I have been learning how to play piano with Simon for about 2 months now. As an adult, and first-time learner of any instrument, it was important to me to work with someone who is able to teach adults with patience and compassion. I really appreciate his passion for teaching both technique and theory, his holistic approach is slowly but surely getting me to a point where I can finally read notes and grow more confident in my ability to play the keys. PS: usually piano teachers who play so well find it hard to level with beginners and you feel that pressure of expectation but with Simon, I feel more comfortable in exploring this as a hobby -while I know he still is training me towards playing at a professional level. Strongly recommend him as an instructor to anyone at any level!

I've really enjoyed lessons with Simon. I'm amazed how he can discover my problems quickly, even in a virtual setting. He's great at explaining the importance of focusing on these areas and his tailors his explanation to a beginner like me, making it easy to understand and motivate me to learn more. I like that he has a holistic approach to the lesson that is not just piano techniques but includes a digestible amount of music theory to improve my understanding of the music I'm playing. It's been super fun taking lessons with Simon and I highly recommend him.

For context, I started playing piano around age 11, and now as an adult I am working with Simon to improve my playing. I really appreciate Simon’s creative yet rigorous teaching style. He tailors his teaching to address the goals I have communicated while using his professional acumen to see all the technical improvements I need to make. He immediately comes up with exercises and pieces that can help me to address a bad habit or to understand a technical concept that I am struggling with. I definitely recommend Simon as a piano teacher.

For context, I started playing piano around age 11, and now as an adult I am working with Simon to improve my playing. I really appreciate Simon’s creative yet rigorous teaching style. He tailors his teaching to address the goals I have communicated while using his professional acumen to see all the technical improvements I need to make. He immediately comes up with exercises and pieces that can help me to address a bad habit or to understand a technical concept that I am struggling with. I definitely recommend Simon as a piano teacher.

I've been taking lessons with Simon for just under two months, and the progress I've made in that short time has been remarkable. Coming in with four years of prior piano experience at an intermediate level, I was impressed by how quickly he identified key weaknesses in my playing and offered targeted strategies to address them. Simon combines deep technical expertise with artistic insight, helping me refine both my technique and musical expression. One standout feature is his post-lesson notes, which clearly summarize the session's main takeaways and provide a great reference for practice. Highly recommended for students looking to elevate their playing with thoughtful and skilled instruction.

I came to Simon as an adult who had studied piano as a child for 5 years. The thing that I like about Simon is that he spends a lot of energy trying to understand my relationship to music and what it is I am hoping to achieve from my lessons with him. He believes in adapting his teaching style to each student and meeting them where they are at. That will look different for an adult than it will for a child. It will look different for any two people, regardless of how old they are.
I am better at piano when I started, I play my piano much more than before I started lessons. I’m playing almost every day, and for me, that is one important measure for success. I take lessons because I want to get better at playing the piano, I know that getting better requires playing and practicing. Simon and I both know that I will only actually continue to play and take lessons if I am having fun when I play!
Simon has Rhoen’s seal of approval as a great piano teacher, I fully recommend taking a lesson with him.

I came to Simon as an adult who had studied piano as a child for 5 years. The thing that I like about Simon is that he spends a lot of energy trying to understand my relationship to music and what it is I am hoping to achieve from my lessons with him. He believes in adapting his teaching style to each student and meeting them where they are at. That will look different for an adult than it will for a child. It will look different for any two people, regardless of how old they are.

I am better at piano when I started, I play my piano much more than before I started lessons. I’m playing almost every day, and for me, that is one important measure for success. I take lessons because I want to get better at playing the piano, I know that getting better requires playing and practicing. Simon and I both know that I will only actually continue to play and take lessons if I am having fun when I play!

Simon has Rhoen’s seal of approval as a great piano teacher, I fully recommend taking a lesson with him.

How do we rehearse for a journey of self expression, shared joy, doubt, hope - the tumultuous exhilarations of being human - through finger pads on stiff white-black keys?
For the past 30+ years without striking a tune on piano, I’ve just returned to re-learning music from Simon Karakulidi, prize-winning international concert pianist and distinguished mentor in classical repertoires. He tells me “humans make it harder when it is quite simple” during our online piano lesson as I agonize over my mistakes on a Beethoven sonata composed in his early teens.
Simon speaks from personal experiences and broad triumphs, resilient and regal in interpreting beauty and truth from masterpieces whose century appeal remains central to our modern landscape. Still, why can’t I get it right, now or ever, as an older adult in perpetual practice to experience heaven on earth through classical music?
“Play in circle, not hexagon shape,” Simon guides me, walking alongside me to transfer concept to melody, wrestling with me on every turn and question in our musical exploration.
To imagine what could be elusive, believe in your head and heart what your hands may rebel on keyboard, go to the “water” (Simon’s cue for beach) with friends, you will discover your creative purpose with Simon - our beloved teacher and esteemed model of what’s truly daringly possible - on the great glorious piano, your gift to others in full encircling.

How do we rehearse for a journey of self expression, shared joy, doubt, hope - the tumultuous exhilarations of being human - through finger pads on stiff white-black keys?

For the past 30+ years without striking a tune on piano, I’ve just returned to re-learning music from Simon Karakulidi, prize-winning international concert pianist and distinguished mentor in classical repertoires. He tells me “humans make it harder when it is quite simple” during our online piano lesson as I agonize over my mistakes on a Beethoven sonata composed in his early teens.

Simon speaks from personal experiences and broad triumphs, resilient and regal in interpreting beauty and truth from masterpieces whose century appeal remains central to our modern landscape. Still, why can’t I get it right, now or ever, as an older adult in perpetual practice to experience heaven on earth through classical music?

“Play in circle, not hexagon shape,” Simon guides me, walking alongside me to transfer concept to melody, wrestling with me on every turn and question in our musical exploration.

To imagine what could be elusive, believe in your head and heart what your hands may rebel on keyboard, go to the “water” (Simon’s cue for beach) with friends, you will discover your creative purpose with Simon - our beloved teacher and esteemed model of what’s truly daringly possible - on the great glorious piano, your gift to others in full encircling.

What's unique about Simon is that he really zeroes in on the particular learning style of the student, and works effectively with the individual (in our case, an 11-year-old) – unlike many teachers who've got a "my way or the highway" approach to pedagogy. Simon is also warm, encouraging and very professional. Highly recommended!

Simon is an extraordinary concert pianist and equally extraordinary piano teacher. He has an enormous knowledge in the field, and he transmits what he is explaining, teaching you in such a way that makes everything look easy and sound clear. I have tried many piano teachers in my long life, but he is, without a doubt, the best one.

My 12 year old son is learning piano under the guidance of Simon, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. From the very first lesson, Simon created a warm and supportive environment that made learning for my son both fun and rewarding. He provided music notes as well as a website where my son could advance his music skills. Simon tailors each lesson to suit my son's needs and learning pace, ensuring he fully understands the material. His clear explanations and slightly pushy, but patient approach seems to be very suitable for my son. Simon also inspires a deep love for playing the piano by discussing music theory and playing favorite pieces. I would highly recommend Simon to anyone, whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills. 

My 12 year old son is learning piano under the guidance of Simon, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. From the very first lesson, Simon created a warm and supportive environment that made learning for my son both fun and rewarding. He provided music notes as well as a website where my son could advance his music skills. Simon tailors each lesson to suit my son's needs and learning pace, ensuring he fully understands the material. His clear explanations and slightly pushy, but patient approach seems to be very suitable for my son. Simon also inspires a deep love for playing the piano by discussing music theory and playing favorite pieces. I would highly recommend Simon to anyone, whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills.

Simon is an excellent piano teacher. He has helped me make great progress in my piano playing in a short period of time.

Simon is patient and courteous but he also wants you to reach your highest potential. Simon uses his professional expertise to present complex or challenging topics or techniques in a straightforward, approachable manner.

Simon pays attention to how I play and provides very useful customized feedback on technique, articulation, and how to approach the piece. He's very specific about it, which I find helpful.

He gives good advice for technicalities in playing and learning a piece, and also puts emphasis on enjoying the process.

Simon is an incredible teacher! Not only is he an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable pianist, but he’s also a dedicated instructor who challenges his students to reach their full potential. His insightful guidance and the focus on student’s progress, make the learning experience both rewarding and motivating. After just a few lessons, I’ve already noticed how refining my technique has made playing feel much more effortless. He’s very responsive, generous with his time, and encourages questions throughout the week, which has been so helpful in my learning!

Simon is an incredible teacher! Not only is he an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable pianist, but he’s also a dedicated instructor who challenges his students to reach their full potential. His insightful guidance and the focus on student’s progress, make the learning experience both rewarding and motivating. After just a few lessons, I’ve already noticed how refining my technique has made playing feel much more effortless. He’s very responsive, generous with his time, and encourages questions throughout the week, which has been so helpful in my learning!

I have been working with Simon for a few months now, and I am truly impressed by his teaching skills. Since studying with him, I have seen significant improvement in my playing. Although I am not a beginner—I’ve been playing on and off for many years—Simon has helped me refine my technique in ways I hadn’t before. He introduced me to Hanon exercises, which I now incorporate into my daily practice, and has taught me how to loosen my wrists for a more relaxed and effortless playing style. What excites me most is his ability to help me hear and shape my playing to be more musical and fluid. Beyond being a fantastic teacher, Simon is incredibly smart, has a great sense of humor, and makes every lesson enjoyable. Working with him has been a rewarding experience.

I have been working with Simon for a few months now, and I am truly impressed by his teaching skills. Since studying with him, I have seen significant improvement in my playing. Although I am not a beginner—I’ve been playing on and off for many years—Simon has helped me refine my technique in ways I hadn’t before. He introduced me to Hanon exercises, which I now incorporate into my daily practice, and has taught me how to loosen my wrists for a more relaxed and effortless playing style. What excites me most is his ability to help me hear and shape my playing to be more musical and fluid. Beyond being a fantastic teacher, Simon is incredibly smart, has a great sense of humor, and makes every lesson enjoyable. Working with him has been a rewarding experience.

Simon is a great piano teacher! He is patient and breaks down the music into sections so that you can understand the piece in a different light. He teaches beyond the notes and focuses on helping you become a better musician while you're learning the piece. My technique has greatly improved while learning under Simon. We are currently working on Chopin's Revolutionary Etude. I can only dream to one day be as great a pianist as Simon. I feel I made an excellent choice in choosing him as my piano teacher, and I plan to continue learning from him for years to come. The cost is well worth the benefit.

Wonderful experience and an excellent instructor. Highly recommend. Simon is patient and incredibly gifted and seems easily able to assess where my child is at and what they need.

Wonderful experience and an excellent instructor. Highly recommend. Simon is patient and incredibly gifted and seems easily able to assess where my child is at and what they need.

I recently started lessons with Simon and I have already begun to learn so much from him! He is very professional, punctual, musically intuitive, generous with his time, and really helps improve my technique. You can tell that he loves what he does and is very present during the lesson. It's also quite exciting to watch him sight read things that would take me weeks to conquer :) I would definitely recommend him for new learners and advanced learners as well.

I recently started lessons with Simon and I have already begun to learn so much from him! He is very professional, punctual, musically intuitive, generous with his time, and really helps improve my technique. You can tell that he loves what he does and is very present during the lesson. It's also quite exciting to watch him sight read things that would take me weeks to conquer :) I would definitely recommend him for new learners and advanced learners as well.

Perfect! Simon started working with my 7 year old daughter and I immediately knew he would be GREAT! She had been in private lessons for 1.5 years with someone else who wasn't very diligent. She never developed the ability to play smoothly or fluently with her old teacher, but Simon immediately picked up on her weaknesses and got to work correcting them. He's the perfect combination of patient, intelligent, and hardworking. He also has this incredible focus, attention, energy and spark of genius that makes his lessons feel very exhilarating. His passion for music is so palpable and infectious, that he's inspired it in my child, and I think that's the best possible way to teach children! Try Simon, you can't go wrong!

I’ve been taking lessons with Simon online for three years, and let me just put it straight: you won’t find better. We hit along from the very beginning and he has even visited me in-person when he was in town for his recital. I struggled to find a teacher who would be scrupulous with technique yet inspiring. I wish I started with him from the beginning!

Simon is very knowledgable, talented and dedicated instructor. He cares about his students. He is regular and punctual. At the same time, he is flexible and can move classes when we request. He goes extra miles by providing support throughout the week with doubts and homework assignments. I am happy, we found Simon as instructor for our son.

In 20+ years of playing piano I haven't had an instructor as energetic or attentive as Simon. He challenges me to fine-tune technical details and think about music on a philosophical level, yet he is patient and knows how to not overwhelm me with information. It has been a real pleasure!

I have had the privilege to host Simon Karakulidi while he stayed in the bay area for six months in 2020, and experience both his brilliance as a person and a musician. Simon is uniquely gifted at articulating and teaching music and piano technique. He is a responsible and disciplined person. Being accepted as his student is a bonus to anyone who is looking for a sensitive and principled teacher. I don’t use words lightly; Simon is truly extraordinary.

Mirka Breen
Oakland, California

I'm an adult with little musical background and I've been learning piano with Simon for quite a few months now. Simon is a great teacher, he is passionate about piano and it shows in the way he teaches and explains things. During the lessons he always takes time to improve my technique, teach me music theory and improve my ear training. He is also good at explaining things intuitively. I am happy with the progress I've made since we started lessons together, so I'd highly recommend him!

Highly recommended! Coming from a self-thought piano background, I came to Simon with the specific goal of improving my technique and general facility at the keyboard, and he has been incredibly helpful in helping me achieve that and much more. In the three months I spent with him we covered the entire Hannon book as well as a few Chopin etudes. I now feel much more confident about what I’m doing at the keyboard.

My daughter has been studying with Simon online for about 6 months. She has improved significantly and received compliments from my friends who heard her play before. In the beginning Simon tried different ways to address her weaknesses, but she is always clear about what to do after the practice session. I recommended him to a few of my friends and they were quite happy with him as well.

My daughter has been studying with Simon online for about 6 months. She has improved significantly and received compliments from my friends who heard her play before. In the beginning Simon tried different ways to address her weaknesses, but she is always clear about what to do after the practice session. I recommended him to a few of my friends and they were quite happy with him as well.

Simon is a teacher who is genuinely interested in a student's holistic improvements, teaching them not just techniques but ways to be expressive with music. He is enthusiastic and patient teacher who tries to understand a pace of developing student. He is enthusiastic and patient teacher who tries to understand a pace of developing student. With his great method of teaching, students will enjoy the inspiring, challenging and fun learning experience!

I studied piano as a kid, but then took a break during college. I am a young professional and don’t have as much time to practice as I wish, but I feel inspired after my lessons with Simon. He is knowledgeable not only about the technique of piano playing, but also music theory and history. We are lucky to have him here.

I am an adult student with a number of years lessons off and on with different teachers. Working with Simon will really level up your practice.

With Simon's guidance, I am moving towards more musicality in my playing, and he is providing fresh perspectives and techniques for practice that have enabled me to make significant progress.

He is exacting, but lessons are fun!

I’ve been studying with Simon since he moved to Philly and I can only say I wish I started studying with him from the very beginning! We have a lot of fun together and his feedback is right on the money. I feel I improve every lesson I come back. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him and you will definitely want to keep him!

Simon is the best teacher I’ve had so far. I alwayd wanted to play serious piano repertoire and Simon is just perfect for that. We have a lot of fun! He’s not an easy teacher for sure and he pushes me to be better than I thought I could be, but sometimes if I’m busy I let him know and he keeps it low key. He also infuses his lessons with some music theory. I often felt with my other teachers that we are having a good time, but I don't grow enough. Simon makes lessons fun but very rigorous. I would definitely recommend Simon to anyone looking for an inspiring experience.

Simon is FANTASTIC!! I am a long-time student of music and am extremely particular. Simon has exceeded every expectation! First, he is a great guy and a lot of fun to work with. Second, he pays absolutely keen attention during every part of each lesson and is completely involved throughout. Third, he is extremely patient, although perfectly capable of insisting on certain standards. Fourth, I feel that he "gets" what I am trying to accomplish on the piano, and is giving is ALL to help get me there! ABSOLUTELY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION WITH NO RESERVATION WHATSOEVER! You'll be lucky to study with him!

Simon is an amazingly talented professional pianist, and a highly professional piano tutor. Our family are deeply impressed by how he pays attention to every single movement of my daughter’s hands on the piano, and corrects her mistakes, and reverses her incorrect practicing habits, which are extremely important for a junior piano player. Simon also inspires my daughter to feel the music with heart, with imagination of landscapes and colors. I wish that Simon could be the tutor from the very beginning.

Simon is an amazingly talented professional pianist, and a highly professional piano tutor. Our family are deeply impressed by how he pays attention to every single movement of my daughter’s hands on the piano, and corrects her mistakes, and reverses her incorrect practicing habits, which are extremely important for a junior piano player. Simon also inspires my daughter to feel the music with heart, with imagination of landscapes and colors. I wish that Simon could be the tutor from the very beginning.

Simon is the most creative and exciting teacher I’ve worked with. He pushes me, but is always encouraging, and looks for new ways to explain the hard stuff. We have worked together for a couple years now and I can’t recommend him more highly!

Simon is absolutely FANTASTIC!!
I am a long-time student of music and am extremely particular. 3 years ago, I returned to the piano after a 35-year break and really needed a BREAKTHROUGH. I have worked with Simon for the past 2-1/2 years, and he has exceeded every possible expectation I could have of a teacher!
First, he is a great guy and a lot of fun to work with.
Second, he pays absolutely keen attention during every part of each lesson and is completely involved throughout. He also often sends me additional suggestions, tips, and even videos throughout the week.
Third, he is extremely patient, although perfectly capable of insisting on certain standards.
Fourth, I feel that he "gets" what I am trying to accomplish on the piano, and that he is always giving his ALL to help get me there! For the FIRST time in my life, I actually feel like a pianist!
ABSOLUTELY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION WITH NO RESERVATION WHATSOEVER! You'll be lucky to study with him!

I am adult student who has been taking lessons off and on for a number of years. This year I began taking lessons with Simon and it has been a great experience.
His international training and education brings a fresh perspective to our lessons. As a classical music lover, I appreciate his depth of knowledge in this genre.
I feel the musicality of my playing has improved and Simon has taught me new techniques for overcoming difficulties which I have found helpful. You will definitely level up with his instruction. He is exacting but still able to keep lessons fun.

It's been two years since I've started working with Simon (I found him through another service), and I am more than pleased with my progress. I am a retired clinician and I wanted to get really serious about the piano once I have more free time. I feel positively stimulated after every lesson, and I feel inspired to get even better as a pianist. You have to know that Simon is traveling a lot, so this has to be accommodated. But his instruction is so to the point, I'd be willing to have lessons with him wherever and whenever. Highly recommend!

Working with Simon was just what I needed to restart my piano playing in earnest! I had played the instrument for years as a child (often begrudgingly) and while I had picked it up here and there over the past decade or so, I never had the discipline or accountability to really make progress. So, at the beginning of 2023 I decided it was time to buckle up and commit. The weekly lessons were a great form of accountability, and Simon’s emphasis on recording my progress on video was an excellent motivator to practice and make progress.

I would say Simon is a good fit for folks who are serious about making progress and are ready to dedicate the time and effort it takes to advance on the instrument. His methods are a great accelerator and guidance for attacking a new piece - but, at the end of the day, there's no avoiding the need to practice, practice, practice! I found the structure to be incredibly motivating in terms of practice, and I look forward to sitting down at the piano everyday. He's also a good fit for folks who want to immediately start tackling more difficult pieces, rather than plodding through elementary learning books (which are rarely that compelling musically, particularly if you have an appreciation for more complex classical pieces). By focusing on a single piece and really breaking it down into small pieces, you may also develop a deeper appreciation for musicas a whole.
It is without hesitation that I write this review for Simon, prior to taking a class I had no musical experience whatsoever. I didn’t read music and I couldn’t play the piano. Within 12 months of lesson I was reading music and playing a few pieces by J.S. Bach, which I selected. Simon’s teaching methods challenge my thinking. He fosters a culture of total immersion, responsiveness, engagement, encouragement and kindness. I learned to listen,focus and practice beyond my own belief! I hope to become an accomplished pianist like Maestro Karakulidi!

I’ve been working with Simon for a few years now and I can’t recommend him more. Ever since I retired I decided to get serious about the piano (I did play as a kid but never seriously invested time into it), and I worked with a few teachers before meeting Simon and none of them could meet my needs.
I do appreciate that he centers his approach around the student, rather than pushing his own ideas. I feel comfortable discussing with him my struggles with technique as well as what I think about the music. So far we have covered a few Chopin Etudes, as well as some Mozart sonatas (alongside normal portion of Czerny, Hanons and so on).
As I said, it’s hard to find a great teacher (especially online). Look no further!