Assistant Director, Piano, Theory, Composition, and Improvisation Instructor.
Dr. Brian Ciach (pronounced “SIGH-ack”, born 1977) is a composer, new music pianist, and instructor in the San Francisco Bay Area, whose music has been described as “remarkably inventive” (Herald Times) and “beautifully scored” (New Music Box). Dr. Ciach’s second piano sonata won first prize in The American Liszt Society International Bicentennial Composition Competition and The National Federation of Music Clubs Emil and Ruth Beyer Composition Award. Brian holds a Doctor of Music degree in composition from Indiana University, two Master’s degrees in composition and piano performance from Temple University, and a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Temple University. Brian is an On-Call Instructor of Music Theory at Santa Clara University and the Assistant Director and Instructor of Piano, Piano Improvisation, Music Theory, and Composition at the Hunter School of Music in San Jose, California. His tuba compositions are published by Solid Brass Music.
Brian’s performance of his Fourth Piano Sonata:
Brian’s Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher of music theory, composition, piano, piano improvisation, and electronic music, I am inspired by my active colleagues and stimulated by curious students. I love my job because I get to talk about and perform music on a very deep and personal level with a committed audience who actively responds to my ideas. After about 15 years of teaching every age group from preschooler to octogenarian and a variety of course topics from piano to electronic music, I have made a personal investment towards teaching, which has rewarded me with an understanding of some of its successful components. Great teaching should involve commitment, knowledge, up-to-date technology, passion, artistry, humor, and vision. While this simple list is neither extensive nor complete, I believe it is a fundamental one.
Brian performing Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. Posth:
To learn more about Brian visit his official website: http://sigh-ackmusic.org/
Brian is available now for a variety of lessons including private piano, composition, theory, and more!
Call or text 408-320-6484 to set up a lesson with Brian.
The Hunter School of Music 
Hi I’m looking for continue piano lessons for my sons 8 and 10 years old, parents in the school recommend Hunter school with Amy and Brian, I wondering if you have some opening Monday or Wednesday after 4, Thank you so much in advance!
Hello Cecilia, thank you for your message! I’d be more than happy to chat with you about our availability. We may have something available on Monday. Please give me a call at 408-320-6484, or email me at hunterschoolofmusic@gmail.com with your best contact info and I’ll call you this weekend! Thank you, Amy