Meet Jacqueline Beckoff

Helping students connect with music, with each other, and with their own potential

My Story

My formal music education includes a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from California State University, Fullerton, where I am currently completing my Master's degree. This academic foundation is complemented by a lifelong passion for the piano, which began when I was five. I am also dedicated to serving our larger musical community, holding a leadership role as vice president of the Riverside chapter of the California Professional Music Teachers Association and maintaining active membership in the Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society.

I am incredibly proud to see my students grow in confidence and creativity as they participate in recitals, workshops, and even compose their own pieces. Witnessing their journey and seeing them embrace music for personal expression is the greatest reward of my work.

Beyond the studio, my own performance experiences, including a performance at Carnegie Hall and a recital featuring underrepresented female composers, continuously deepen my connection to music and inspire my teaching. To further support the field of music education, I founded Defined Music Teacher in 2023 to coach other teachers in business, and launched the Piano Pedagogy Podcast a year later to share teaching fundamentals with my colleagues.

Campus

Teaching Philosophy

Building Connections

I believe a lasting musical education comes from fostering three key relationships. First, students build a personal connection to the music itself, discovering the joy of creating sound and finding their own artistic voice. Next, we nurture their connection to others through group workshops and collaborative events, creating a supportive community of peers. Finally, I guide students in building a connection to the world through performance, helping them share their skills and gain the confidence to see themselves as true musicians.

Nurturing Lifelong Musicians

My core goal for every student is to help them become a musician for life.  So many adults lament that after years of childhood lessons, they can't play a thing. A lifelong musician is someone who can sit down at a piano—at a party, during a holiday, or just for their own enjoyment—and make music. By integrating practical theory, sight-reading, and creative skills into our lessons, I give students the tools for true musical independence. Whether they study with me for a year or a decade, they will leave not just with memories, but with a lasting ability and the confidence to say, "I am a musician."

Piano Lessons for All Ages