Strong foundations
A structured approach to coordination, sound, rhythm, sight-reading, and theory—adapted to each student's age and pace.
Su Zhenzhen · Lea Su · Pianist · Educator
Where music becomes a way of listening.
Drawing on my experience in Paris and Michigan, I help students build their technique, develop their imagination, and find a musical voice of their own.
Explore my teaching01
About
A musical life across three cultures.
I am Su Zhenzhen, professionally known as Lea Su. Born in China, I spent 15 years studying, working, and living in Paris before moving to the United States in 2022. I teach in Chinese, English, and French, bringing a foundation in European classical music, a multilingual perspective, and a warm, practical approach to every lesson and collaboration.
My work connects performance, pedagogy, and community: from one-to-one piano study to recitals, professional presentations, and projects that invite people to listen more deeply.
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Teaching
Technique serves expression—not the other way around.
Teaching Method
Rooted in the Cortot Method, my teaching integrates technical development with musical expression. Developed by the renowned French pianist and pedagogue Alfred Cortot, this approach combines focused exercises, effective practice routines, and thoughtful interpretation.
Students build a secure technical foundation while developing an understanding of phrasing, dynamics, tone, and musical character. By connecting physical coordination with focused listening and imagination, I help each student play with greater ease, confidence, and emotional depth.
Thoughtful musicianship
Students learn to listen, make musical choices, and understand the character and architecture behind the notes.
Confident growth
Recitals, festivals, and assessments become purposeful milestones rather than sources of pressure.
Private lessons in Saline for young beginners, advancing students, and adults.
Faber · Bastien · Cortot technique · Dalcroze-inspired learning03
Student achievements · 2026
Milestones earned with care, courage, and consistency.
Celebrating each student’s musical growth through thoughtful preparation—not comparison. Studio students took part in respected state and national programs, building confidence across performance and musicianship.
MMTA Student Achievement Testing
Performance, theory, sight-reading, and aural skills recognized through Michigan’s comprehensive student assessment program.
NFMC Junior Festival
Students earned Superior ratings through carefully prepared solo performances at the 2026 Junior Festival.
National Piano-Playing Auditions
Students completed personalized audition programs and received Local Member recognition from the National Guild of Piano Teachers.
Student privacy is respected; individual names are not published.
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Selected work
Performance, pedagogy, and community.
105 ans de piano
I performed with pianist Colette Maze, a student of Alfred Cortot, on the recording 105 ans de piano, celebrating her remarkable musical life.
AAAPTG recital coordination
Planning inclusive student recital experiences, coordinating teachers and volunteers, and supporting a vibrant local piano community.
National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy
Presenter exploring creative, human-centered approaches to piano learning and the relationship between performer and audience.
Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner · MTNA · MMTA · AAAPTG
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Lea AI Piano Lab
A human-centered studio for piano, sound, and intelligent tools.
The Lab explores how AI can deepen listening, support thoughtful practice, and open new paths for musical imagination—while keeping touch, artistry, and the teacher–student relationship at the center.
Listen
Immersive soundscapes and guided listening experiences that invite attention, calm, and a more personal relationship with music.
Learn
Teacher-led, AI-assisted practice ideas that make rhythm, phrasing, sound, and musical structure easier to understand.
Create
Original piano miniatures that connect notation, performance, visual atmosphere, and digital listening.
For current students & families
Lea Piano App
A private practice space for weekly assignments, practice notes, progress, and teacher feedback.
Play & learn · Ages 5–8 · English
Starlight Piano Island
Find C, D, and E, then copy Bunny’s footsteps. Tap below to play right here.
Current study · Original piano miniature
Under a Quiet Sky 《静谧星空》
A gentle 4/4 miniature at ♩ = 72, shaped as a quiet meeting point between composition, notation, and an immersive night-sky soundscape.
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Lea Piano Discovery Series · Digital Shop
Story, sound, and first steps at the piano.
Original, story-based resources for young pianists, musical families, and private piano studios.
New · Ages 4–8
Interactive Piano Story Pack
Little Bunny Finds the Stars
A gentle five-minute story becomes a first piano adventure through steady beat, long and short sounds, and expressive dynamics. Choose the edition that matches how you will use it.
01 · Departure
02 · Through the Forest
03 · Finding the Starlight
Digital product. After payment, your personal download link will be sent by email. No physical item will be shipped.
Start a conversation
Lessons, performances, and thoughtful musical collaborations.
Based in Saline, Michigan, I offer piano lessons and welcome performance and teaching collaborations throughout the greater Ann Arbor area.
szzfairy@gmail.com Back to top