About Amabile
A warm music school for Bay Area families since 2008.
The name “amabile” is an Italian musical term meaning lovable, tender, gentle. It’s how we want every student — child or adult — to feel from the moment they walk in.
A Message from Our Founder
Teresa Yu, Director & Founder.
As a pianist, parent, and educator, I have seen firsthand how important the right environment is in a student's musical journey. A child's first experience with music can spark a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and joy—or it can be overshadowed by frustration, pressure, and rigid expectations.
When I founded Amabile School of Music in 2008, my vision was to create a place where students of all ages could experience the joy of learning music in a supportive, inspiring, and nurturing environment. I wanted a school where excellence and encouragement go hand in hand, and where every student feels valued, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Today, that vision continues to guide everything we do. Alongside our dedicated faculty and staff, we are committed to helping students develop not only musical skills, but also confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
At Amabile, we believe that every student deserves personalized attention, a welcoming community, and opportunities to discover their unique musical voice. Whether a student dreams of performing on stage, pursuing advanced studies, or simply enjoying music for a lifetime, our goal is to make their musical journey meaningful and rewarding.
Thank you for being part of our community. We are honored to share the joy of music with every student and family who walks through our doors.
Teresa is the Director & Founder of Amabile School of Music in San Francisco and Moraga. She started piano at age five and trained in Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S. — winning first prize at the New England Piano Teachers Association, the San Francisco Young Pianists Competition, and the Mu Phi Epsilon Competition. She holds a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and the Artist Certificate in Chamber Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. See the full faculty →
Our mission
Music education that builds confidence for life.
We help students build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills through exceptional music education in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Our values
Students First
We believe every student deserves personalized attention, encouragement, and opportunities to succeed.
Excellence with Warmth
We maintain high standards while creating a welcoming and positive learning environment.
Growth Mindset
We celebrate progress, embrace challenges, and encourage continuous learning for students and staff alike.
Community
We believe music brings people together and strive to create meaningful connections among students, families, and teachers.
Ownership
We take responsibility for delivering an outstanding experience at every interaction.
Trust signals
Voted one of the Top 3 Best Music Programs in San Francisco — three years running.
In business since 2008. Two campuses. Over 30 instructors. Eighteen years of recitals.
Why families choose Amabile
Eleven things that set us apart.
01
Many instruments under one roof.
Piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele, voice, French horn, saxophone, drum, plus the Little Mozart group class. Families with multiple students can schedule lessons close together on the same day.
02
Over 30 hand-picked instructors.
All of our teachers hold university diplomas and have professional performance experience. They’re here to learn your personal musical goals and help you achieve them.
03
Lessons seven days a week.
We currently teach in-person and online from noon through evening — seven days a week — to fit busy household schedules.
04
Month-to-month tuition, no semester minimum.
Our program runs year-round. You can join any week, and you can pause for the summer if life calls for it.
05
Eighteen years of proven results.
Voted one of the Top 3 Best Music Programs in San Francisco for three years in a row. Established in 2008 in San Francisco, with a second location opened in Moraga in January 2020.
06
Comfortable lounges for waiting.
Welcoming waiting areas at both campuses — and observation windows in every practice room so parents can quietly watch progress.
07
Recitals every 6 months.
Spring or Winter formal recitals at concert halls, plus seasonal student events that give children a reason to prepare, perform, and grow.
08
Prizes, certificates, and awards.
Stickers, milestones, certificates, medals, and trophies that motivate at-home practice and celebrate steady progress.
09
Full-time office support, 7 days a week.
A real human at the front desk — fast, professional, and helpful — whenever you need scheduling, billing, or program guidance.
10
New-student perks.
Practice Assignment Booklets, our Sticker Reward System, and periodic evaluation tests with certificates and rewards. Designed to keep students moving.
11
Referral program with real prizes.
Refer a friend and you both get entered in our raffle for prizes like concert tickets and electronics, plus a small token of appreciation from us.
Ready to try a lesson?
A trial lesson is the easiest way to meet a teacher and see if it’s a fit.