April 20, 2026
Piano Student of the Month: Defne Esin
For the month of April, we happily featuring piano student, Defne Esin, as our Student of the Month! Defne has been taking piano lessons at our Sunnyvale location for over 2 and a half years! She currently studies with Dr. Hyun!
Dr. Hyun says that Defne always stays motivated and eager to learn new songs. Hyun remains very impressed with Defne’s steady progress!
Read more about Defne’s experience at CCM below!
Student of the Month Questionnaire – Defne Esin
What is your name?
Defne Esin
How old are you?
8
Who is your teacher?
Dr. Hyun
How long have you been taking piano lessons?
Since I was 5 years old
What advice would you give to a piano student just starting at CCM?
Work hard, practice daily, listen to your teacher and your parents, and have fun!!!
What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
Harry Potter starter-hard version
What is your favorite thing about playing piano?
I love how the music flows through my body. Playing any songs-scary, sad, exciting, it doesn’t matter what theme-makes me, just, you know, feel better.
What is your favorite food?
CHOCOLATE!:)
Do you have a pet?
No
Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
Soccer, art, writing, reading, and knitting. I love cuddling up and doing one of my favourite hobbies.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Many things: Artist, scientist, author, and pianist;)
What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
When I did my first recital at age five, and played ‘Old McDonald.’
Watch Defne perform Interstellar Main Theme by Hans Zimmer at the latest recital!
Parent Spotlight – Melek Pelen
Regarding piano instruction, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
I am most proud of her when she played Interstellar at her last recital. The pace was a little fast for her, and some of the notes were far apart, making the hand stretches challenging for her fingers. But she didn’t give up and kept practicing until she got it right.
What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
Don’t give up if you see slow progress, it takes a while, but then one day you wake up to a very nice live piano playing in the background of your house.
Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
I want her to play music as a way to disconnect from the flow of life and feel recharged.
Sign up for a FREE introductory music lesson at The California Conservatory of Music today!
