December 18, 2025
Piano Student of the Month: Nathan Velasquez
This December, we are honored to feature CCM piano student, Nathan, as Student of the Month! Nathan has been taking piano lessons at CCM for over 2 years now, and currently studies with Teacher Emily at our Redwood City location.
Teacher Emily says, “He always does his best and brings great energy to his lessons. He’s making progress little by little in both reading music and playing the piano, and his skills are growing every week. It’s been so fun to watch his confidence build! Keep up the fantastic work, Nathan!”
Read more about Nathan’s experience at CCM below!
Student of the Month Questionnaire – Nathan Velasquez
What is your name?
Nathan Velasquez
How old are you?
I am 7 years old.
Who is your teacher?
Ms. Emily
How long have you been taking piano lessons?
Around 2 years
What advice would you give to a piano student just starting at CCM?
You have to sign up to do it. You have to know what instrument you want to play, and then you have to practice. You have to think a little bit and then start practicing to learn the basic things. Your teacher will teach you more.
What piece are you looking forward to learning someday?
I would like to play Turkish March like my sister. She sounds good and I want to play like her.
What is your favorite thing about playing piano?
My favorite thing about playing piano is learning the songs. I also like to play with my sister sometimes.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is Chinese food and Sushi.
Do you have a pet?
I don’t, but I want one. But I know you (dad) won’t get me one.
Do you play any sports or do any other activities outside of music lessons?
I ski, I play soccer, baseball, basketball, and math.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a movie director and a doctor. I want to be a pulmonologist.
What is your most memorable experience at CCM?
The instruments and stuff. The place where I come to play music.
Parent Spotlight – Rujeko Nyachoto and Luis Velasquez
Regarding piano instruction, what are you most proud of your child accomplishing?
We are most proud of his persistence. In the beginning, he would sometimes feel frustrated, but he never gave up. Over time, he has become more patient and confident, and now he truly looks forward to playing the piano. One of our favorite moments was hearing him say, in his own words, “I am learning responsibility.” That growth means more to us than any single piece he plays.
What advice would you give a new parent starting in the program?
Be patient and allow your child to find their own path with music. There will be days when they don’t want to practice, and that’s okay. Try not to get frustrated—children need patience, encouragement, and support to develop a genuine love for music.
Why did you decide to give your child a musical upbringing?
We chose to give our children a musical upbringing because we have seen firsthand how music positively shapes their growth. Learning piano has helped them become more creative, patient, and responsible, and it has been incredibly rewarding for them to see the progress that comes from consistent practice and effort. Music has also taught them perseverance and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the piano. We truly believe that the abilities they develop through music support their overall learning and help them succeed in many areas of their lives.
Sign up for a FREE introductory music lesson at The California Conservatory of Music today!