About the Studio
Learn from
the Best
At Dr. Angkasa Piano Studio, every student is taught by instructors who have trained at the highest levels — from concert halls to university conservatories. We combine rigorous technique with a warm, encouraging environment so students of all ages can grow with confidence.
Meet Our Instructors
Experience. Passion. Dedication.
Samantha Chen
Piano Instructor
"I'm super excited to be teaching piano and sharing my passion for music."
About
Ms. Samantha has played piano for more than ten years, starting her journey at age eight in Austin, TX. She has explored a wide range of classical repertoire and brings genuine warmth and enthusiasm to every lesson she teaches.
Musical Highlights
- Piano accompanist for band & choir students
- Lead piano in high school jazz band
- Main keyboard in spring musical theatre productions
Repertoire & Influences
Bach · Mozart · Beethoven · Debussy · Liszt
Favourite: Frédéric Chopin
Also Plays
Outside the Studio
Dance · Movies · Concerts — always open to new recommendations, so don't be afraid to send them her way!
Dr. Linda Angkasa
Founder
Dr. Linda Angkasa (Founder)
Classical Pianist, Piano Teacher, Collaborative Pianist
Education
- Doctoral of Musical Arts, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University
- Master of Music in Collaborative Piano, Butler School of Music, University of Texas in Austin
- Master of Music in Piano Performance, Peabody Conservatory, Johns Hopkins University
- Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, First Class Honors, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore
Professional Experiences
- Judge for MTNA Festivals
- Teaching Assistant at Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin
- Pianist for Crestview United Church
- Lecturer at University College Sedaya International, Malaysia
- Piano Faculty at St. Francis Episcopal Day School in Houston
- Piano Faculty at Annunciation of Orthodox School in Houston
Mentors
- Brian Connelly (Rice University)
- Peter Loewen (Rice University)
- Anne Epperson (UT/Austin)
- Colette Valentine (UT/Austin)
- Michael Kannen (Peabody Conservatory)
- Albert Tiu (YST Conservatory/Singapore)
Languages
English · Mandarin · Bahasa Indonesia · Taiwanese / Hokkien
Claire Kim
Piano Instructor
"From a solo debut with the Austin Symphony at seventeen to shaping the next generation of pianists."
About
Born in South Korea, Claire made her solo debut with the Austin Symphony Orchestra at age seventeen, conducted by Maestro Peter Bay. She is a prizewinner of the David O. Nilsson Piano Competition at UT Austin and multiple competitions affiliated with ADMTA, TMTA, and MTNA.
Performance Highlights
- Solo debut — Austin Symphony Orchestra, age 17 (Maestro Peter Bay)
- Prizewinner, David O. Nilsson Piano Competition — UT Austin
- Prize winner — ADMTA, TMTA & MTNA affiliated competitions
- Harpsichord & organ performances with UT Choirs, Symphony Orchestra & Wind Ensemble
Teaching
A passionate pedagogue with experience teaching hundreds of students across all ages and levels. Trained in the Kodály and Russian methods at UT Austin and SMU. Currently authoring her own method book and plans to lecture internationally on piano pedagogy.
Education
- Performance Diploma (in progress) — SMU, 3× full scholarship & assistantship
- M.M. Piano Performance & Pedagogy — SMU
- Studies with Dr. Andrew Brownell — UT Austin
Also Plays