"My daughter studied with a local piano teacher from the time she was 4 years old until 8th grade. As a piano teacher myself, I wanted her to have a solid background in theory as well as performance and sight reading. Her previous teacher was primarily focused on performance, and I thought I could teach my daughter the theory, etc. But when that didn't work out as well as I had hoped, we knew it was time for a change. I knew many teachers in the surrounding area and I knew it would take a very special person to keep my daughter interested and progressing. My daughter is a senior in high school this year and she loves playing the piano and she loves her teacher. We are so happy we found Joy. She is positive, encouraging, flexible and professional. We definitely made the right choice!"

– Teresa Hopper, Parent

"Joy has been an excellent teacher — patient and understanding yet clear in her expectations of her students! We have been blessed to have her instruct both of our sons and that has encouraged their father to take up lessons ... something he always wanted to do! We highly recommend her to others!"

– Barbara Schulz, Parent

"It is an honor for me to recommend Joy Novak as a piano teacher. As a parent of
four young sons, I look for a teacher who is kind, patient, fun and skilled. Joy is all of these things. She has helped my boys learn to play beautiful music and learn the
basics of music theory. Most importantly, they enjoy music and love to go to lessons!"

– Ruby Dawn Lyman, Parent

"Joy Novak is a gifted pianist and instructor whose passion for music inspires audiences and students alike. She possesses the rare ability to combine head and heart — all with professionalism and approachability."

– Rhonda Ringering, NCTM, Instructor of Piano at Pacific University

"I've played with hundreds of musicians in all stages of their musical development,
and I recognize in Joy someone whose considerable musical ability is founded upon years of diligent practice and a profound dedication to her instrument. Joy has an impressive command of the dramatic elements of music; her playing is emotive, yet tasteful. We've played together in a variety of contexts and styles, and I've come to rely upon Joy's superior musicianship and judgment. As a teacher and musician, I couldn't recommend Joy Novak more highly."

– Craig Hamblin, Double Bassist

"When looking for a new teacher some years back, I was apprehensive about the change of scene — the new teacher would be a stranger, after all. So, probably one of the chief reasons that I first chose to be one of Mrs. Novak's students was her
natural cheerfulness, which put me almost immediately at ease when we first met. But this is certainly not the only reason that I would recommend her to others. She holds her students to a high standard, explaining points of difficulty and giving long and detailed attention to interpretation, ensuring that, so long as the student puts
her suggestions and comments into practice, the final product will be memorable. She is supportive and encouraging, but she does not approve of shoddy work. I highly recommend her to the searching student, whether just beginning or already a
budding pianist."

– Connor Hamilton, Student

"Joy Novak is encouraging and gentle but assertive... and it works."

– Patrick Oliver, Student

"As a teacher, mentor and friend, Joy has been an incredibly positive influence in my life. In high school, Joy's motivational teaching style inspired me to practice and tremendously improved my technique. Now that I'm a music student at Portland State University, I realize the impact Joy's lessons have had on my musicality. Thank you for everything, Joy! Your sincere interest in my success, both with piano and in life, is much appreciated."

– Jillianne Wagner, Student

"I took piano from Joy until I graduated from high school. Joy gave me the freedom to choose music I enjoyed playing. I always worked harder on pieces I liked, enabling me to develop my ability to play the piano and sing at the same time. I always looked forward to lessons with Joy because she made me laugh. Being able to step back and relax and laugh made piano lessons much more enjoyable. Joy created a fun learning atmosphere for me and it was an experience I will never forget."

– Caitlyn Hoerr, Student

"When my sister and I became interested in playing the piano, we asked our elementary school music teacher for a recommendation. He immediately mentioned
Joy Novak so our parents called her up. In the start, we didn't know anything, but now we can read and play music with dynamics, flow, and rhythm. Joy Novak is a great instructor. She can teach anyone to learn how to play the piano."

– Kulani and Dulani Wellappili, Students

"Joy is a brilliant pianist and even more rare, she's a great teacher and a delight to work with. It was a privilege having her as our church pianist."

– Earl Patrick, Music Director, Hillsboro United Methodist Church

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