PlayJoy Piano Studio

Where the Magic of MUSIC Meets the JOY of Learning!

PlayJoy Piano Studio

Where the Magic of MUSIC Meets the JOY of Learning!

Let's Meet...

Katerina Levchenko

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a very strict Russian music school system: endless scales, exams, and “never good enough”. For years I thought that was the only way to learn piano.

Later, after moving across countries and careers, I rediscovered the piano through improvisation. I stopped chasing perfection and started creating my own music. That changed everything – not just how I play, but how I feel when I sit at the piano.

At PlayJoy Piano Studio I now help adults and older children do the same: break free from sheet music, stop feeling like a “technician”, and learn to improvise, arrange and really understand the music they play. Lessons are structured, gentle and practical – with a big focus on creativity, emotional connection, and tiny daily steps that actually fit into real life.

Whether you are coming back to the piano after years away, or you’d like your child to learn in a more modern, joyful way, I’d love to support your journey.

TESTIMONIALS

"Absolutely life changing experience"

"Katerina is kind and patient with kids. What amazes me is her focus at teaching music and through piano allows them to express themselves creatively. My son and daughter both have become good musicians with help of Katerina and that too in a very short time.

My daughter went on to writing and composing songs at age of 14 within 1 year of joining her.

Katerina brings out the best in your kids. Can't recommend her lessons enough, absolutely life changing experience for children."

- -Srimathy Anand

"Katerina helped my dream come true"

"Katerina is my dream piano Teacher and she helped me to get my dream come true! I'm not only playing already composed melodies on the piano of different level but I also started composing my own and improvising!

The program is very interesting, challenging and enjoyable, at the same time there is still space to extend the program and play what you'd love to.

Katerina's great personality makes all the process really a great life experience! Strongly recommend!."

- Evgeniya Mikheeva

"An exceptional piano teacher!"

"An exceptional piano teacher!

The best my kids have ever had.

What truly sets her apart is her unique methodology and incredibly effective personal approach - especially her improvisation strategies, which kept my kids engaged and growing musically.

She is an encouraging, focussed and patient teacher and her wealth of knowledge and experience has provided a love and understanding of musical technique and musicianship.

I would highly recommend her!"

- Rocio González

Here are the amazing results of Katerina's students.

Ready to dive into the world of piano playing?

Sign up now for weekly online lessons with Katerina, and experience the joy of making music from the comfort of your own home.

Special Offer: Your first trial lesson is absolutely free of charge!

5 Things

You Might Not Know About Me

ONE

I Survived the “Scary” Russian Music School

I started piano in a traditional Russian music school: strict teachers, exams, tears in the corridor, and absolutely no improvisation. It built strong technique – but almost crushed the joy. A lot of my adult students recognise themselves in that story.

I Left Piano… Then Came Back on My Own Terms

For a while I gave up on piano completely and switched to guitar. That’s actually where my love of improvisation began. When I finally came back to the piano, I brought that freedom with me – and developed a method that blends structure with play, so you can do the same.

TWO

THREE

Maths & Music Are Both My Languages

I have a strong background in mathematics and computer science, and I secretly love systems and patterns. In the studio this means: clear structures, simple progressions, and step-by-step “piano projects” instead of chaotic tips. Creativity, but with a roadmap.

I’m a Little Bit Classical… and a Little Bit Rock

I adore Bach and film music, but I’m equally happy at a Metallica or Evanescence concert. My teaching lives in that in-between space: beautiful harmony, emotional storytelling, with space for drama, riffs and a touch of rock energy when you want it.

FOUR

FIVE

I Believe Improvisation Is for Everyone, Not Just the “Talented”

I am allergic to the word “talent”. Most of my students were told as children that real creativity is for the gifted few. It’s simply not true. With the right guidance and tiny consistent steps, anyone who can read music (even a little) can learn to improvise, arrange and compose.

Who I teach

My students are mostly adults and older children who already have some piano behind them – or who always wanted to learn and are finally ready to start properly.

Many are:

– adults returning to piano after years or decades away

– classically trained players who feel stuck to the score

– parents looking for a more creative, less rigid approach for their child

– hobby musicians who want to understand harmony, not just copy YouTube videos.

What they all have in common is this: they don’t just want to “get through” pieces. They want freedom, confidence and a real emotional connection with the music they play.

@PlayJoyPiano

SOME STATS :)

Students taught: Hundreds of students across New Zealand, Australia and online

Ages: From curious 4-year-olds to brave 80-year-olds returning to the keys

Lessons Format:

Group & private online lessons,

webinars, courses, workshops,

plus limited in-person spots in Melbourne

FOCUS:

Improvisation, understanding, and joyful, sustainable practice

Let's meet

Ways to Work with Me

Ongoing Piano Lessons

Personalised weekly lessons for children, teens and adults.

We combine solid technique with creative projects, improvisation and songs you actually love.

Perfect if you want gentle accountability, a clear path, and a teacher who will not let you hide behind the sheet music forever.

TRIAL Lesson is FREE

Ultimate Piano Freedom –

Mentorship for Adult Players

A transformational mentorship for adults who already play – but feel stuck.

Inside UPF you learn how harmony really works, how to improvise in tiny safe steps, and how to turn any simple song into your own expressive arrangement.

The programme includes structured video lessons, weekly live calls and lifetime support.

Discovery Call is FREE

Workshops & Creative Intensives

Occasional small-group workshops and short intensives on topics like improvisation for classical pianists, creative practice for busy adults, or “make this one song yours”.

Ideal for a focused burst of inspiration, or for music schools wanting to bring more improvisation to their students.

Discovery Call is FREE

Support for Piano Teachers

If you are a piano teacher who wants to bring more improvisation, creativity and structure into your studio, I also offer limited mentoring around curriculum design and teaching improvisation from lesson one.

Think of it as a friendly, practical chat with someone who has done the experimenting for you.

Discovery Call is FREE

CONNECT WITH ME

Ready to Start

(or Restart)

Your Piano Journey?

If you’re curious about lessons, UPF, or you’re simply not sure what would fit you best, send me a message.

Tell me a little about your background with piano (or your child’s), what you’d love to be able to do, and any worries or questions you have.

I’ll reply personally and we can decide together what is a good match.

Email: [email protected]

Location: Southbank, Melbourne, Australia (online worldwide)

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