Graham Piano Studio 

Graham Piano Studio opened it's doors in Downtown Pleasanton  25 years ago by Ronald Graham, professional pianist and well-known piano teacher and educator. 

Our teachers


Alena Shabes


Alena Shabes is a professional musician with over thirty-five years of music training, performance and teaching.   Ms.Shabes graduated from one of the most prestigious schools of music in Russia --  the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music.   Ms. Shabes has a Masters in Music with graduate-level academic study in music pedagogy and music performance.  She has over 18 years of music teaching experience which  includes instructional theory and education.   

Professional Experience
 Soloist - Russian State Orchestra Metelitsa
 Music Teacher (Russia)  Music College St.Petersburg
 - 7 years 
 Piano Teacher (US)  -- 17 years   

Education
  • B.M. -- Music College of Minsk, Belarus 
  • Masters - St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, Russia 

Professional Association
  • National Guild of Piano Teachers


Natalia Sakhnovskaya 

Natalia Sakhnovskaya has over 40 years of piano teaching experience, and has successfully trained piano students who have become professional pianists.  

Ms. Natalia's expertise is teaching piano.  She  graduated with her Bachelors degree in music with an emphasis in piano instruction.    She also was a  accompanist for the Ukraine Music College for over 27 years, where she provided the piano accompaniment to college level music students.   Her training in piano teaching includes piano technique, music theory and practice which includes note reading, listening skills, sight reading, ear training. 

Many of Ms. Sakhnovskaya's students have participated in the national exam for piano students through the National Guild of Piano Teachers Evaluation program.    All of her students passed with a "good" or "excellent" performance rating.  

Her goal as a piano teacher is to teach her students piano skills while giving them an understanding and appreciation of music.

Professional Experience
Accompanist (Ukraine) Music College  -27 years
Piano Teacher (Ukraine) Music College - 27 years 
Piano Teacher (US)  -- 20 years   

Education
  • B.M. Piano Pedagogy and Performance  -- Music Academy of Nikolaev, Ukraine 
Professional Association
  • National Guild of Piano Teachers

Ronald Graham 1949-2011

Ronald Graham was the founder of the Graham Piano Studio, bringing love of music and piano to thousands of students over the past 25 years.
We, the teachers who worked with him and shared his passion,   are committed to continue his legacy and  his teachings for many more years to come.
“I firmly believe that all students have a seed of ability. With a good method, fine teacher and a nurturing environment, that seed can grow into a talent and accomplishment that can be very rewarding and even superior. While some students may learn more quickly than others, it is important that we arc concerned with individual feelings of accomplishment Therefore, students and parents must be careful about expectations they have for their children or themselves. You may not see progress instantly or consistently, but if there is a sincere effort and an encouraging, praising environment THERE WILL BE REWARD. Please know that I believe that a music education or at the very least an exposure to music and its possibilities are essential to a greater understanding of one another and a fuller, richer life......”RONALD GRAHAM