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"I began studying with Rique in 2008 as I was finishing my bachelor's degree and continued to study with him after I graduated as well. Rique, hands down, was one of the best teachers/instructors/mentors I have had the pleasure of working with. His knowledge of music, the piano, and the music industry is vast and the way he was able to communicate that to me as a student was unforgettable. Not to mention his level of expertise as a pianist/producer/composer. Rique desires to see his students grow musically and personally. He strives to bring the best out of each one. Studying with Rique was one of the best decisions I made. Not only did he help me to grow throughout my undergrad studies musically, but beyond that as well as I began and pursued a career of my own in music".  - Megan Meade, Los Angeles “keyboards for artists such as Lauren Jauregui (Fifth Harmony), Rachel Platten, Stacy Barthe, Crystal Lewis, Nickelodeon TV.

“One year ago, I decided to improve my piano improvisation skills. I was an intermediate piano player. The advent of online classes encouraged me to search for a teacher who was a reference for me. I had the chance to follow Rique’s outstanding history as a musician. The good surprise was discovering that he is also an outstanding teacher. He has developed his musical style and created a methodology for teaching it through a series of exercises that expand one’s musical perception. What I expected to be only a few classes, turned out to be a year as a regular student, and I’m very happy with the results. I’m an electrical engineer with a busy professional life, and little time available for practicing. This fantastic experience gave me the pleasure of playing music to a high standard but also improved other skills such as organization, attitude, rigor, and focus. Thanks, Rique”
- Marcos Nobrega, Rochester, NY

"Rique is one of the most gifted musicians I have the fortune of knowing. His compositions and playing are world-class. My first encounter with Rique’s music was his “Live in L.A.” album when I was in college. I became obsessed with it - the richness of the harmonies, fluidity of the melodies, and the complexity of the rhythms - all were so thrilling to me. My time studying with Rique opened a whole new door to how I saw jazz and in particular, Latin rhythms. His methods are clear, effective, and fun! I continue to learn from him and am blessed to call him friend. Above all, Rique is a wonderful and caring person, a dedicated teacher and mentor."
- Alex Lu, Los Angeles - Film composer

"Working with Rique was one of the most insightful “academic” experiences I had during my undergrad studies. His patience and knowledge were both inspiring and enormously beneficial. He was able to efficiently tailor lessons to maximize our productivity while covering topics and styles that he knew I would be interested in (despite me not knowing exactly what I wanted to learn). My main regret is that I didn't discover him sooner. An incredibly encouraging teacher and mentor — I strongly urge anyone interested in jazz or contemporary music of any kind to take lessons from him". - Jonathan Alwine . Washington

"Rique Pantoja has profoundly changed the way I learn and approach music. Ever since starting classes with Mr. Pantoja, I have had tremendous growth from theory all the way down to jazz and blues standards improved like Day and Night. This whole concept of musicality and finding my own voice seemed very foreign to me but I am now able to express complex solos and play what I am singing! I am now a Jazz aficionado and say to any prospective students, prepare for a dramatic improvement upon starting training. Obrigado Rique Pantoja! " - Andres Zazueta, La Mirada

"During my first piano lesson, Rique surprised me because he immediately understood my personal struggle as a pianist but also knew my potential. With each lesson, I was re-inspired and encouraged to be creative. Rique had all the right lessons and homework that focused attention on areas I needed to strengthen. It’s amazing that a great composer and pianist also happens to be a great teacher! Every time I hear music or play the piano, I think of my lessons with Rique. I'm glad that learning music is continually exciting thanks to Rique, he is truly the best." -Daniel Lee, New York

"Rique is a fantastic musician and teacher. He brings years of study, composition, and performance to every lesson in a way that makes his experience accessible to students. Upon starting contemporary lessons, he immediately identified my personal strengths and weaknesses, asked me what my goals for improvement were, and tailored our lesson plan accordingly. Every time we meet I not only feel his support musically, but also his deep care for me as an individual and friend. The most helpful aspects of Rique’s lessons are his exercises. These clear and concise building blocks have quickly expanded my chord vocabulary, application of theory, and much more. After practicing each exercise in every key, I feel confident that I can apply what I have learned to a variety of songs and styles". - Chloe Rogers, California

“Rique is an amazing musician with a wonderful passion to teach and see his students excel. I’ve studied with him in both the classroom setting and private lessons and I can say that he is absolutely top-notch. Being primarily a guitarist, I’ve come to Rique for various reasons, but most recently to help me with the learning essentials, functional piano for theory, and songwriting, and to help my bands with vocal parts. I can't recommend him enough. If you want to be pushed from right where you are as a musician. Rique is the person to do it.” -Jesse Peterman, San Francisco
“Far beyond the mere acquisition of musical information which abounds in all forms of social media of the day, I found in Rique Pantoja a true mentor.  A caring person and a musician’s musician who provided me with the guidance and the inspiration to go further and to never settle for mediocrity in my music. His real-world experience playing with the best musicians in the world serves as the background for teaching that is practical and relevant. My time under Rique’s guidance has had a deep and significant impact on my music life whether performing, writing, or producing. I feel truly blessed for having had the opportunity to study under this amazing teacher and I recommend it to anyone serious about their music. - Eraldo Melo -  Bahia, Brazil

"Rique Pantoja has been and still is my best mentor and role model in music. When I started to learn from him, my level of musicianship was not very good. Since then, by following his advice and spending time with his exercises, my skill has grown at a fast pace, for which I give credit to Rique. He is an excellent player and teacher! Every time I meet with him I leave with excitement at all the new ideas he has planted in my mind." - Jacob Silzel, CA

"Rique Pantoja is THE BEST piano teacher!  I’ve been a church musician for many years, and his lessons and instructions are taking me to the next level as I minister there.  Each week, I look forward to applying what I worked on during that week.  I am growing every week, and my ‘real world’ piano continues to develop into something new and different.  I’m looking forward to next semester for more interesting enhancements to my piano skills". -Lorenda Jameson – Los Angeles

"With over 50 years of musical experience, I can't think of a better person to learn from than Rique Pantoja. By the time I became one of Rique's students, I had forty years of bad habits to break. After hearing me play he came up with a teaching plan customized to accommodate my musical experience and skill level. His knowledge of music, piano technique, and composition, combined with his infinite patience makes him a wonderful instructor.  I've learned a great deal from Rique and my playing has improved immensely". -Phil Kassel, Los Angeles

"Professor Rique is the best contemporary piano teacher I've ever had. Besides his professional skills and good heart for students, I especially appreciate the various musical sheets that he wrote, which successfully made contemporary piano playing teachable. Taking his class is like going to a doctor, who identifies your needs and provides you with corresponding practice sheets (medicine). I highly recommend taking his class or using his material to improve your piano talent."
- Irene Tsun-Ai Lee, CA