Music Reviews
“Dan Tate represents one of the most talented students to have ever graduated from the music programs at Utah State University. A superb pianist, a brilliant composer/arranger, and a most gifted teacher of piano. He is also one of the brightest intellectual minds I’ve encountered. A rare combination of heart, mind, and compassion. I give Dan my highest and unqualified endorsement.”
-Craig Jessop, former music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
“Dan Tate is a consummate pianist and teacher. He has depths of understanding far beyond his years.”
-Seymour Bernstein, NYU Department of Music
“Dan Tate is a supremely thoughtful musician and ideal collaborative partner. In both his compositions and his performances, every note has meaning. It is a joy to work with someone so dedicated to honest music-making—his approach to the creative process truly brings out the best in everyone.”
-Hannah Thomas-Hollands, Utah Symphony cellist
Teaching Reviews
“My daughter has studied with Dan for the past several years. Her understanding of music and her technical skill at the piano have vastly improved under his tutelage. Recognizing her interest in composing and performing her own pieces, Dan has nurtured this interest with personalized instruction and opportunities to work with songs at multiple levels - in arranging, composing, songwriting, and performing. He is attuned to the music that she finds compelling and is able to pivot instruction to meet her interests and goals. Dan has built her self-confidence not only as a musician, but also as a person. He is precisely the kind of mentor I want for my children; he is a kind, excellent listener, who communicates that he sees and believes in her capacity, and models goodness as a human being.”
-Emma M., PhD
“Having tried several different piano teachers in the valley, I can say that Dan is by far the most generous, thoughtful, and creative teacher we found. Many musicians are able to give lessons, but Dan is a true teacher. He understands that students learn because they are inspired to learn. He meets every student where they are at and then shines a light on the path that allows them to flourish.”
-Jennifer S., PhD
”Dan Tate is a remarkable music teacher. He is patient and smart, and my children are inspired by the fact that he is such a fine musician himself. But more than just teaching them to play the piano, he is providing them a comprehensive music education, using piano as the tool. My kids are learning not just to read and play music, but to sight read, to recognize intervals by ear, to compose, to transpose, and more. His innovative approach uses music to unlock a child’s curiosity, capacity, and heart. And Dan accomplishes all this with kindness, warmth, and good humor. I am so happy my kids could be part of his studio. Perhaps even more important, so are they.”
-Marion B., MD
“Dan Tate is that rare teacher who sustains students’ joy for piano while inspiring them to excel. By blending ear training, sight-reading, and theory, he encourages total musicianship, which he exemplifies in his own playing, composing, and arranging. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, Dan customized my son’s lessons to suit his unique learning style, motivating him to embrace the technical and theoretical challenges of piano. Such pedagogical flexibility emerges from Dan’s deep knowledge of music and passion for sharing that knowledge with others. I highly recommend his studio.”
-Ben G., PhD
"In the words of my son Ian, 'Dan is insanely fantastic!' He is incredibly patient and is able to work well with both children and adults."
-Megan B., MPT
"Most of us who live in Cache Valley will agree that it is not hard to find quality music education. However, being able to have my child taught by Mr. Tate is an absolute privilege. Mr. Tate is not only a highly-accomplished pianist, but also a great teacher. He is extremely patient, soft-spoken, respectful and friendly to everyone, and very inspiring. I almost feel that he has some sort of magic power in presenting goals and discipline in gentle terms that reach children. He is the best of the best."
-Reyhan B., PhD
“My kids have been taking lessons from Dan Tate for years. I currently have four kids taking lessons from him and every time they have a recital, I'm completely blown away by how far they have come. Dan has a great way of working with his students. Some of my kids are more interested in piano than others and so they progress faster, but either way, Dan has found a perfect (and tailor-made) balance for each one of my kids as far as keeping them engaged and challenged at the same time.
All of my children agreed with me that Dan pushes them to play things they didn't think they could play previously. And they are all just as pleased as I am with the results. When my kids seemed to hit a roadblock, Mr. Dan was great to find music that interested them and thus encouraged them to practice more. My kids that take lessons from Mr. Dan also started to learn other instruments and because of their background in theory and their ability to read music that they learned from Mr. Dan, they were able to pick up other instruments easily.
I cannot recommend him highly enough. My kids actually spend their free time playing the piano (outside of practice) because he has helped them enjoy playing the piano. I absolutely love it. I couldn't have dreamed of a better teacher for my kids.”
-Jenissa S.
“I have been so pleased with the instruction our 7-year-old has received from Dan. I couldn’t believe how quickly she picked up piano and how much she enjoys playing and practicing. I would have never expected that in just a few months of lessons she would already be playing at the level she is playing. Dan has an amazing rapport with her and she looks forward to seeing him every week. I am thrilled that we have been able to have Dan as a piano instructor!”
-Amy K., PhD
“We feel very fortunate to have Dan teach piano to two of our daughters. Not only is he extremely talented and knowledgeable, but he also knows how to teach in a way that is interesting and easy to understand. We have been very impressed at how patient, kind, and respectful he is, while at the same time challenging and motivating the girls to do their best.
Dan sets clear expectations and communicates well with students and parents. Meeting with him quickly after each lesson helps us know how to better help our children during the week and we feel much more involved in our children’s learning than we have in the past.
Dan has such a love for music, which he is passing on to his students as he teaches in such an enthusiastic and positive way. He lets his students know of their potential and that they can become amazing pianists if they will put in the effort. His positive attitude has inspired my girls and changed their attitudes towards their piano practicing.
We would highly recommend Dan to anyone who is looking for an amazing piano teacher. We know you will love him as much as we do! Thanks Dan!!!”
-Mindy N.