Joy Ohana

Joy Ohana is a classically trained pianist and dedicated educator with twenty years of experience at the piano. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where She studied closely under Dr. Shapiro. Joy has built a musical foundation from the age of four, fostering a lifelong passion for music and performance.

While at UMD, Joy was a consistent recipient of the Mary Ann and Ron Weber Scholarship, awarded annually in recognition of exceptional musical achievement. She has been honored with multiple awards for outstanding performances and has won the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) piano competition multiple times.

In addition to her piano work, Joy is also an accomplished vocal jazz singer, with a strong passion for diverse styles of music. Her experience as a performer extends beyond the classical realm, and she brings that versatility into their teaching. Joy is committed to helping students explore a wide range of genres—classical, jazz, pop, and beyond—so that each student can find their unique voice and musical identity.

In addition to her performance background, Joy has over three years of teaching experience, having managed a studio of over thirty students with a perfect retention rate through the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has worked with students of all ages levels, and abilities, cultivating a teaching approach rooted in empathy, encouragement, and personalized learning. Her main goal is to make a strong, meaningful connection with each student and parent. Joy believes in fostering a positive, supportive, and pressure-free environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. Her teaching emphasizes a balance of technical development, musical expression, and fun—ensuring that each student connects with the music in a way that is meaningful to them.

With a strong foundation in classical piano, a proven record of performance excellence, and a student-centered philosophy, Joy continues to inspire through both music and mentorship.