John Stonko

Longtime Atlanta Piano Teacher John Stonko

John Stonko is a veteran piano instructor who has led Atlanta Piano Teachers as principal owner since 2009. In addition to teaching lessons for children and adults, he manages all aspects of the studio, including the hiring and scheduling of other teachers. John Stonko emphasizes proprietary techniques that enable students to navigate music theory and sight-reading more effectively, including "Forward Reading," "Interval Line Reading," and "The Principles of Twos."

Mr. Stonko is a firm believer that musicianship is a skill that can be unlocked at any age, from the early childhood through the retirement years. For more than a decade, he encouraged adults to gain new mastery of the piano and keyboard as an instructor with the Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning. Respected as a public speaker, Mr. Stonko presented at the 2013 Bach Festival and at the 2011 Georgia Music Teachers Association State Conference. John Stonko considers the 20th century American composer Aaron Copland his favorite musical figure.

Experience

Georgia Institute of Technology

Options Piano Teacher

2009 to 2012

Emory University Center for Life-Long Learning

Piano Instructor

1996 to 2010

Spruill Center for the Arts

Piano Instructor

1993 to 1996

Education

Columbia Pacific University

DMA

1988 to 1992

Skills

Options Piano Teacher