In an era where traditional education models are being disrupted across sectors, Oclef, California’s largest piano school, is pioneering a revolutionary approach that’s not just changing how students learn piano—it’s transforming piano teaching into a high-level professional career path.
Founded by two serial entrepreneurs, former concert pianist Julian Toha and technologist Phong Le, Oclef achieved remarkable 240% year-over-year growth from 2021 to 2023, driven by its innovative daily lesson model and commitment to elevating the teaching profession. The company’s success challenges long-held assumptions about both piano education and teaching careers.
“We’ve already solved the three most challenging problems in piano education that have plagued the industry for generations,” explains Toha, who founded Oclef after observing widespread practice challenges during his concert career. “First, we’ve created a system that guarantees children are at the piano every day, ensuring consistent engagement. No one else has even come close to solving this first problem. Second, we’ve implemented a documented feedback loop through 1:1 lessons with our faculty to monitor and guide students while they’re practicing. This is critical, because without a documented feedback loop, almost all piano students practice incorrectly — actually getting worse when practicing piano. Third, we’ve developed a data-driven, customized learning path for each student that adapts based on their actual progress, not just subjective opinions.”
The Oclef Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Matthew Bell, performs alongside the San Jose Symphonic Chorale and Oclef’s top 24 Stage 4 pianists in a powerful collaboration at 8VA Hall in San Jose, California. This landmark performance took place in January 2025, showcasing the depth of musical excellence within Oclef.
“Now that we’ve addressed these fundamental challenges, we’re turning our attention to transforming the piano teacher position itself,” Toha continues. “If you have a doctorate in piano, you shouldn’t be teaching basic concepts repeatedly. You should be leveraging your expertise in science, physiology, and child psychology to oversee and develop other instructors. We’re reframing the entire piano education profession to function similar to the medical profession or how a three-star Michelin kitchen operates.
Co-founder and COO Phong Le has been instrumental in developing the technology infrastructure that makes this transformation possible. The company has created a proprietary platform that includes comprehensive student tracking, auto-graded theory exercises, and sophisticated performance analytics tools. The platform also features OScore, an innovative system that automatically generates adaptive versions of music scores tailored to each student’s skill level, along with monthly assessment tools and an advanced sight reading evaluation system. This robust technology backbone enables educators to focus on high-value teaching activities while maintaining detailed oversight of student progress through data-driven insights and automated customization tools.
At Flower Piano in the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Oclef students brought music to nature, performing across 12 pianos placed throughout the park. Over two days, 65 selected students captivated audiences with six hours of music, creating a truly immersive and inspiring musical experience.
The results speak for themselves. What started as a small Bay Area project has grown into a multi-region operation serving hundreds of families across California, Seattle, and the East Coast. The company’s success in student retention and progress has attracted attention from education professionals nationwide.
Oclef’s career development program is particularly noteworthy in an industry traditionally characterized by limited growth opportunities. The company has created a structured pathway for piano educators to build substantial careers, with top performers having the potential to develop and manage their own teaching teams within one to two years.
“We’re making the role of Piano Teacher a high-status, high-pay and ‘cool’ role,” Toha emphasizes. “We’ve already established a track for our educators to earn six-figure incomes, with top performers having the potential to earn $150,000 or more annually. Our vision is to attract the very best talent by offering real professional growth opportunities and earnings that truly reflect their expertise and leadership.”
The company’s innovative approach extends beyond just career structure. Oclef has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that includes:
- Daily 15-minute lessons that ensure consistent student progress
- Integrated performance opportunities, including orchestra participation
- Regular community events and concerts
- Advanced technology tools for customized teaching
- Continuous professional development support
Oclef’s 2024 Halloween Costume Concert transformed music into a festive spectacle. In October, students, parents, and teachers dressed in creative costumes while performing piano outdoors, celebrating music with games, food, and a lively community atmosphere.
Particularly notable is Oclef’s innovative Stage 4 program for high school students, which goes beyond advanced piano instruction to teach students how to “leverage” their musical skills in entrepreneurial ways. “Through Stage 4, our high school students learn to become leaders and creators,” Toha explains. “They can volunteer and lead events at our concert hall, publish their own albums on Apple Music and Spotify, launch podcasts or YouTube channels, publish books through our publishing company, and even develop iOS apps. Some become paid employees, similar to a university assistantship model. It’s about teaching them what it’s like to work for an elite education technology company that’s changing lives and transforming an industry. By being part of this elite team, they develop an approach to work that will help them succeed in any career they choose.”
Looking ahead, Oclef plans to continue expanding its innovative model while maintaining its focus on professional development and educational excellence. For educators interested in being part of this transformation, Oclef offers a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing organization that’s redefining what it means to be a piano teacher.
For more information about Oclef and its career opportunities, visit www.Oclef.com.
