Kenny Ard is equally comfortable teaching classical or jazz piano. Although Ard's formal degrees were earned in Classical Piano Performance, Ard has performed jazz and pop music professionally since the age of 12. To schedule an initial meeting time or just to have questions answered, please click on 'Contact Kenny' below."

Education and Credentials:

Master of Musical Arts: University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts: University of New Orleans

Studio of Ellis Marsalis, New Orleans

California Community College Credential

Member, Former Board Member, Music Teachers Association of California

Teaching experience:

Mesa College, San Diego, CA - 2004-present

Grossmont College: El Cajon, CA - 1988-present

Southwestern College: ChulaVista,CA- 1993-1999

Studio owner: Private instruction in San Diego since 1987

Studio Manager: Colton's Music: San Diego, CA - 1987 - 1993

Studio Manager: Werlein's for Music: New Orleans, LA

Manager: Singing River Music: Pasgagoula, MS

Graduate assistantship: University of Southern Mississippi

Ard’s formal education is in Classical Piano, but he was raised playing jazz in New Orleans, so he is equally comfortable teaching jazz or classical music.

Students range in age from 6-65.

Kenny explaining proper technique at the keyboard.  

This year, the Ard studio had three graduating high school seniors who were admitted to and will attend the following schools:

-Harvard/New England Conservatory

-Stanford University

-Berklee School of Jazz

Lessons  available in any type of music from classical to jazz.

One of Ard’s students, Chase Morrin, won the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award in 2007, at age 13, the youngest  ever to win the prestigious award, which he received  at Lincoln Center in New York. Chase will be attending Harvard/ New England Conservatory in Fall ’11