REVIEWS

Yelp Reviews:
Yelp review 12/12/2009
Yelp review 11/5/2009
Yelp review 8/10/2009

Recording / Songwriting / Production

"Victoria Theodore's work is always on point, on time, and always in touch with the music. It makes my job as a producer very easy."

Carlos Mena
CASAMENA Productions
Oakland, CA

"Classically trained and technically savvy, Victoria Theodore brought wonderful to depth and complexity to 18 tracks on R00K's debut record through her agile and angelic keyboard performances. She played something soulful, creative, and emotive on each track she touched -- and she always gave us not just a single track but a beautifully interlocking arrangement of multiple keyboard hooks. Simply put, our songs wouldn't be the same without her. Best of all, because she recorded her parts as MIDI data directly into Logic, I could easily loop, edit, and otherwise experiment with each part she composed, giving the songwriting process a wonderful boost. I added some of my favorite vocal hooks after getting tracks back from Victoria and being delighted and inspired by what she had created"

Bradley James Falconer
R00K
Oakland, CA

"Victoria is a wonderful pianist. Her talent and work ethic is a superb blend of a gift that has been cultivated to it's finest. It's been an honor and a pleasure to work and play with her.”

Thomas "Tasche" Cryer
Tasche Vibe Music
Oakland, CA

Choral / Theatrical Accompanying & Solo Performance

"Victoria is one of those people with whom you want to work! She is vivacious, gifted, and wonderfully involved with the community she serves. I have met very few people who are able to quickly adjust to the culture of a new serving opportunity, but Victoria is on my short list of folks who qualify for that honor. She plays piano beautifully and has a servant spirit that permeates everything she does.I worked with her at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church where she played for weekly rehearsals and she also served as our accompanist in 2007 on a tour to Salzburg, Lucerne, Innsbruck, and Zurich. She was well-loved by all of our entourage and was deeply involved with every aspect of our trip. She is highly respected in the secular world as well, and connected with some of the world's most famous performing personalities. I recommend her highly to every musician who wants quality and integrity!"

Doug Lawrence
Presentation Coach, Former Choral Director, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
San Francisco Bay Area, CA

"Victoria is the consummate professional: punctual, always well-prepared, and top-notch at what she does. She is a superb pianist, and a unique aspect of her talent and skill, quite unusual in an accompanist, is that she can play beautifully in virtually any style you ask her to: she is a wonderful accompanist for classical music of all kinds, including difficult, abstract 20th century music; for musical theater; for jazz; and for other popular styles. She is an excellent sightreader and a wonderfully aware musician. She has a strong presence on the piano, yet she is sensitive to nuance. She is willing to put in extra effort, if necessary, in working with a conductor, in order to play the very best she can and to meet the composer's demands and the conductor's musical expectations. She aims for (and achieves) excellence. I love working with her."

Susan Swerdlow
Choral director, College Preparatory School
Oakland, CA

"Miss Theodore is one of the most amazing sight readers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  At one performance of Ned Rorem’s Three Sisters who are not Sisters the pianist we had been working with for months on the very challenging score fell suddenly ill.   Victoria walked in with 45 minutes notice, and before a sold-out house read the piece without a falter and saved the day.."

Tom Dean
Oakland Opera Theater
Oakland, CA

"Ms. Theodore thinks like a conductor, plays all the keyboards like an ace musician, and has the temperament of a saint."

Trente Morant
Artistic Director of the Oakland Youth Chorus
Oakland, CA

"Very responsible and responsive! The Hindemith went well. Thank you for your help."

Marika Kuzma
Conductor & Director of the
UC Berkeley University Chorus and University Chamber Chorus
Berkeley, CA

"Finding a musician who can fill out an R&B chart, play a musical theatre score reduction, and sight read a classical aria, is almost impossible. Except if you hire Victoria Theodore. Then you're covered. This is one talented player with a great attitude."

Betty Schneider
Certified Speech Level Singing Instructor
Vice-President West Coast Voice Professionals
Berkeley, CA

"I have to start off by saying "Wow!" Victoria is a brilliant pianist with impeccable timing, creativity, enthusiasm, charm, energy and an ability to play anything from pop to classical to Broadway to blues to jazz and everything in between (sometimes on the same night!). As a singer, I clicked with Victoria the first time I met her and I have been honored to work with her over the years. I have to end by saying that what works for Steve Wonder (Victoria recently returned after working with him during his 2007 US tour), works for me! I highly recommend Victoria."

Vandana Bali
Cabaret performer
San Francisco, CA

"Victoria Theodore's musicianship is without question superb. Her musical contribution to the score of Hairstory will be next to impossible to duplicate."

Johari Jabir
Choral director, Young Musician's Program at UC Berkeley
Composer/Director, Hairstory
Berkeley, CA

"Victoria is EVERYTHING that you need from a musician. She can do whatever you need. She reads, plays by ear, improvises and she can do this in any style of music. My fellow music teacher and other musicians who accompanied our students were amazed by her musicianship and felt that she made everyone perform better. A music teacher from another school was in dire straits for a pianist and I told her, "Don't panic. Call Victoria!" She is my piano player of choice and everyone is looking forward to working with her for our up-coming performances."

Vincent Tolliver
Music Teacher, Redwood Day School
Oakland, CA

"You are a pleasure to work with. I really appreciate your expertise at the piano, how well you listen to the group and follow my cues, and your coming to rehearsals organized and prepared. These seem to me to be the obvious requirements of your job, but not all accompanists do these things. I'm so pleased that you do."

Ellen Robinson
Conductor, Anything Goes Chorus
San Francisco and Oakland, CA

"It is rare to witness an artist who has the depth of talent that Victoria posesses and yet remains humble and focused. To hear Victoria play is a perfect blend of raw talent sharpened and honed by extensive discipline and study of her craft. Sunday in and Sunday out she is an intricate part of our worship services. She has the range and ability to make Bach come alive, and allows you to feel the passion and pain of the 'spirituals'. She is one of the best musicians I've heard! We anticipate hearing her every week."

The Rev. Brian D. Hunter
Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Oakland, CA

Weddings & Private Events

Victoria Theodore performed above and beyond our expectations. We hired her for a dinner party in our home and asked her to start out playing light jazz on the piano and then asked her to use her discretion and perhaps increase the tempo as the evening went on. She did just that, beautifully. Since she is also a very talented vocalist, she ended up singing R&B, per the request of one of our guests. We're so glad she did. She has a very professional and beautiful voice. Her style was perfect for our party and we thoroughly enjoyed her performance. We would hire her again in a heartbeat.

Laurie and Bob H.
San Francisco, CA

"Victoria was above and beyond our expectations! Our guests continue to rave about the ceremony and the music that set the tone for the wedding. Absolutely Fabulous!"

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Ceremony music was so very important to me and you delivered everything that I ever dreamed about as a little girl for my wedding day....

Next, your voice! What a gift it must be to have a voice like yours. If you noticed at the rehearsal when you started to sing I had to turn my head so fast to look at you because I couldn't believe my ears and the beautiful sound I was hearing.

And lastly I haven't seen the video nor do I remember the "here come's the bride song" that you played but I'll hear it next week when I watch the video but my friend Nina just talked so highly of it. Nina is a piano teacher, and she really gave you so much praise for your talents. I told her that I was didn't like it that people couldn't see you but she said that 'you know when a person is so good that they don't even need to be seen' but people heard you. And what a tone you set for the ceremony. It was just everything we wanted. Your services were classy and elegant! With our deepest appreciation,

Maurice and Rosa N.
Novato, CA

"Thank you so much for everything! The music you provided for our wedding ceremony far exceeded our expectations. We were wondering how it would all turn out, since the songs we chose were not your normal "wedding songs" and a couple were quite difficult to play (Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder aren't exactly "Beginner Piano"). But you (played) everything perfectly and effortlessly! Even our very musically talented friends and guests could not believe that we found "that incredible pianist on craigslist," of all places!

And, of course, we also just think you're a great person in general-- easygoing, fun, talented, smart, and a great sense of humor. After the first time we met with you, we weren't stressed about the music at all. We knew you would have everything under control! And we also really appreciate the extra effort you put in to rehearse with our friends the day before the wedding. I know that some of them were nervous about "the pianist from craigslist," and were very happily surprised when they met you and you sat down to play! Thanks so much for making the music the highlight of our wedding ceremony. It was such a joyful day for both of us, and the music really made it all come together. "

Jenn D. & Dave C.
Oakland, CA

"Victoria, I just wanted to send you an e-mail to thank you again for making Corinne's birthday celebration very special. We received wonderful "thank yous" for your performance and the entire evening. Again, "mil gracias" and best wishes to you.

We hope to have the opportunity to hear you play the piano again soon.

Sonia & Corinne
San Francisco, CA

"Victoria, you were excellent at the wedding!  I appreciate all of your input, suggestions and your kindness.  In dealing with us, you were very professional as well as thoughtful.  You play beautifully and you exceeded my expectations.  I am proud that you were a part of our wedding and I would highly recommend you to my family and friends.  Thank you again."

Tyra & Alejandro A.
Oakland, CA

"As a fairly experienced pianist myself, I was somewhat leary of hiring a stranger as I have high expectations of musicianship. You met all my expectations, even exceeded them...especially when you informed me that you had copies of the music I requested! When I saw you playing at the blues club, I knew immediately that you were an accomplished pianist and that you would be able to create the right musical atmosphere; you did not disappoint and were even able to include some last minute revisions which are seemingly unavoidable when it comes to weddings. Thank you so much for providing the perfect musical accompaniment to our special day."

Justine N.
Oakland, CA

"We feel so fortunate to have found an artist as talented and professional as Victoria, especially on relatively short notice. We entrusted her to decide what selections would be most appropriate for our wedding ceremony, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the results. She also organized the jazz band for our outdoor reception at our home, and the quartet's performance absolutely exceeded our expectations. Victoria is at the top of our A list for all our future events."

Pat & Peter Y.
Orinda, CA

"Victoria, we are grateful and fortunate to have you play at our wedding. Our special day would not have sounded the same without you. Several of our guests also inquired about you, expressing heartfelt remarks about your playing. It was so nice to hear our favorite songs. All of us were very touched with your musical presence. You and your playing are excellent, elegant, sensitive, great sounding, flexible, knowledgeable, and highly professional. We would get married again just to have her there to play!"

Jeff & Vicky R.
Oakland, CA

"You, my dear, play like an Angel sent from heaven. Your piano playing contributed greatly to our wonderful wedding ceremony. You are highly recommended. We cherish the day and you were an integral part of that day."

Loren & Erika M.
Oakland, CA

"I believe that there are some people who are naturally talented in music, and Victoria is one of them. During a brief conversation with Victoria, I mentioned three ballads I wanted her to play at my wedding ceremony. By our first meeting she played each song as if she had written and composed them herself...flawless. Victoria, thank you so much for creating the musical theme for our most memorable day. I will reccomend you to ANYONE in need."

Necole & Albert P.
San Francisco, CA

"Victoria was terrific! She played the piano at our wedding with ease and versatility, accompanying a professional singer, a saxophonist, and even a seven-year-old child with grace. She chose beautiful music and consistently presented herself with great professionalism."

Mary T. & Helen H.
Oakland, CA

Piano Students

Victoria as a piano teacher
"Victoria is an exceptional piano teacher. I started taking lessons with her several years back as an adult. I had never played before and always wished I had started playing as a child. Needless to say, contacting Victoria for piano lessons was the perfect choice.

She is the consummate professional: from the very beginning she was extremely patient and helped me develop the fundamentals (including reading sheet music for the first time); over time she gradually increased the level of technical difficulty enough to keep it challenging and interesting for me.

Soon after, she began to augment my lesson book material with real music literature to help put my musical training into context. I initially had reservations about my ability to play these pieces; but I undoubtedly credit Victoria's constant encouragement and exacting standard for helping me attain one my personal greatest achievements: playing Gymnopedie #1 by Erik Satie."

Pablo H.
San Francisco, CA

"Victoria is a wonderful teacher. She listens carefully, encourages, gently but firmly points out needs for improvement and gives very helpful guidance for achievement. Most important, her love of music and "musicality" comes through all of her lessons, which gives a special character to the time spent with her. "

Bob B .
El Cerito, CA

"Victoria is a fantastic musician and excellent piano teacher. She gives well thought out lessons that combine theory, technic, and playing -- this gives her students a well rounded learning experience. She can play all types of music...literally anything from classical songs by Chopin to the latest pop/R&B songs by Beyonce and everything in between with ease -- she is truly amazing. She's also able to help students develop their ear for music because she's able to play almost anything by ear without relying on sheet music -- it's fun to watch. Without a doubt, you can't hire a better teacher or musician to play a gig for you -- hire Victoria!"

Milton H.
Oakland, CA

"I took piano lessons from Victoria for over a year and enjoyed every minute. She has a friendly, patient manner, is clearly deeply knowledgable about theory, and can sight-read anything. The idea of performing in her obligatory biannual student recital seemed rather intimidating at first, but turned out to be a hugely enjoyable and memorable experience. I can highly recommend Victoria as a teacher."

Stuart J.
Scotland, UK

"Victoria, your dedication to excellence in yourself and in your students is most rewarding. iIt has already projected you to the heights of the music world and I am sure your teaching skills will provide me and other students the genesis to pursue a successful music career. "

Donald R.
Berkeley, CA

"Ms. Victoria is a great teacher because she is really good at explaining things for you and she is very picky about your playing. She makes sure you play everything perfect. Ms. Victoria is the best."

Shay S.
Oakland, CA

"Ms. Victoria is an excellent teacher. She has the right balance of enthusiasm, talent, knowledge and patience. My 7-year old son has taken lessons for about 2 years and in that time has learned a lot. He can read music and has even written his own songs. "

Elizabeth V.
San Leandro, CA

"I highly recommend Victoria as a very accomplished and focused piano teacher. I have studied with several different piano teachers in the past and they all have seemed to waste my time. This has not been the case with Ms. Theodore. I have been studying with her since February and my experiences has been one full of results. I have been tinkering with the piano since I was 17 and for some reason I always pursued the short cut to piano playing. It is only after many years with no noticeable results, that I came to the realization after studying with Victoria that there is no short cut to playing. She has dispelled many of the myths that I was told by other teachers and provided a curriculum that is focused on technique while allowing me to play pieces that sound like music."

Gregory T.
Ceres, CA

"I have wanted to play the piano since my teen years in order to be able to compose. As a thirty-something, adult beginner, I was not sure if learning to play the piano as a new hobby was a good idea. However, after three months of instruction from Victoria, I was hooked. I only wished I had learned to play earlier in my life and would have been able to work with Victoria. Victoria knows her craft extremely well and can make complicated concepts easy to understand and implement. She is very professional and personable which means that every practice session is well organized and lessons are taught with a sensitivity towards helping a student pursue excellence at his/her own pace. Victoria always has a positive attitude, tons of enthusiasm and manages her studio as a no-stress zone. You won't regret learning from her."

Motty A.
San Francisco, CA

"I have been taking piano lessons from Victoria for about 7 months. I have played several classic piano pieces by Mozart, Bach and Chopin. Victoria is not only a talented pianist, but also a great teacher. She is very patient and knows how to help student to improve efficiently. She has helped greatly to improve my piano technique as well as musical expressions and it is of my advantage to have her as my piano teacher."

Yuezheng Z.
Foster City, CA

""Victoria's piano lessons combine music theory with technical skills, providing in depth fundamental piano training of the highest quality. Her music studio is luxurious and well equipped with two pianos, one for you and one for her. On top of everything else, Victoria is a delight to work with. I feel very lucky to have a slot on her roster. Usually she's on the road touring with Stevie Wonder. She is truly a phenomenal teacher and a gift to those lucky enough to get to study with her!" "

Bryony Q.
Oakland, CA