The Riko Method
The System
The Riko Method utilizes gamification to present all the aspects of music making. Students are drawn in by challenges that engage them. These personal experiences empower them.
The Riko Method uniquely offers easy to follow lesson plans designed for beginners of all ages and introduces effective study habits to help students improve analytical and organizational skills.
The Riko Method Online Campus was created to support piano teachers worldwide with lesson content and management. This innovative program helps navigate lessons and offer administrative solutions such as the ability to automatically update lesson records.
The method has been presented to music educators in France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Japan, and the U.S.
Riko Weimer
Pianist/Educator/Author
Born in Okinawa, Japan, she started her piano lessons at age 4. She moved to the U.S. to study with Viennese legend Walter Hautzig at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. She then continued her study in France with Edson Elias at the L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris.
She has been performing solo and ensemble recitals internationally since 1987 as well as presenting at lectures.
She had her private piano studios in San Francisco and Paris. In addition to her weekly teaching she worked as a consultant to a university music department and music schools for curriculum design in Japan.
She also conducted workshops and master classes for music educators. Her energetic and effective teaching style has been attracting educators internationally.
In 1998, she moved to the U.S. and opened her studio in Beverly Hills, California. In 2014, she established The Riko Method School of Piano. The school has certified over 30 instructors and continues to function as a research center, collecting and analyzing the data from lessons using the original method books.
Riko Weimer has spent the last 40 years developing and testing The Riko Method through lessons and workshops.
Sanford Weimer, MD
COO
Sanford Weimer (MD-Stanford Medical School, MPH-Harvard University)
Our COO, Dr. Weimer, served as Clinical Director of Tuba City Indian Hospital, Clinical Manager of Psychiatric Services at San Francisco General Hospital, Public Health Executive in Orange County California, and consultant to major industry in mining and mental health insurance.
As a teacher himself at USC School of Medicine and Stanford Medical School, he is intimately familiar with the challenges of education.
Dr. Weimer brings skills and experience to support The Riko Method Los Angeles Campus operation and development.
On a day to day basis, his input is utilized in improving the communication between instructors, students, and parents.
His consultation is invaluable in helping design The Riko Method social and psychological foundation.
Kate Ross
Director
Kate started her piano study at age 7 and her teaching career at 17. After graduating with a BA in Social Work from Thammasat University, Bangkok, she moved to the U.S.
She serves as the director of The Riko Method School of Piano as well as an early childhood education specialist.
Her experience as a teacher with and without The Riko Method curriculum has contributed to our product development. She is passionate about seeing the eyes of children light up with excitement as she interacts with them in the lesson room. She understands the effect on students when the Method is delivered by fostering their mindfulness.
“I wish I was taught with The Riko Method as a child.” This drives her to excel in managing the thriving force of the school.
Her interests include food, fashion, travel and animal rights. She also loves going to international music festivals with her DJ husband.
