Elliott Kunkel

Elliott Kunkel is a piano teacher at Playtime Music Studio, bringing nearly two decades of piano experience and a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his teaching.

Elliott began studying piano at age nine and received extensive classical training through respected music institutions and accomplished instructors.

Throughout his studies, he performed a wide range of advanced repertoire and developed a deep appreciation for both the discipline and joy of music-making. Today, he works with his students to instill the same excitement and devotion that have kept him returning to the piano for hours at a time, year after year.

Before joining Playtime Music Studio, he gained valuable experience teaching at music camps, working closely with young students. He approaches every lesson with patience, a discerning ear, and deep belief that music has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform. For Elliott, learning music is not just about mastering technique, but about discovering joy, expressing emotion, and building confidence with every piece. He strives to help students connect meaningfully with the music they play while developing solid foundations that will support their growth for years to come.

As a former graduate of Virginia Tech, he continues his academic and musical pursuits there, including studying piano under Dr. Richard Masters. Beyond the piano, he is pursuing a Ph.D in physics, conducts research, and publishes academic papers. In his free time, he enjoys strategy games like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, as well as experiments in his optics lab.