Adventures in 88 Keys is a founding school of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. Located in San Diego, California, Adventures in 88 Keys caters to educating and growing the fertile minds of people enamored with music: whether as students, enthusiasts, or patrons. Come grow with us and discover how music can fill your life!
Under the direction and guidance of Rowena Asuncion, piano specialist and a founding teacher of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (The Royal Conservatory of Music), this haven of learning teaches the rudiments of music and music-making in a structured, organized, multi-dimensional and creative way. Students are taught all aspects of musicianship: repertoire, technique, sight-reading, ear training, and music theory. Levels are taught from primer to ARCT levels, for both piano practical and music theory.
The studio is equipped with 5 pianos (2 grand acoustic pianos: Steinway & Yamaha, 1 upright Steinway, 2 professional stage Kawai digital pianos), tons of books, iPad and mobile devices, CDs and audio files for references and perusal. The studio is also giving virtual lessons, with a dedicated set-up using multi-angle cameras, laptops, microphones, speakers, etc.
Students are encouraged to join and are given various opportunities for performances: studio recitals in Spring and Fall, December concerts, festivals and competitions in the San Diego area, as well as participation in CAPMT(California Association of Professional Music Teachers) state events and MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) events. More competitive students are encouraged to join international competitions. Several of her students have joined and won places in American Protege, CCC Toronto International Music Festival, Elite International Music Competition, NYMDC (New York Young Musicians Debut Competition), Vienna Classical Competition, and Grand Virtuoso competition. Several of her prize-winning students have performed at Carnegie Hall, (Weill Recital Hall and Stern Auditorium) and even at Musikverein in Vienna.
In 2016, she founded and established the San Diego South Chapter of CAPMT, which was awarded CAPMT chapter of the year in 2018. She serves as chair of Piano and Ensemble Festivals, Honors Competition, and Contemporary Music Competition and is the founder of San Diego Young Protege Competition (established 2016). Aside from being recognized locally, her students have been featured in numerous state level recitals, auditions, and competitions as well as international competitions. Her students have been accepted at prestigious music camps like the Interlochen Summer Arts Program. Annually, top-performing students (First Class Honors with Distinction) from the studio are recognized by the Royal Conservatory Music where they are invited to perform at the RCM California Excellence Recital. A lot of her students have garnered First Class Honors with Distinction in their RCM Assessments and have been featured in the Celebration of Excellence Recitals in California. Many of her RCM students are recipients of Center Certificate of Excellence Award, as well as State Certificate of Excellence and National Gold Medal awards. These student awards are given each academic year by RCM to recognize exceptional achievements and outstanding results in their examinations.
She served as VP for Student Programs and Piano Auditions Chair of CAPMT District 1 for many years, and currently is the State Chair for CAPMT Honors Competition. Twice recognized as CAPMT Chapter Member of the Year, she is also a multi-year recipient of Steinway and Sons Top Teacher Award (2016-2023) and has served as adjudicator in music festivals like the National Federation of Music Clubs.
When not teaching or playing the piano, Ms. Maggie enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her husband and their furry kids: Tristan, Atticus and Imogene. Sebastian and Schubert (in the picture above) have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and are now enjoying unencumbered lives in dog heaven. 🙂
Rowena F. Asuncion, piano specialist
Certified Teacher, The Royal Conservatory of Music, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels
Founding Teacher, The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
Owner, Adventures in 88 Keys, a Founding School of The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (US)
Founder and President, San Diego South Chapter, California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT)
State Chair, CAPMT Honors Competition, 2020-present
Chapter Chair, Honors Competition, Contemporary Competition, Piano and Ensemble Festivals, 2016- present
Steinway and Sons Top Teacher Awardee, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Outstanding CAPMT Member State Recognition Awardee, 2023, 2020
Active Member: Music Teachers National Association, CAPMT, NFMC, Musical Merit Foundation of San Diego, American Beethoven Society
Adventures in 88 Keys 