Piano Lessons in Midtown Manhattan, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I love when my students play songs they love, so I often make my own arrangements of those songs to make them approachable for the student. For my voice students, I also follow a similar method. We work on breathing, alexander technique, body awareness, yoga, music theory, solfege and acting. We develop healthy vocal habits and explore different vocal methods depending on student interests. I teach all styles and my focus is to help my students expand and develop their unique voice while staying healthy and having fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

When I first meet with a student, I usually try to get a sense of their ability level, goals, and the styles of music they enjoy. Since everyone is unique, I tailor my lesson plans to each individual. I can help with planning a practice routine, and with selecting music that is interesting, fun, and hopefully a bit challenging (because thats how we improve)! I will recommend method books, and music books, and write a clear practice schedule at every lesson, and will look for ways to keep my students motivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

For all students I stress fluent music reading and a natural stress-free technique. For the early stages I have had good results with Faber's Piano Adventure series, finding that these progress at a reasonable pace and build reading skills logically. For technique I like FJH Music's Accelerando series. These short exercises have a big impact on the student's technique and reading, and bring maximum results in a short time. I also like to assign keyboard harmony drills of my own invention which help the student understand how chords are built and how they are linked within each key. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard

As a composer and performer myself, I understand the benefits of consistent and productive regular practice. I have studied the classical canon, contemporary classical music, jazz, and popular styles, and performed them all in halls and clubs throughout the Northeast and the world. I have found the best way to motivate students is to partner with them to define their individual goals for each lesson. When they are excited to be working toward a goal that is meaningful for them, they will rapidly make progress! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe a lot in a "democratic classroom". This applies to public school teaching as well as private teaching. I always ask for the students input, opinions on rep, and am always asking them questions to get to know their personalities and other interests. With a beginner student, I would take the time to understand their long-term goals, why they're taking private lessons, and what they hope to get out of them. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe strongly in approaching each student with a blank slate. This means that, before even considering a workbook or a songbook, I take the time to learn from my student about what makes him or her most excited about music. If I find out that my student loves the theme song from La La Land, we're going to learn that! If he or she wants to understand how it's possible for a major scale and a natural minor scale to share the exact same notes, then we'll explore it, not only theoretically, but practically. Read More