Andrew F  
Instruments: Piano, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Swing

Some of my earliest performance experience has involved playing at recitals, churches, events, parties, and other functions in DC as part of a band or as a solo performer. After moving to NYC to study music in college, I pursued various demanding music-related courses such as Music Theory, Jazz Theory, Aural Comprehension, Music Publishing, as well as regular private lessons on piano/composition. Additionally, I have performed at venues in Lower Manhattan as part of a jazz duo group such as the Bitter End, Pianos, and Sidewalk Cafe and have composed a number of scores for original student films NYU Tisch. While I have tended to focus on performance and composition, I do have experience teaching students when I was an instructor at a music camp and when I took on several beginner piano students in high school and college. When I was a young student, I learned the standard classical piano pedagogy and necessary technical skills, but as I advanced, I began to focus more on modern music, including rock, jazz, show-tunes, and pop. While I can definitely teach classical and other genres at a beginner to intermediate level, I would encourage students who are more interested in a contemporary approach to reach out.

For beginner's it's always good to start with the basic method books such as Hal Leonard or Alfred. As they progress, they can work on more technical exercises and music theory. Once they are able to grasp the fundamentals, or if they are starting at a more advanced level, it is always good to play a repertoire that includes music that the student is interested in. While some music that I feel is appropriate will be assigned as well, I encourage students to also seek out songs that they want to play themselves in order to keep them interested.