Jay L
5.0
(2)
Instruments: Piano
Styles: Classical, Jazz
Jay L
5.0
(2)
Instruments: Piano
Styles:
Classical, Jazz
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
MM, SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, Jazz Piano MM, SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, Composition BFA, Concordia University, Jazz Study
2015 - W. Salter Foundation Scholarship
I'm a Jazz/Classical pianist, composer, and educator. I graduated from Concordia University and started my career as a Jazz pianist in Montreal QC. Soon after, I took a next big step of pursuing MM (master's in music) in Jazz Piano in NY. I had wonderful two years in SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music studying with renowned Jazz legends, and it led me to an opportunity to go for second MM in Classical Composition that gave me so much wider and deeper musical spectrum. I was exposed to such a diverse education range from baroque fugal counterpoint to post-tonal theory. I have performed in QC, NY, NJ in various types of concerts and recitals including performing harpsichord in Baroque Opera project "l'incoronazione di Poppea".
My teaching experience dates back to even before my college days. I began to teach both in private lessons and institutions to various age groups. I was teaching during my undergrad and grad studies, and now I am a full-time teacher. I do teach both classical and Jazz. I am specialized in Jazz, but I have a very strong classical background (I studied classical piano during my undergrad even though my major was jazz). I also can extend my teaching to composition (both jazz and classical) which I did for my second Master's degree. I love teaching, I love sharing my knowledge and experience with my students. Being a teacher is truly one of the best things in life.
I usually use the Faber, Beyer, or Czerny depend on the student's level. I'd add Hanon, bach 2,3 part invention, Sonatina album, and the list can go on. For Jazz, all I need is manuscript paper and a Jazz Real Book (I'd hand out some exercise notes). For advanced students, I want them to listen to music a lot. Listening to music is very critical, it is just as important as practicing the instrument. I also love to teach theory to my student. I believe that students need to know what they play, and it gives them much more knowledge and fun to play the instruments.
I want to inspire my students and have fun with them. The most important thing about teaching music is making the students love music, and getting inspired and motivated is the only key to success. Regardless of Jazz or classical piano, I have always been inspired by my colleagues, teachers and my heroes. That inspiration was the main drive that stimulated and motivated me throughout the years. Once the student can build up the drive, the rest just follows. I do teach, but my role is more like a guide. I love to help my student to figure out their own musical path.
Yukari Ota
Jay is gentle and patient with my 9 year old daughter. Now she enjoys taking lessons though she was very shy at the beginning. Recommendation of practice book seems right for her level. Also Jay understands some Japanese, which make my daughter feel comfortable.
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