John F
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz
5.0
(4)
John F
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz
Where I Teach:
My Studio
Online
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
Bachelor of Music, Major in Composition, Cum Laude, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA; Undergraduate Studies, Providence College, Providence, RI;
Overview:
I am a piano instructor who has been involved in the teaching profession for all of my adult life. I graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1970 earning a Bachelor of Music Degree in Composition, Cum Laude. I was fortunate to go on to perform internationally, performing with the Buddy Rich Big Band, Nelson Riddle, Suzanne Somers, and many other notable singers and musicians. I have authored two jazz piano books which are available on Amazon and other online distributors, and have recorded two jazz CDs which are also available on Amazon. I continue to perform locally as well as in New York City.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching as a private instructor while in my senior year at the Berklee College of Music. After graduation and a stint in the US army, I began teaching privately in students homes, and in my own studio. I taught composition, arranging, harmony, and piano at the Berklee College of Music for several years. I conducted a jazz seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark which included students from around the world. Later I moved to San Diego and taught at the Jazz School, and also conducted jazz ensembles for students at San Diego State University. Currently I teach private lessons in my studio in Stanfordville, NY. I teach classical and jazz piano to beginners as well as advanced students; I teach students of all ages.
METHODS USED
Depending upon the playing ability of the student, I pick books and methods that teach the fundamentals of reading music and technical exercises. Repertoire is dependent upon the style of music in which they are interested; I teach both Classical and Jazz and they are totally different in content, although the harmony and chord progressions are similar. For beginning students, I utilize books by Alfred, or John Thompson, for example. For more advanced students, I use technique books and etudes by Hanon, Czerny, Pischna, and Chopin. I don't use a cookie cutter approach, but match the book to the student. It is important for me to expose the student, no matter the age, to not only written material, but chordal structure and basic harmony. Knowing the basic chords is important for understanding where music comes from, and even how to compose simple compositions. Major and minor scales, arpeggios, five finger exercises and etudes are important for every age student, and there are technical books for every age.
LESSON STYLE
Above all, ensuring that the student enjoys what he or she is learning is paramount to me. I try to instill in every student the beauty and joy of playing the piano, and carry an appreciation of it throughout their life. I began piano when I was 6, and have never stopped performing. I teach primarily in my studio, which contains a Baldwin grand piano. One of the reasons I prefer the student to come to my studio is to experience a REAL piano, not a digital keyboard. The very feel of the weight of the wooden keys and the action of the piano is something that all piano students should experience. The power and sound of the instrument is truly inspiring. Learning the function of the THREE pedals on a good piano and how they affect the sound of the instrument is extremely important. If the student does not start out on a real piano, then he or she is not getting a true appreciation of the instrument. Each student is unique and special to me. When they enter my studio, I want them to enjoy every moment of the lesson. The student's individual personality guides me in the way I conduct each teaching session. Whether they want to play an Elton John song, a Chopin Nocturne in Eb, a Miles Davis jazz piece, or the Moonlight Sonata, I will guide them along the way. Playing music should be enjoyable, not a chore; that attitude is what I wish to impart to every student.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEW
Neal Rosenthal
I have been working with John, as his student, for six years. He is not only a consummate and caring professional but an exceedingly talented musician. Patient, kind, deeply knowledgeable, a very fine jazz pianist who also has excellent chops on the classical side. I would highly recommend John to students at all levels of competence.
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