About
Music is a transcendental experience that has existed since the beginning of time itself. Classical music is the study of timeless masterworks written over the past 400 years. Through our study, we gain direct insight into the great thoughts, ideas, and histories of cultures, peoples, and movements. As a teacher, I am honored to introduce each student to these great masterworks and to guide them in their study and comprehension. Like any mammoth adventure, our journey begins with a solid introduction to the fundamental ideas of music, music theory, and the musical technique. With piano as our instrument of choice, I provide a solid introduction to the ideas of the Taubmann technique, but I welcome students from other technique backgrounds. We then begin a music journey which will last a lifetime, I am sure!
I am inspired by each and every student I have the honor of partnering with. Music is a truly wonderful adventure, and I am excited to partner with you in exploring it.
A few credentials:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology S.B. in Physics -- 2016
National Guild of Piano Teachers (NGPT) High School Diploma in Piano Performance--2012
Selected as a NGPT "Top-5" pianist--2012
Recipient of the NGPT Paderewski Medal--2012
MusicLink Senior Award of Excellence--2012
Inducted into the Links Incorporated Hall of Fame for Excellence in Music--2011
First Place -- Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation Piano Competition --Pre-Collegiate Division--2011, 2008
Perfect Score -- New York State School Music Associate Piano Audition -- Level 6 --2010-2011
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Ruya Y.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start with a gentle assessment to determine how comfortable you are at the piano. From there, I'll identify a primary set of skills to start working on and select music from the classical repertoire that will help in building those skills. We'll start by working on those pieces and move on to exploring the entire classical repertoire, while building a complete piano technique. My goal is to provide my students with the technical and musical foundation to enable them to play with mastery any piece written for the piano.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied the Taubmann approach to piano playing, however, I welcome students from all styles and playing backgrounds.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge $100/hr for piano lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
After more than two decades of performing, competing, and studying music, I realized that I had a wealth of knowledge and that I wanted to start giving back. Teaching the piano has been one of the most rewarding aspects of music for me to-date!
What types of students have you worked with?
Many of my students are primary and secondary students who have had some exposure to the piano but would like to take their study of the piano more seriously. I also welcome younger students as well as adults. I routinely teach students from 3 years old through adults.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Performing in Germany with the InterHarmony Music Festival and performing in San Francisco on a 1884 Steinway D were two memorable events. Also, recording "In His Moment of Silence, piano works of Johannes Brahms and Frederic Chopin" was a memorable event for me.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who actively performs and whose interpretation and approach to piano playing you respect. Also, look for a teacher who is broad-minded and is focused on helping you to evolve into the musician that you want to become.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It's important to know what your goals are in taking lessons. You don't need to having everything fully fleshed out, because your goals and your understanding of what you are seeking to do on the piano will grow and evolve as you continue to study. However, the initial goals that you set for yourself will provide you and your teacher with a solid starting point for lessons.