No Fuss Piano
About
Andrew started playing piano at the tender age of 3. His mom wanted him to spend his endless energy on something artistic so she started him on piano lessons. Very early on it was clear Andrew had a natural, unique ability to connect with the piano. He played in school bands throughout grade school and began performing around DC in high school. While Andrew also plays guitar, drums, and bass, the piano has remained his first love and primary instrument.
At the age of 17 Andrew left DC and started college at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. Andrew studied Jazz Piano but also led big bands, wrote and arranged music, produced and engineered. Shifting from Jazz to Rock in his early 20s, Andrew joined the band Ambulance LTD with which he played all over NYC, the US, and internationally.
Upon returning to New York from a busy touring schedule, Andrew began assisting younger students at The New York Piano Academy—helping them to develop their playing skills, as well as their composing and arranging pursuits. The experience exposed his innate ability to build students’ talents through patience and encouragement, consistently taking them farther than they thought they could go. Andrew discovered his passion for teaching and began working with students of all ages, from 3 year-old children to seniors. As a teacher, Andrew focuses on making learning enjoyable while teaching all types of music—pop, rock, jazz, classical, and even Broadway. Andrew tailors his lesson programs to the uniqueness of each student and teaches them not only how to play, but also how to better hear, enjoy, and love music.
Music is a powerful form of expression and a rewarding vehicle for those who are intellectually curious and enjoy experiencing progress in whatever medium they pursue. I like assisting people in search of guidance, patience, and clearly understood explanations that help them demystify music.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After an initial period of information gathering, either by phone or in person at the first lesson, we'll test the waters and play a little bit, which gives me the ultimate sense of ability and musicality. I like to establish some goals through understanding what really motivates you to practice and what kind of music interest you, for that will ultimately lead to your success. We then pursue a course of action which involves understanding theory, some exercises, but most importantly learning and playing music. I subscribe to quantity as much as quality, for laying your eyes and fingers on as much music as possible will strengthen your abilities faster than trying to perfect one piece.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Piano Instructor - The New York Piano Academy
Self-employed piano instructor
June 2008-Present
New York, New York and Washington, D.C.
Education
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson Rates:
1 hour: $85
45 mins: $70
30 mins: $55
10% rate discount when you purchase a package of 10 lessons.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages and abilities from the rare 3 year old to beginners in their 70’s and 80’s. I also teach more intermediate and advanced students, helping pianists improve their abilities, technique, musicality and repertoire. I have experience preparing students for ABRSM exams, the system of teaching through a prescribed, well rounded approach to the piano where one progresses through levels of achievement via tests.