About
I offer lessons on subjects including piano, jazz, composition, music theory and production, and I also have been developing a curriculum to teach improvisation.
I am a current student at New England Conservatory of Music, in their Contemporary Improvisation department. I have also studied at Brandeis University in classical composition, and took courses in classical composition at Amherst College during high school.
I have won awards in jazz composition, most notably 3rd place in the Herb Pomeroy Jazz Composition Competition of 2018.
I have been teaching piano lessons since 2016, mainly at Summer Sonatina International Piano Camp, and have tutored NEC students in ear training and music theory.
I have been a professional gigging musician for five years. I can often be found playing piano at contra dances, playing piano or upright bass at jazz performances, and one time played a 2 hour solo set for the gala dinner of the president of Brandeis University.
I love playing, writing and making up music, and I would love to pass on some of my enthusiasm to anyone who would like it. There is such a wide world of music to be a part of and to share, and I would love to include as many people as possible!
I love seeing people become comfortable with new material, and I love seeing other's progress. I also love seeing how people interpret material and how the find their own voice and their own creativity.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Michaela S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We should get to know each other, go over what the student already knows, and start building on their foundation. As we become more familiar and have a better foundation, we start adding new material and work on expanding their abilities.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching lessons for the past five years. I also have conservatory training, and am very confident in my musical abilities.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge 30$ for a 30 minute lesson, and 55$ for an hour long lesson. Prices are negotiable, but that is the general price range.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at Summer Sonatina International Piano Camp when I was fifteen. I have returned there every summer, and have been coached in teaching by the director, Polly Van Der Linde.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students ages 7-17, and have tutored college students in ear training and music theory.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Given the recent developments with Covid-19, my school let students out early and moved us off campus. Given the developments, it was hard to continue with school, but my RnB ensemble put together a recording project. I played keyboards on it, and everyone sent me their tracks, and I mixed and mastered them into two final projects. It was a lot of fun, and I got to practice many elements of my skills.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would look for a teacher who has experience and is enthusiastic. A successful teacher is someone who can encourage the student, not force the student, so I would look for a teacher who doesn't over-pressure. I would also look for a teacher who has relevant and practical expertise. They should have projects, performances, and recordings that are authentic and show their ideas and methods.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should come prepared to their lessons. As someone who is both a teacher and a student, when I go to my lessons I make sure to have an inventory of different things I would like to talk about, play, and receive feedback on. I also come with pre-planned questions I came up with when I was practicing, topics I learned about on my own, and skill sets I would like to develop. I believe that education is better directed by the student so that the teacher can meet the student's individual needs. Teachers bring material, expertise, and guidance that they believe will complement the student's interests, answer their questions, and give them more areas to explore.