Musical Instruction By David Zwisohn
About
In contrast to most teachers, who use lesson books and one-size-fits-all methods, I teach with self-created (self-published) methods that are custom fit to each student's needs, enabling any student to become successful playing music.
During my 30+ happy years as a professional music educator, my students (at all levels) have had the choice of learning to play music of any genre - including pop, rock, country, rhythm & blues, jazz, ragtime, blues, showtunes, film and TV music, and all periods of classical music.
a key feature of my program - that's uncommon among most music teachers - is that I create and publish professional sheet music arrangements - in all genres, at all levels, from beginner to advanced.
For years, my students have also enjoyed learning and playing music that I've composed - including an ever-expanding collection of fun songs that showcase popular American musical styles (as mentioned above), ... as well as exciting instrumental piano suites that I refer to as "cinematic piano", as they're based on famous and interesting events in history, culture, society, literature, etc.
What I love most about what I do, is seeing my students reach or master a musical goal - whether that's something basic, like successfully reading their first notes by sight, or understanding a new rhythm, ... to adding emotion and drama into the music, or successfully navigating through a complex section.
Students deserve constant encouragement, nurturing, praise, and raves! I'm happy to provide those!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My musical journey began as a young child - from the first time ever sitting down at a piano, at age 7. After 6 years of lessons and a move to new town, I began learning independently, but with dedication. Along they way I learned (and later fixed) several bad playing habits, but I discovered how big "the world of music" is. That discovery impacted my philosophy of teaching - that musical diversity is essential.
I continued formal piano studies in my late teens while performing in several bands. During my early years of teaching, I returned to college (in my late twenties). While there, I was fortunate to study with a fantastic teacher, Samuel Dilworth Leslie - who studied in Paris and was "musically descended" from the great Claude Debussy. Sam was inspirational, and from him, I learned many of the instructional and motivational philosophies I still use today.
I'm also grateful for the opportunity to play other instruments (alto sax, other woodwinds) in many ensembles, starting with school band (elementary through high school), and in college, as well as playing keyboards and bass guitar in several bands for close to 10 years, beginning in my teens. These ensemble experiences helped further my interest and respect for all musical genres, and helped me fully recognize the importance of rhythm in music, and to effectively communicate with other musicians - beginner, advanced, or anywhere in between!
How did you get started teaching?
During the mid 1980s, I worked in New York City, at an advertising agency, where I "floated" between music, video, and casting departments. I developed an interest in writing advertising music, at a time when agencies were rapidly merging, and purging "duplicate" staff.
I left, and took my shot at being an independent creator of music for media. At the same time, I began teaching piano professionally.
I quickly experienced (as an outside contractor) the "I-need-it-yesterday" demands of the industry. The stress and lack of sleep wasn't winning me over! At the same time, I enjoyed the teaching work I was doing ...
Within 2 years, I was done with the advertising industry, and put myself all in, to teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all ages, from young children (age 5-7), to school age kids, teens, and adults ...
My students are often excellent students in school, but anyone with a desire to learn music can learn to play music well, if they choose to!
While my students are generally "neurotypical", I've worked with a number of kids with special needs, such as ASD, ADD, and anxiety. My own 2 children have special needs (ASD, and ACC), so I've understood "non-typical" thinking and learning for many years.