Max Flysch's Piano Studio

My first priority with a new student is to listen. First, I want to listen to what the student's goals are. Rather than imposing what I think lessons should be about, I let the student lead the way. Next, I try to listen to the student's strengths and weaknesses. Over time as I gather information, I aim to tailor future lessons in ways that will slowly help them develop their skills at the piano.

I have a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory. In addition, I took classes in Piano Pedagogy and earned a minor in Music Theory. However, the best training I have received has been from my teachers. My first teacher was a kindhearted woman who nurtured my passion for music. She taught me about the joys of the metronome. She used stickers on the keys to help me find my way to middle C. She introduced me to the trusty “spinner” which told me how many times to practice a difficult passage. Her spirit and kindness left a lasting impact on me as a student and a teacher.

The first trial lesson is free. Afterwards the fee is: 30 minutes - 40$ 45 minutes - 55$ 60 minutes - 65$

I started teaching piano during my undergraduate degree. First, I took the courses beginner and intermediate piano pedagogy. Then, during my last semesters at Oberlin I taught piano to four beginner and intermediate students. Through teaching and reflection, under the supervision of Oberlin's Professor of Piano Pedagogy, Dr. McAlister, I sharpened my piano pedagogy skills. I continue to teach piano because I think learning piano is a way to develop skills that can be put to good use off the piano bench. As a teacher in general, I help my students develop skills like curiosity, patience, and hard-work. As a piano teacher specifically, I help my students develop their passion for music, their technical abilities, and capacity for close listening. Learning piano isn’t easy. In taking on the challenge of learning piano, my students learn skills they can apply elsewhere: detail-oriented work, capacity for self-reflection, perseverance, and creativity.

I have worked with adult, college age, and elementary age students. Each age comes with unique challenges. However, as a teacher, my priority for students of all ages is to nurture their passion for music and piano.

For two of my younger students, I developed a flashcard game. Answering questions correctly earned students points which they could use for a prize at the end of the lesson. One evening, the two brothers were cooperatively working together to earn their prize. When the younger brother scored enough points to cross the threshold, he raced around the house announcing his victory to everyone.

I would advise the student to look for a flexible teacher who can adapt. It’s hard to say what students want in general because people are so different and want such different things out of piano lessons. I think the best teacher is able to collaborate with each student to develop a plan specific to the student. In terms of traits, I think the best teachers are patient, good at listening, thoughtful, and creative.