About
My name is Ben Unterbrink, and I offer a versatile learning environment located in NW Columbus. What sets me apart is that I offer diverse instruction in two different areas. In my music studio, I give weekly lessons in piano, violin, guitar, and composition. In my tutoring center, I specialize in Latin (learning from scratch and tutoring).
I instruct students of all ages at different skill levels. Since 2014, I have taught full time and welcome homeschooled students and people with various work schedules.
What sets me apart within my music studio is my top-of-the-line 1928 Steinway Model A3 grand piano, plus a Yamaha Clavinova (CLP 645).
My Steinway grand piano was regulated and updated for optimal sound in 2019, including new strings, pinblock, tuning pins, damper felts, bushings, agraffes, and keytops.
I am thrilled when students are eager to learn and committed to practice; I encourage them to ask questions and go at their own pace. Observing students on my piano bench is wonderful -- their curiosity in the sound of my grand piano and all its parts.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Finding the strengths, weaknesses, and interests of my students, I guide them in the ways of making progress and having fun. Through teaching, I find that I gain a deeper appreciation of music. I take a fundamental approach, developing note-reading and incorporating scales, chord analysis, and technique to make my students more well-rounded musicians.
In order to make progress in your study of piano, know that regular practice is the most important thing. To keep track of this, I write your assignment in your notebook at each lesson. For younger students, it is crucial for parents to monitor their practice and go over their assignment with them on a weekly basis.
Part of effective practice is having access to a well-tuned and well-regulated acoustic piano. Alternatively, you may practice on a digital piano conducive to your growth as a musician, with features including weighted keys (if it has the full 88 keys, you will have the same spatial/visual sense as when you’re on my piano during lessons), keys with touch sensitivity (for dynamic contrast and expression), and pedal/pedal accessory.
I take an individualized approach and use multiple lesson books, including Schaum, Alfred, Bastien, and Thompson. Continued study leads to more advanced piano literature.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
EDUCATION
BM Music Composition – Ohio State University, Autumn 2012
BA Classics (Greek and Latin) – Ohio State University, Autumn 2012
Classics Fellowship – Indiana University, 2013-2014
Piano Training:
*Collegiate lessons from Professor Steven Glaser
*Private lessons from Professor Emeritus George Haddad
*Private lessons in Delaware, OH from Mr. Roger Jamison and Mrs. Joan Murchland
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As a high school senior, under the tutelage of OSU Professor Emeritus and world-renowned pianist George Haddad, I performed the first movement of Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto with the chamber orchestra. I performed different self-composed pieces at seven OSU Composers’ Workshops and won the Audience Favorite Award at the Johnstone Woodwinds Composition Competition in 2012. My Senior Composition Recital was performed on October 25, 2012. It showcased several of my three-movement works: string quartet, clarinet solo, set of classical songs for piano and voice, set of pop songs for piano and voice. Interspersed with these were two solo piano pieces and a duet for piano and violin.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My goal is to charge reasonable rates while providing a superior atmosphere and equipment. Large piano studios charge up to $65 per hour, often consigning students to an upright piano and offering a continually-changing staff of instructors. Students enjoy lessons much more in my house than in a confined room, and parents are welcome to observe.
RATES: 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes
$30 $40 $50