Michael Zak's Beginner Piano Lessons!

When starting with a new student, I usually ask them to show me the music they love playing. I always want to get a feel for the type of musician I'm working with, and I want the student to feel comfortable expressing themselves. Then, I will start by introducing them to some basic music theory (intervals, triads, circle of fifths). I believe that a good foundation in theory is the key to being a versatile pianist. From there, we will spend a few weeks on just right handed songs before moving on to the left hand. I like to provide them with a wide variety of songs, ranging from classical to modern day pop. Again, this is why I ask the students from the very beginning what type of music they like. I want them to feel excited about playing their favorite artist of showtunes from their favorite musical! 

I have been playing piano since I was 6 years old. During highschool I studied under Israel Kremen at Pittsburgh CLO Acaedmy. At Pittsburgh CLO Academy I regularly worked with children ranging from preschool to middle school age. I music directed several junior shows. For my college years I studied Music at Carnegie Mellon University and then Musical Theatre at Texas Tech University. After college, I moved to New York City and was accepted into a residency with Open Jar Actors Studios. From there, I starred in an eight month run of an  Off Broadway show called "It Came From Beyond!". After, I music directed several other Off-Broadway shows. 

$25 for half hour. $40 for a full hour. 

I got started into teaching during highschool. I attended Pittsburgh CLO Academy. In addition to taking classes there I also worked with younger children, teaching music and singing. 

I have worked with students ranging from pre-school age to high school age. 

A recent musical event that I am very fond of, for myself, was when I organized a virtual reading of a new musical that I am writing. During the lockdown due to the pandemic, musicians were hit the hardest, and for many months I was not able to preform. I have been writing a musical for two years now, and seeing everyone excited to sing and act in a show that I had written was just the best. It was even more special because we were doing it during a period of so much doubt and hardship. 

I always offer one free trial lesson. I would recommend every student ask if a perspective teacher offers this. I understand that sometimes students and teachers don't click, and it's usually just do to personalities. So, I always offer a free trial lesson to every new student, just so they can get an idea for who I am, and the type of energy that I bring to each lesson. 

Students should be curious about how fast the pace is. I usually take things very slow within the first few weeks. However, I think it's important, and I let my students know this day one, that if you are feeling like we are going too slow, to please speak up. I encourage all of my students to be transparent with me and let me know if they are not getting what they need out of the course.