About
I have been teaching violin and piano privately for over 25 years. I have a B.A. in violin performance from Mannes College of Music in New York City and Suzuki Violin certification from The School for Strings in NYC. I studied piano as a second instrument and have been teaching that for the last 15 years because of an injury. This is my only job. This is not something I do in addition to a different job. I dedicate myself to helping each student reach their goals with their piano studies while having fun. I am very comprehensive and do not rush through things with my students. I use the Faber Piano Adventures as my core method books, but supplement with anything else the student is interested in. My goal is to get each student playing pieces they love really well so that they love to play.
The relationships I develop with the students and parents.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Renee
MaryAnn Z.
Vaishnavi
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I go very slowly in the beginning because there’s a lot to cover and it can get overwhelming sometimes. The very first thing I teach at the first lesson is how to sit comfortably at the piano which is extremely important.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.A. From Mannes College of Music in NYC
Suzuki Certification from The School for Strings in NYC
Over 25 years teaching experience
Have attended several Faber Piano Teaching workshops
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 per 40-minute lesson online
$30 per 40-minute lesson in my home studio
How did you get started teaching?
Attended the Suzuki Teacher Training course for two years in NYC after getting my performance degree from Mannes College of Music.
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach students from the age of 5 on up. I have worked with every age. The only type of student I have not worked with is someone with Down Syndrome. I have had experience with kids and adults with ADHD and Dyslexia.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event I am fond of is resuming my teaching of a retired 72-old student who was very upset that I was moving out of state. We could no longer meet in person for this reason as well as COVID-19. We have successfully continued our lessons via Zoom and she seems to be progressing nicely. These lessons are very important for people like this.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice for anyone looking for a piano teacher at any level would be to find someone where this is what they trained for and went to school for and not something they do “on the side” as a second job. There is a lot you have to think about with each individual student and, if you don’t have good training, you have a very unhappy student that ends up frustrated and possibly quitting.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What education and training does the teacher have? What type of music does the teacher teach? What will the teacher expect of you as their student; 30 minutes or more a day of practicing 7 days a week or, are they ok with 20-30 minutes a day 5 days a week? Is the teacher immediately friendly on the phone?! Does the teacher have time in their schedule for you? Does the teacher have the right personality for you?