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Private Piano Lessons
Hello, Students and Parents!
No matter your age or background, I would be delighted to teach you to play the piano. My approach to teaching is based on a few key ideas: that playing the piano is a very special gift, that it is a commitment that requires steady focus over a period of time, and that anyone can learn to play the piano well. It is a very human activity. It touches the soul and sets the hands free.
Very often there are life lessons to be learned while studying the piano. Children learn to play for themselves, what it means to be individual. I believe the paramount factor for children is that they feel good about themselves. Playing the piano is a wonderful way to develop this confidence.
Adults learn to put aside their everyday cares and worries and engage with the instrument at their own pace.
I love watching students grow, discover themselves, and become better musicians. It is why I teach. I grow along with you as we move through songs, exercises, and theoretical concepts.
Though my professional specialty is jazz, I also have a deep appreciation and understanding of classical music. We can incorporate elements of jazz and classical music in your lessons. I will develop a learning plan for you that is tailored to your individual goals and interests.
My full lesson policy, including pricing, is available for download here. Lessons take place in my Hopewell home on weekday afternoons and evenings and Saturday mornings.
Photos by Stephen Buzash
My Students' Accomplishments and Acceptances
~ Berklee College of Music
~ Princeton High School Jazz Bands
~ Montgomery High School Jazz Band
~ Montgomery Middle School Jazz Band
~ NJ State Regional Jazz Band
~ Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute
~ Church performances
~ Many recitals and sing-alongs!
NEW! Online Lessons
I am now offering online piano lessons to students anywhere in the world. You will need a Mac or PC computer with high quality external speakers (such as Logitech, Sony, or Bose) and a webcam. For software, we will use Skype video. Skype is free and does not tie up your phone line -- we simply videoconference through the Internet.
I speak English, Mandarin Chinese, and some Spanish.
Hablo un poco de español 
Online lessons are available for students age 13 and up.
Jazz Piano Trio Workshops
I sometimes lead a workshop series for advanced jazz students, including pianists, bassists, and drummers. The students take turns playing with a professional rhythm section, and we work on trading solos, listening, making spontaneous decisions, and working together in the jazz trio environment. Joe Falcey on drums and Craig Thomas on bass are two of the great artists we have had to work with the students.
Sample Workshop Flyer
Each workshop series culminates with a final concert where the students perform with the teachers. The Princeton Public Library has sponsored the last two concerts and we are very grateful for their support.
Student Feedback
From a Jazz Piano Day Camp 2008 student:
"I've learned how to read chords and improvise. The classes were fun, and the variety of students that I met with were really cool. I liked that there was an art class at the end of the day. I made a lot of friends. My hand-eye coordination skills have gotten better, and I liked the songs that we learned. The teachers taught very well, everyone was friendly there, and it was a great experience. I liked the teachers' technique of showing us how to listen to music and then describe the music through drawing and painting. It made me like jazz even more.
I like how jazz starts off slow and then it improvises and it just keeps going. I love the energy it gives. Now that I have learned how to improvise, it's really fun to play on the piano.
Most of all, this class has brought me to a higher level of understanding and loving jazz more than before.
Once again I do not have enough words to express my gratitude towards you for sharing with me your love for the arts. This has been an awesome experience that I will never forget." [C. L.]
From a 2009 piano student:
"If it wasn't for the knowledge you gave me I would not be going to Berklee."
[W.D.]
Music lessons provide more than musical education. Students learn to express qualities such as discipline, good listening, innovation, creative thinking, and their own individuality! I love to watch my students grow. If you have a piano in your home, why not consider lessons for someone in the family? You'll love the results!
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