Hello, New Yorkers! I’m excited to teach you to play the piano. I’ve been teaching piano for 25 years and have taught students of all ages and many different backgrounds. Though I talk differently to children and adults, my principles of teaching are the same. I believe that anyone can learn to play the piano. It requires steady focus over a period of time — I don’t believe in shortcuts — and your reward for your diligent effort is the joy of playing your own music. My goal for you is to develop confidence as well as musical skill and knowledge. I think of playing the piano as an athletic activity for your hands, wrists, and fingers. It also involves an awareness of body position, breathing, and posture as you sit, as well as your use of your legs and feet to support. It is a whole-body activity! I’ll create exercises specifically for you to overcome your unique challenges. I’ve always felt that music is a clear language. Through playing the piano, we express beauty, energy, soul, movement, rhythm, melody, harmony, and more. It is an area of life where anyone can learn to express themselves. I love to watch students of all ages develop their individuality through playing the piano. One of the key differences between jazz and classical piano music is that we often play jazz tunes that were not originally written for the piano, whereas classical piano music is about the instrument. That is why I feel a well-rounded pianist studies both the jazz and classical traditions. Through learning jazz piano — including improvisation and ear training and harmonies and groove — we learn lessons of musicianship and creativity and working together with others. Through learning classical piano, we discover the potential of this powerful instrument. Wherever you are in your piano journey, I would be excited to talk with you and see what I can do to help you along your way! I am now teaching in my studio in Manhattan's Upper West Side.