Piano Lessons in Kips Bay, NY

Instruments: Piano

While my primary focus is performance, I have taught piano since I was 10. My approach is tailored to the individual student. While I love teaching classical repertoire, I use the student's current musical passion -- be it rock, jazz, pop, theater, or classical -- as the key to opening a pathway for artistic development, technical confidence, and understanding. I begin by teaching chord progressions, which permits immediate immersion into theory, technique, improvisational skills, and confidence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer

I have been teaching beginning to intermediate piano students since I began my conservatory training. I am currently teaching piano and ear training pedagogy as part of my doctoral studies at the Manhattan School of Music. I admit that I instinctively rebelled against the hypercompetitive structure of the music conservatories, and focused instead on composition. I found that sidestepping this most stressful performance environment allowed me to keep my love of just playing intact. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I feel very rewarded seeing my students develop a passion for music! I try to teach each student at his or her own pase. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium

For beginner students, I will usually start with the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. This would include tone production, articulation, flexibility, scales, arpeggios, and sight reading. Once the student has become more fluent in the technique of their instrument I will start to ask them what they want to work on and improve upon. One method I truly believe in is playing duets with the student. The best way to improve at anything is to practice with someone who has more experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

For young beginners I typically with Suzuki Book 1 or the Abracadabra Flute Book.  For children preparing for NYSMA I use the Rubank method with supplements from Forty Little Pieces and gradually move on to more solo repertoire.  For adult students I make repertoire selections based on students' interests while taking care to keep lessons both engaging and fun no matter their starting level.  Although my training is primarily classical, I am happy to incorporate music from other genres into lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching style is based on a balance between fun and progression. I have a loose, fun-loving personality that can also be balanced with the seriousness to get things done. I ensure that the student knows that I care, both about their goals, and them as an individual. I use a lot of humor and wit in my lessons to help make sure my students are relaxed. I also provide critical feedback that both allows students to improve while at the same time highlight a student's strengths. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

Hi! I'm Kurt, singer-songwriter/composer, a multi-instrumentalist, and a patient and natural teacher. I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, piano for almost 20. I release music as "The Broadest Blue"; I am in the process of recording my second album--the first (plus two singles) are available on all streaming platforms. I've played every little bar venue in the East Village, directing a complex musical outfit built to play music with brass and string parts (all music, lyrics, and arrangements written by me). Read More