Sumitra N
5.0
(36)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop
Sumitra N
5.0
(36)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 13-70
I am a singer/songwriter and pianist who loves sharing the gift of music with teenage and adult students. I have been teaching piano, voice and coaching songwriters since 1998. I have had the privilege of working with people of all ages, from different cultures and backgrounds, both as a performing/recording artist and as a music instructor. I started teaching in Vienna, Austria, and continued after I moved to Los Angeles in 2004. What I love most about teaching is that both the student and teacher never stop learning and growing, together.
I began teaching voice in 1998, in Vienna, Austria. The following year, I was asked to teach at the Vocal Jazz Department of Gustav Mahler Conservatory where I taught for 5 years. During that time, my private teaching studio also grew, where I coached singers, songwriters and pianists. In 2004, I moved to Los Angeles, taught piano at a private music school, accompanied a Eurythmy class at The Waldorf School in Pasadena, and eventually built my own business as a piano teacher. In recent years, I have also been working with singer/songwriters again, which I enjoy very much. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Songwriting at Berklee College of Music. *Please note that I do not teach classical voice, only jazz/pop. I do, however, teach classical piano (as well as jazz/pop).
Since I mainly work with teenagers and adults, I like to start with Alfred's Adult's Piano Courses. I like to find music that the student is interested in and to put together solo repertoire that they enjoy playing. This can be anything from classical music to the Beatles, Jazz Standards or pop tunes. I also encourage my students to write, to record themselves and play for others. If they are aspiring songwriters, we work on their material, as well as learning songs by their favourite musicians and specific songwriting exercises, which include rhythm, melody, harmony and lyrics. Most of all, my wish is to keep the student engaged and curious.
My approach to teaching is to meet the students where they are. I often ask them to write a list of their 'top ten favourite songs' and also encourage them to listen to music. I want to know what moves them and inspires them, so I can adapt my instruction to their needs. I encourage consistency in practising above quantity (hours spent), as a little bit every day goes a long way. Everyone progresses at their own pace. More often than not, students lead a full life outside of lessons. I try to help them to set realistic goals so they can enjoy the process and acknowledge all of their achievements without feeling overwhelmed.
Zoe Frampton
Sumitra is the most thoughtful wonderful teacher. She taught my son and truly instilled in him a love of creating music. He still plays independently every week at age 13 even though he no longer takes lessons, and Sumitra was endlessly patient and inspiring when teaching me! I really recommend her to anyone!
Antwoine Collins
Sumitra changed my life! She’s kind, very attentive, accommodating and patient with her students. I started with her when I was around 19 years old but I have friends who’s kids are also students and they love how great she is. I applied the things I learned and was able to have a great music career working with some of the top talent in the industry like Doja Cat and Chris Brown. Sumitra taught me with a glowing positivity and is a great teacher and person to have the privilege to work with no matter what age you are. God bless you Sumi!
Lizzie Kipner
Sumitra is not only an exceptional music teacher, but an amazing song writer and singer. Her talents are endless,. I have been taking piano lessons from Sumitra for over 10 years, something I treasure doing every week , she is patient, kind and encouraging , the best teacher I’ve known! An all round wonderful person
Marie-Claire
I had the joy of working with Sumitra on vocal lessons when I was starting to sing . She is passionate, kind and encouraging . I will never forget how helpful this was !
Kadina De Elejalde
Sumitra taught our daughter to play piano so beautifully in less than a year! She is deeply gifted at teaching and connecting with every student’s process. She connects with your needs and finds a way to bring the music that you love to your fingers and heart somehow. I am also very impressed with what a wonderful person Sumitra is. She is always reliable, thoughtful, engaging and inspiring; truly lovely in every way. She is also a great musician and collaborator, and anyone would be lucky to learn from her. I couldn’t recommend Sumitra more highly!!
Ben Goldberg
Sumitra is an amazing teacher. Our daughter was a hesitant beginner and Sumitra guided her to playing, and most importantly, ENJOYING the piano. Sumitra is not only an extremely knowledgable, trained and talented piano player, but she radiates kindness and has a natural knack for connecting and communicating with people. She always creates a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. She incorporates the music and songs that our daughter likes with piano exercises so lessons and practice never feel like "work." Simply put, you are not going to find a better piano teacher!
Alice Schneider
Lessons with Sumi changed my life because getting to know her also triggered so much. She is a teacher on several levels and I still benefit from my singing lessons with her today. Moreover, I appreciate her voice and her work as a singer beyond measure, so that a trust was created from the very beginning. As sensitive and understanding as she is, one can only make progress, have joy and desire to continue.
Iris
Sumitra is an excellent, warm-hearted and profound teacher with a clear, structured method and playful improvisations. Her profound and professional experience and her creativity make every lesson special and helped me a lot to improve without having had the impression of "hard working". It was always a pleasure to be her student and I wish everyone the privilege of having fun with exercising . She also has a great empathy and knows exactly what you need to enhance your qualities. If you search a good teacher, I could really recommend Sumitra!
Suma Mathai
Sumitra has been an amazing teacher for my two daughters, who started with her when they were in elementary school. She is so patient, kind, supportive and caring, and the kids loved their lessons with her. She adjusted her teaching style for the kids, who are very different, to find what they each responded best to, and supported them through the years on their journey from the basics, to classical music, to jazz. Sumitra gave them an incredible music education that included music theory and even support for some of the other instruments they started to pick up over the years. She is a phenomenal teacher, incredibly talented musician and performer, and really extraordinary person. We are so grateful for her!
Jana Werner
Sumitra is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, attuned to your needs, extremely knowledgeable about the craft, encouraging, and just a wonderful person I truly enjoy spending time with. I highly recommend her!
Collin Plume
Sumitra is lovely to work with! She's a knowledgeable and approachable teacher and she makes learning music fun! Her approach made me eager to learn because I already loved the music I was working with. I highly recommend her!
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