Finest Piano instruction for all levels, all ages.
I have been teaching both privately and in music institutes for 17 years in the United States and my native country Japan, for children from 3 years old to adult students. I am highly skilled with instructing first time learners who have never touched the piano before but are interested in playing music.
SUGGESTED READING: Piano Learning Tips by Eri
My main approach to those beginners is to instruct how to read musical notations used in classical piano music. The Ability to identify each note on musical score is essential in any genres, and this skill can be applied to any other instruments and voice.
I offer individual piano lessons in Manhattan from Upper East Side to Battery Park City, some locations in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as my private studio in Queens
Lesson with Steinway Grand Piano.
We use Steinway & Sons grand piano (Salon Grand 6’2″ Model) for our studio lesson.
The most popular pianos that are used nowadays, especially the metro city like NYC, are probably the electric keyboard. There are so many types and brands on the market, and some of the high-end-electric pianos have pretty similar actions and dynamics control, thanks to the modern technology.
However, the touch of acoustic piano provides far more depth to understanding piano music. (If you are interested in, please refer to : Should I Buy a Piano or Keyboard for My Piano Lessons?)
Yes, there are a number of reasons for having the digital piano, such as a space issue and noise control. Don’t worry. Even playing on the acoustic grand piano once a week will still teach you lot.
Some companies in NYC rent out the acoustic pianos. If you are interested in and need guidance on what piano or store to choose, please feel free to reach out to me , or simply search on the internet.
Lesson Curriculum
One-On-One Piano Lessons
From basic instruction to advanced coaching, you can choose 30min, 45min, or 60min lesson.
I usually suggest 30 minutes lesson for children under 5 years old, due to their attention span. On the other hand, students who are older should take 45-60 mins lesson.
Frequency of the Piano Lessons
Weekly piano lesson is the most ideal way of learning. Especially, young children should do at least once a week, meaning sometimes twice a week works better. If you are working professionals and difficult to take the class every week, please consult me. We will find the best solution so that you will feel comfortable and maintain the piano skills.
Piano Learning Materials
Course materials depend on how you want to improve your skills.
Fundamentally, I start with solfeggio and/or CDE Alphabetical note learning on sheet music. Ear-training for pitch perception (higher or lower notes etc.) is equally important. For those of you who wish to go further, I provide “note-dictation”, to be able to write down musical notations on a staff paper by hearing easy melodies. Then eventually composing a simple song or piece if you are interested.
Alternative Piano Learning Method
As I mentioned above, the ability to learn how to read music notes is the solid foundation. Classical pianists need to go further with this skills, as the music level progresses. I also introduce lead-sheet style notation if you want to play Broadway musical scores. Lead-sheet notation typically consists of alphabet letters instead of music notes. This is helpful to play pop/rock music as well.
Exam Preparation
As piano skills improve, some of the students wish to take music grade exams. There are two major exams in New York City, which are ABRSM and NYSSMA. Candidates are required to pass certain points in several categories such as performing pieces, playing scales, and sight-reading. I have trained students for both exams in any level, and every student whom I instructed passed for the first attempt on both exams, and a number of students have even scored the maximum points on NYSSMA and “Pass with Distinction”.
In addition to, still very importantly, there is Theory exam for most of the exams including NYSSMA and ABRSM. Especially for ABRSM, you need to pass a certain grade in theory part as well to go to the advance level. I would highly recommend each student to start preparing for the theory part as well, since thinking music theoretically greatly helps to improve your musical interpretation, not only you have to do the exam as a prerequisite!!
Competition/Audition Coaching
Planning to take auditions for music conservatories? I have trained students who wish to set their future career in piano performing, such as Mannes School Music and La Guardia High school, and the Juilliard School. The lessons focus intensively on the technique and most of all, the musical interpretation.
Annual Piano Recital
You will have the opportunity to participate in our annual piano recital. ( Except for online students) Showing your piano skill with other students, families, and friends on stage will be a fantastic event. Also, this sets a great goal to accomplish, so you can practice more often!
If you need more help regarding piano lessons, price quote, piano purchase, other practice tips, please contact me via contact form.
Looking forward to meeting you in the near future!
