I've been teaching at my studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn for over twenty years and my students make up a long list of alumni from all the neighborhood schools. In the past I have been Director of Curriculum and Dean of Students at the Brooklyn Conservatory and also Adjunct Professor of Music at New York City Technical College (CUNY). When not teaching piano, I am writing music. You can hear of playlist of my music at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEmwUz7x-MhWCgI0gXR-Zte6D9T7btX7Y.
At the core of our lessons is a careful grounding in the fundamentals of music and piano technique. During a year of lessons a student will be exposed to many pieces of music. Exposure to a lot of music is the best way to learn to read and students greatly enjoy the variety of experience. The student's favorite pieces are cycled back into their practice so they may also learn to polish and master a number of selections.
One big advantage of having my studio in my home is the ability to use technology to its fullest. Making audio recordings and having students listen to themselves play and hear their improvement over time is a great boon to learning. We might watch a brief video to see what a minuet being danced actually looks like, or listen to a great orchestra play the opening of Beethoven's Fifth. Five minutes of an interactive computer game for reading notes has worked wonders.
Around mid-year, my students get to meet each other at a salon party, where they play for one another, and enjoy playing some musical games together. In the spring, we have our annual recital where they may share their achievements with family and friends.
Students generally take their lessons at my studio once a week at the same time each week. Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes. For additional information and rates, please contact me at 347-721-6897 or e-mail at howardlewmusic@gmail.com.
The Basics -