New York City Piano Teachers

Liz Hogg

Liz Hogg is a piano and guitar instructor from NYC. She has taught private and group piano lessons throughout NYC and in Long Island to various ages and skill levels. She has taught freelance and at Brooklyn Musical Arts, Treblemakers Music School, Poppenhusen Institute, Montessori Progressive Learning Center and  Dr. Jun Fu Music Learning Program. She enjoys exposing students to music theory, improvisation and the various eras in music history, as well as teaching students how to play songs they already know and love.

Ms. Hogg is also an accomplished guitar instructor. She has taught at Sunset Park School of Music, Staccato Music Center, Hosh Kids and Melody Time Music Center. Performing as a soloist, she has toured nine countries, playing numerous festivals and concert halls. Awards include the Lanciano International Guitar Festival fellowship, Mannes School of Music’s Dean Award, the Maurice Kagan Memorial Scholarship Award for Excellence in an Orchestral Instrument and a Fulbright-García Robles Scholarship semi-finalist. In her hometown, Ms. Hogg has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brookfield Place, Morgan Library, and the Italian Academy, and internationally at venues including Portugal’s Casa da Música and Mexico’s Tlaqná Concert Hall. She has also performed live at radio stations including WFMU, WNYC and WHFR and has been a featured artist at festivals Internacional Camerata 21, CMJ and New Sounds Live. As a composer and performer/singer of her own music and in various groups, Liz has recorded eight full-length albums and eight eps, self-released and released by Don Giovanni Records, Mouca and Acuarela.

Colin Hinton

Residing in Brooklyn, NY, Colin is an active member of the creative music community. As a drummer/composer, Colin brings a unique approach to his music combining elements of jazz, free improvisation, and 20th century classical music.  His music draws heavily from Bartók, Ligeti, Feldman, and Grisey, as well as Henry Threadgill, Anthony Braxton, and Muhal Richard Abrams.  

Colin initially began piano lessons at age 4.  At age 8, he received a drumset.  After 10 year of intense classical piano study, Colin decided to pursue percussion as his main instrument.  Outside of performing, he is an active educator in the NYC area.  He has privately taught students of all ages and experience levels, as well as group classes at music schools and colleges.  He offers lessons on both drums and piano.

Colin has studied drums with Ed Soph, Dan Weiss, Ari Hoenig, Ralph Peterson and Tyshawn Sorey.  He has studied composition with Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey, and Eric Wubbels.  Colin attended the University of North Texas and City College of New York.  He holds a BFA in Jazz Performance and an MA in Music Performance with a focus in 20th century theory and composition.  

Noah Garabedian

A native of Berkeley, California, Noah Garabedian holds a BA in Ethnomusicology from the The University of California Los Angeles, and a Master's in Music Performance from New York University. In 2006 he was awarded a John Coltrane National Scholarship, and in 2007 was selected as a finalist for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz graduate program. In March of 2011, Mr. Garabedian was selected to participate in Brad Mehldau's master class at The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, and in June of that same year was selected as a finalist in the ISB Double Bass Competition.

In November of 2016, Mr. Garabedian received a Fulbright Specialist Grant to teach jazz music for one month at Silpakorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand. As an educator Mr. Garabedian currently works with the music outreach program at Jazz At Lincoln Center called Jazz For Young People. He is also currently part-time faculty at The New School in New York City and works as a teaching artist with the New York Pops. In the past he has served as adjunct faculty at NYU, taught with The Weil Institute at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Friend's Summer Jazz Camp, Stanford Jazz Camp, and participated in the music outreach program between UCLA and the Los Angeles Unified School District.

As a sideman, Mr. Garabedian has performed and toured with Ravi Coltrane, Josh Roseman, Ralph Alessi, Andrew D'Angelo, Myron Walden, Nir Felder, Frank LoCrasto, Silver City Bound, Julian Pollack, as well as his own sextet Big Butter And The Egg Men. In March of 2014, Mr. Garabedian represented the US State Department on a seven-week tour of Southeast Asia with Silver City Bound, where they performed for the public, and taught workshops on music in several countries.

Humberto Olivieri

Humberto Olivieri began his formal classical piano studies with professor Bruna Monestiroli, a former student of pianist and educator, Alfredo Casella. Montestiroli gave him the basic technique and understanding of tonal western
harmony, as well as introducing him to the art of teaching by letting him borrow some of her younger students and monitor his teaching. He then discovered Jazz, and pursued Jazz studies at the City College of New York where he graduated with a Bachelors in Music Performance.

In New York, he studies with Ray Gallon and Barry Harris and attends workshops with Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch, Bill Charlap and Ted Rosenthal, to name a few. He also studies with saxophonist Jason Rigby, who introduced him to the concept of free jazz.

Lucy Clifford 

Lucy Clifford is a bassist, composer and educator from the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. Since receiving her B.A in Jazz performance from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and her Grad.Dip from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Lucy's multi genre bass playing has contributed to her extensive body of work, having performed across the globe with countless artists at festivals, concert halls and venues worldwide. She has performed with the likes of Grammy Winning artists Alejandro Sanz and Jesse & Joy at the Rise Up As One Festival (2016 USA), Mariza of her USA Tour (2017), Grammy Winning Producer Javier Limon & Tonina at the Ellas Crean Festival (2017 Spain), M+E at SXSW Music Festival (2016 USA), Alex Silver Quintet at Edinburgh Jazz Festival & Sydney International Women's Festival (2012 Scotland & AUS), Maher Beauroy at the Martinique Jazz Festival (2016 Martinique), Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Ensemble at the Reno Jazz Festival, Amy & The Engine at The Gillette Stadium (2015 USA), and Mighty Mystic at B.B Kings Blues Club (2016 NYC) to name a few. 

Lucy's bass playing appears on a myriad of records from over the years, having worked with artists such as Mariza, Nella, Tonina, Maher Beauroy, Art Note, Peridot, High Key People, Billy Wylder, Nacho Gonzalez and Juan Mejia's Conspiracy among others. Her bass playing encompasses many genres with varying artists, often exploring beyond the fringes of jazz, pop, rnb, afro latin and reggae. Lucy is also heavily involved in educating younger generations at various music establishments throughout Australia and the USA, most recently selected to be on faculty at the Victor Wooten Bass Camp, held at Berklee College of Music in 2017 and 2018. She currently resides in New York City.  

Colin Leeds

Colin Leeds is a trained multi-instrumentalist, performer and music teacher. Originally form New Jersey, Colin discovered his passion for music at a very early age and has been pursuing his love for the art ever since. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2014, Colin began teaching private lessons for students of all ages as well as teaching and performing at local pre-schools. As a seasoned educator, Colin has turned absolute beginners into gigging musicians. When not on playing music, Colin loves to play basketball, bike, swim, read, write and laugh!

Colin is thrilled to be a part of Henderson Academy of Music and beyond excited inspire his students.  Whether you want to become a rockstar, pop-star, or just want to have fun, Colin is a firm believer that everyone has the ability to learn an instrument. Let's get together and play some music!

Nathan Pezzotti

Nathan Pezzotti, a New York City based composer and pianist, has written and played piano in a variety of musical styles and is excited to transfer his love of music onto students. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Nathan is no stranger to technical training yet seeks to ultimately help his students find their own unique voice and nurture their passion for the music they love. Nathan is proficient in many styles of music including classical, jazz, and other of popular music and has played in both recital halls and in multiple bands. Nathan has 8 years of teaching experience at both the college and beginner level and is comfortable teaching all ages. As a composer, he is equally engaged in the creative side of music making and encourages that development in his piano curriculum.

Vivienne Aerts

Vocalist, pianist, composer, educator and producer Vivienne Aerts has international performing experience on stage in The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and the US, sharing the stage with both national and international Jazz icons such as Lee Konitz, Kenny Werner, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Joe Cohn and Florian Weber. Vivienne has been residing in New York City since April, 2015 where she gave a debut performance at the infamous Blue Note Jazz Club and is currently working on her third album. 

In addition to her degree in Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music in Boston, she also has a degree in Choir Directing and a Bachelor and Master's in Clinical Psychology from the Netherlands. Currently Vivienne works with pianist Kenny Werner and the Berklee Effortless Mastery Institute, which helps students to 'let the music play itself'. Vivienne believes in sharing her joy for music with students of all ages and she is adept in all styles of music.

Kiho Yukata

Kiho is a professional violinist/violist, based in New York city for over 5 years. Her classical training began at the age of 3 and played in numerous youth orchestras, chamber groups, solos and competitions all through out her childhood. 

Upon enrolling at Berklee College of Music, Kiho obtained jazz training, improvisation and other contemporary technique to widen her musical vocabulary and bring herself to become a versatile player. Kiho's teaching career started largely during this time as well, as she was employed as a tutor at Berklee, due to her outstanding GPA to help other students with core music classes including Tonal&Jazz Harmony, Ear Training and Conducting.

After obtaining her bachelor's degree Kiho moved to New York and has played at acclaimed venues such as John F. Kennedy Center, Beacon Theater, Lincoln Center, etc. with various artists of all genres. She has taught over 50 students of all ages and creates worksheets and study materials on her own to help her students achieve their own goals. Her classes can range from meticulous preparation for NYSSMA, ABRSM and Trinity examinations/competitions to fun Jazz improvisational classes. 

Joanna Malaszczyk 

Joanna is a New York based opera singer, pianist and educator. She graduated from Bucknell University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Minor in Italian Studies. Joanna has performed a variety of opera roles with local NYC opera companies, at summer festivals and at her academic institutions. She recently completed her Masters degree in Vocal Performance at Hunter College where she focused on new opera and performed in several world premieres.  She serves as Music Director for Hofstra University’s Catholic Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY and is one half of “Thaleia Duo.”

Joanna is a passionate music educator who takes an individualized approach to teaching and believes that music education is vital for all children.

Justin Michael

Justin has been playing and studying the guitar since he was 13. Now 26, he graduated from Rutgers University, cum laude, and studied under the tutelage of jazz guitar master Vic Juris, in addition to an all-star faculty. 

Justin is comfortable playing various styles of music on multiple instruments, performs regularly throughout the tri-state area and has been sharing his love of music through teaching since 2011.

Michael Schott

Michael is a local musician who grew up in the heart of New York City. He is a drummer, pianist and lover of all styles of music. He graduated with a Bachelor's of Science from SUNY New Paltz in Contemporary Music Studies and Production in 2014. He has spent the past few years teaching at several music schools in both New York City and the Hudson Valley. 

Michael is versed in many styles of music, like rock, jazz, blues, Latin and even classical Indian. He has played drums for fifteen years and added piano and guitar to his musical repertoire. His philosophy is to find a nice balance between academics and having fun in the lessons. Finding a unique way to engage each student is the most important factor. Michael will use a combination of books and exercises to focus on improving your playing whether beginner or advanced. With Michael's help your musical goals will be clarified and reached!

Raf Vertessen

Raf Vertessen received his Masters of Music and Composition from The Conservatory of Amsterdam. He teaches drum, percussion, clarinet, piano, harmony, theory and composition. His background includes classical, jazz, rock, punk, electronic music, avant-garde and improvised music. 

As a teacher he has 9 years of experience in music schools in Belgium, The Netherlands and New York city and 9 years of experience teaching to all levels - classically trained - touring and performing musician (America, Europe, Africa, Asia).

Nick Neuburg

Nick Neuburg is is a drummer/percussionist, pianist and composer originally from the greater Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Nick began music studies at an early age and quickly became an in demand musician among the local community of Jazz musicians by his teens, performing often with Pianists Mike Gerber and Antonio Adolfo and Multi-Instrumentalist and jazz great Ira Sullivan. 

After graduating high school, Nick relocated to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with the legendary drummers Rakalam Bob Moses and Billy Hart and studied composition and improvisation with pianist Anthony Coleman and Guitarist Joe Morris. Upon graduating the Conservatory in the spring of 2014 Nick remained in the greater Boston area until the summer of 2018, during which time he both remained active in the creative music scene as a performer and became busy working and teaching. Over those years, Nick was a part of the bands Aykroyd, Letter Castle, Particulars, Ryan Power, Los Greys, Every Kim Parcell, Listening Woman and Creative Healing, among others. 

Nick has been teaching private music lessons on both Drums and Piano consistently since 2015 and is excited to continue teaching in NY! As an educator, Nick strives to help students develop the fundamental skills and vocabulary as a musician that will allow them to play the music they most enjoy, making the learning and growing process as much fun as possible along the way. He aims to pass down the knowledge received to him by his many great teachers to the best of his abilities.

Marina Kamen

Marina was an original aerobic instructor at Body Design by Gilda in 1980 and trained at The American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Alley, Luigi's, The Manhattan School of Music. Marina also trained in Musical Theatre with Helen Gallagher, Albert Hague & Rita Gardner. She's been married for 35 years to her husband and partner Roy Kamen where they have co owned Kamen and Entertainment Group, Inc. servicing the television, theatrical, dance, music and advertising communities.

Marina is also a Certified Fitness Expert residing in Manhattan. Marina Kamen aka MARINA has lost 100 pounds and comes with over 35 years in the Voice/Theatre/Dance/Fitness/Violin & Music Industries. She is a Certified Fitness Trainer, multi Instrumentalist, Director, Choreographer & Grammy Nominated Recording Artist. Also the 1st recipient of the first People's Choice Award for Podcasting she has been featured in publications including Prevention Magazine, Woman's World & Family Circle Magazine. 

Her extensive background includes numerous Children's Television appearances along with The Discovery Health Network, PBS, Noggin', WPIX TV & with Tyra Banks. She has worked with Celebrities including Liza Minnelli, Patti Labelle and Britney Spears. 

Michael Sanders

Michael Sanders is a composer, multi-instrumentalist and teacher based out of Brooklyn, NY. He has taught guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice, songwriting/composition and music theory to students of all skill levels. Michael puts an emphasis on teaching to the needs of the individual student. Whether the student is interested in rock/pop, jazz, classical, or any other style he will come up with a strategy catered to the interests of the student.

In the past Michael has been known to create original arrangements of music requested by students fit for their current skill level. If a student is not interested in learning to read music, a more "by ear" approach is used.

Michael can be seen performing around New York with his current bands King Jane and Jenna & the Janes. As a performing member of a band he has been on full U.S. tours with multiple groups. As a studio musician he has recorded on several albums, most recently this summer with his band King Jane at the world renowned Power Station recording studio in Hell's Kitchen.

As a composer, Michael's music has performed by a wide range of ensembles ranging from piano trio to orchestra. He is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he obtained his undergraduate degree in music composition from Louisiana State University, studying with Dinos Constantinides.

In 2018 he completed his masters of music in New York City at the Mannes School of Music at the New School, studying with Lowell Liebermann.

Yelena Kiseleva is a piano and violin instructor from Portland, Oregon who moved to New York City in June 2018 to pursue further music opportunities. She began to play the piano at age 5 and with the ability to read sheet music began to play the violin in 5th grade and played throughout high school. 

Yelena received her Bachelors of Arts degree from Portland State University in June 2010 and taught private and group piano lessons throughout Portland, OR to various ages and skill levels. She has been the church choir piano player for 8 years and enjoys exposing students to music theory, improvisation and the various eras in music history as well as teaching students how to play songs they enjoy and love. In addition, Yelena teaches students how to play and read sheet music and to play most classical songs. With this, each student is tested on his/her ability to read notes. 

Students studying classical repertoire with Yelena receive a practice summary and check line at the end of each lesson with a summary of topics covered during the session along with a list of exercises to practice at home. This goal-oriented approach is incorporated in order to assess progress and to improve student's performance. If a student is interested in learning notes and classic music, sheet music will be provided with the intent to practice before the next session. 

Spencer Rudolph

Spencer Rudolph studied music performance at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, earning his B.A. in 2013. A classically trained string player, Spencer started playing violin at age four, later learning viola, cello, piano and guitar.

Since graduating from SUNY Purchase, Spencer has composed original scores, performed in a wide range of musical venues and taught private as well as small group lessons to students of all ages. Spencer enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages but particularly excels in working with young students with learning differences. Believing that a passion for music lies within all of us, Spencer explores each student's interests, creating individualized lesson plans that might include anything from a discussion of complex music theory concepts to a rendition of Darth Vader's Theme Song. 

Seán van Doornum

Traditionally trained in classical guitar from the age of 8, Seán ventured out to learn jazz, blues, country and rock. He completed his AMEB Classical Guitar exams in High School and shortly after he undertook a Bachelor of Composition Degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music during which time he performed in and composed for the Conservatorium Chamber Choir. Seán was awarded second place in the 2006/2007 Allan Zavod Jazz/Classical Composition Award. In 2010, he was awarded the ArtStart Grant from the Australian Arts Council and in 2011 was a finalist in the APRA Professional Development Award.

After re-locating to New York City in 2012, Seán began working as an Audio/Mix Engineer, Producer and Studio Coordinator at Atlantic Sound Studios where he worked with Grammy Award winning acts such as Snarky Puppy. Seán also performs regularly around NYC at renowned venues such as Joe's Pub, Rockwood Music Hall and Cameo Gallery with several bands and artists as well as his own psychedelic-folk-rock band, eüsh. He also composes regularly for theater and film such as the award-winning premier of Stephen Jefrey's play The Libertine through Sport For Jove Theatre Company.

Seán thoroughly enjoys teaching all things related to music and is passionate about introducing students to new and exciting ways for them to develop both their personal playing techniques and styles, but also to help students build their curiosity for exploring music from all ages and styles.