Classical Piano Lessons in East Setauket. Amazing Teachers.

Ms. Ratcliffe’s piano students begin learning by reading intervals while establishing a technical foundation, which includes building strength in the fingers to aid the body to play naturally according to each student’s unique hand shape, using the arm weight and gravity to help press the keys down (“dipping doughnuts”), and correct posture and body position. Ms. Ratcliffe believes practice skills are very important, and will discuss and help each student discover how to practice, including maximizing time efficiency. Her approach to reading music involves recognizing musical patterns and using clues to establish a hand position rather than immediate note memorization, allowing a student to progress quickly and transpose easily. Ms. Ratcliffe will often supplement learning piano with music theory and sight reading activities to reinforce a variety of learning styles.

35 + yrs playing/teaching experience
Classical
Fun mixed with work

I have such a great time teaching piano lessons. At whatever level the student is at, child, adult, beginner, intermediate, there is always so much to explore on the piano. At the same time, there is always something to accomplish right then and there. There is a great ebb and flow to lessons. I teach classical and I can also teach basic pop/folk/jazz piano.

I can teach a wide variety of styles, ranging from classical to theatre, pop and jazz. I take each and every student's unique abilities and ways they learn to work into account with them accordingly to their needs and interests.

Do you want to study with an award-winning artist-teacher who has performed all over the world, and whose students have won countless local, national and international competitions? I accept students of all starting levels, as these change and grow quickly under my tutelage. My goal is to have each student reach their full potential, which is usually much greater than they believe.

Here is more about me:

Critically acclaimed as “a passionate pianist and scholar,” Svetlana Belsky is a highly regarded performer, noted for her remarkable rapport with audiences and stylistic versatility. Her recent album Ferruccio Busoni: The Late Works (Ravello, 2019) was selected by Spotify for its Best New Releases list, received rave reviews from Fanfare, American Record Guide, Whole Note Magazine, and others, and has been heard on radio stations around the world.

Dr. Belsky won the 2019 American Prize in Piano Performance for her earlier recording of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, which ...

My teaching philosophy revolves around creating a customized curriculum based on the needs and interests of my student. The best way to engage students is to teach the music they enjoy and makes them passionate. I maintain my dedication to building passionate musicians while upholding rigor and musical theory within the student's personal interests. If you complete 25+ lessons in a year, I also offer a recital in the Spring for a great performance opportunity and an overall great time.