Piano with Susannah B.

Hello! I am a graduate student living and working in Manhattan. I am studying at Columbia University and preparing for medical school. Professionally and personally, my interest and areas of expertise are interdisciplinary! I have 19 years of experience playing piano and more than seven years experience teaching. As someone who has had literally hundreds of piano lessons, I can appreciate what makes a lesson "good". I remember as a kid always feeling bad for my friends who dreaded going to their music lessons. I was lucky to have wonderful teachers and enjoy my experience studying and playing music. As a teacher, I am committed to making sure my students have the same positive experience. I take having  fun seriously with my students regardless of age. Playing the piano has way too many benefits to become a chore! I have high expectations for my students and help them reach their goals in a low-key, non-stressful, pleasant environment. *** Lesson Details *** My students are often young beginners. We have a lot of fun navigating through the process of learning to read music and play songs that they enjoy. Learning to read music and understand theory are both elements I strongly emphasize. I am always open to looking for specific pieces or styles that students want to play. Sometimes students just want to learn how to play one complicated piece and that's fine too! I like both Thompson and Alfred as curriculum and often substitute along the way with sheet music that compliments the books we work from. I work to customize my approach for each individual so that they can have the most effective and enjoyable experience possible as they learn to play the piano. *** Travel Equipment *** I provide books and any other teaching materials (chalkboard, laptop etc). Students need to have a piano or electric keyboard in cases where I am traveling to their house. *** Specialties *** Classical with an emphasis on being able to read music from the beginning.