Pathways
ABOUT SUZANNE
Suzanne is a consummate piano teacher, with over 20 years of experience working with students of all ages in Los Angeles and New York City. In lessons, there is a healthy and constructive learning environment wherein the student can feel confident to reach his their potential. Lessons focus on helping the student develop and integrate these skills towards better musicianship. Piano Pathways Studio offers two recitals a year, and opportunities to participate in festivals and adjudications such as the Piano Guild and Music Teacher Association.
University trained and certified, Suzanne directs, performs and composes music for her production company Theatre Uzume. Her theatrical work has been nominated for numerous awards and even earned a New York Times' Critic's Pick. Suzanne specializes in classical, theatrical, and pop styles.
LESSONS
Lessons are scheduled in 30, 45, or 60 minute increments, weekly. Students will:
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Learn to enjoy playing for personal pleasure or for public performance.
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Learn to read music and improve aural skills.
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Enhance performance skills, build self-confidence, and express inner creativity through music, including recitals and exam opportunities.
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Learn phrasing techniques, expressiveness, and finesse in playing.
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Build repertoire from music of all styles and historical periods.
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Learn to play by ear and create compositions.
"My daughter has been taking piano lessons from Suzanne for the past 6 months. Suzanne has been so patient and thoughtful while teaching. I have seen my daughter's confidence grow as a result of Suzanne's teachings. The weekly lessons have helped my daughter with time management, responsibility and accountability. I love how my daughter's love of music has blossomed! I would highly recommend Suzanne to anyone who has an interest in learning a new instrument."— JB, Cobble Hill
"Our 11 year old son has been taking piano lessons with Suzanne for over a year. It's been a great learning experience for him - the lesson books are comprehensive yet fun, and Suzanne has an engaging and positive teaching style that makes a difference. And with two recitals a year (at local music parlors), the students are able to come together for an afternoon of public performance, a confidence building event.
Suzanne is well organized and keeps good track of schedule and other details. I highly recommend her to parents looking for a local piano teacher." - Andrew, Brooklyn
POLICIES
Payment
Tuition for lessons is paid via Venmo, Zelle, or credit card. Payment is required by September 15th for the academic year beginning on October 1st. Tuition includes a subscription for one weekly lesson at the regularly scheduled time between October 1st - September 30th. Enrollment subsequent to October 1st will be prorated per number of months remaining in the term and is due prior to the first lesson. Multiple payment schedules are available.
The studio will be closed on the following days: January 1st, Memorial Day (US), July 4th, Labor Day (US), Thanksgiving Day (US), December 24th and December 25th.
Missed lessons
Your lesson time has been reserved for you for the year. Should a student need to miss a lesson, students may complete their lesson for the week asynchronously via recorded videos between student and teacher. The teacher reserves up to six weeks off per year.
Commitment
At least a three month commitment is suggested at the beginning of students’ studies in order to properly experience and evaluate the lessons. Parents of students 10 years of age and younger are expected to provide support in setting goals, providing encouragement and helping students organize their time. Parents of students 7 and younger are expected to provide additional support by accompanying them during their online and practice time while they learn to develop good practice habits.
Enrollment
The scheduling and enrollment of lessons is not confirmed until tuition and a signed syllabus are received. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis.
Termination or Changes to the Subscription
If you choose to make any change to your subscription, a 30 day advance notice is required; any remaining credit on the account will be refunded after the final lesson. There will be no refunds available after March 31st of the academic calendar.
FAQs
Q: You offer online lessons as well as in person. Are online lessons as effective as in person lessons?
A: Yes! While different students have different needs, improvements in technology, fun applications, and a pedagogical approach that gives the initiative to the student make it feel as though student and teacher are in the same room. Learning online also creates students who are skilled at independent learning. Consistency in three areas will contribute to one’s success in learning to play: consistent lesson attendance, consistent completion of assignments, and consistent daily practice. Sign up for a demo lesson today and see for yourself!
Q: How much time per week should a student commit to practicing?
A: The emphasis is on “quality” time versus “quantity”. Every student’s pace of learning is different, yet practice is about setting and completing goals that have been set out for the week following the lesson. Generally, a student should spend a minimum of 20-30 minutes each practice working on those specific goals rather than simply practicing old pieces and/or rushing through assignments without taking time to perfect the difficult sections in the piece. Please keep in mind that scheduling a “set” practice time is most beneficial. Parents play an integral role in helping their child prioritize their time. Efficient practice is the result of consistently applying these strategies. “Practice doesn’t make perfect, but perfect practice (focusing on what needs to be perfected) makes perfect.”
Q: How should a student structure their practice?
A: Within a few months of study, most students will be able to play simple tunes. However, the ability to play at an early intermediate level or higher requires a longer commitment. For most, this may require 5 or more years of study based on 3-5 hours of practice per week, depending on their level and assignment demands. For students to be able to read and play independently with artistry and mastery, 8 or more years of diligent study and practice is not unusual.
Q: What if my child doesn’t want to practice?
A: Its generally true that many students don't want to practice, but realize that without practice, the goal of mastering skills needed to play the instrument will never become a reality. Studying an instrument is not easy, but developing discipline, focus, attention to details, thought, determination, and perseverance are all valuable skills for when things become challenging - something that music instruction can foster! That’s why parents must play an active role in supporting their child’s piano study. Simply put, once the commitment to music study has been made, parents should expect their child to practice. Expecting practice simply means holding your child responsible for doing so and accountable for when s/he doesn’t. Choosing to make music study part of your child’s education places regular practice right behind homework in degree of importance.
Referral Program
Piano Pathways studio is growing! Want to help share the magic of learning music and save money? Refer a student and receive $150 off your tuition when they enroll! There are no limits to the number of referrals you can make! Referrals can be made by either the referring party or referred student. Send an email with all pertinent information to get started!
Book a Demo Lesson!
This free 15 minute demo will introduce you to the teacher and get you started on your own piano pathway! Select an available time and date here to get started.