Private piano lessons in New York City on Manhattan's Upper West Side, offered by Jonathan Baker, piano teacher to adults and children, beginners to advanced. Because every student is unique, each lesson is tailored to the student's individual strengths, challenges, and interests. Musical preferences are incorporated into lessons because students are more likely to practice the music that truly inspires them. I provide a solid foundation in keyboard technique and musicianship so that students are empowered to explore any kind of music.
Services
The joy of making music is everyone's birthright, and it is never too late to realize your musical potential. Supportive and encouraging, students are guided step-by-step toward mastery of the keyboard and musical expression. Because every student is unique, private one-to-one piano lessons are tailored to each student's individual strengths, challenges, and interests.
If you are an adult beginner you may be secretly wondering if it is too late to develop a fluent command of piano technique and repertoire. Let me assure you, it is never too late for adults to gain significant ability at the keyboard. Music is central to our human nature, and whether it is singing, composing, or playing the piano, you have the capacity to realize your musical potential.
The Baker Piano Studio curriculum is designed to carefully coordinate with parents who are dedicated to the advancement of their children's artistic growth. The pursuit of excellence is the hallmark of the Baker Piano Studio. Scheduling is Monday through Friday, from 3:00 PM up to 6:00 PM. Beginning students learn to play music from the first lesson.
This website has a direct payment method (all major cards accepted) or payment may be made by check or cash at the studio. Chase Bank Direct Payments (Zelle) and also Venmo are also accepted. Payments are made in advance at the beginning of each month for that month. In addition to thirty years of in-person lessons I have expanded my teaching during the past six years to include online lessons to students in Japan, Scotland, Israel, Brazil, Germany, as well as across the United States.Yes, if the health protocols are followed.
For Beginners: A 45-minute Online Introductory Lesson is a great way for us to meet so we can talk about your musical future and how to achieve your goals. If you are new to the piano I will illustrate the materials you will need, and the overall trajectory of learning so that you have a good overview of what to expect.
People
Baker Piano Studio
The piano was my first love. I have been playing the piano every day since I was seven, and after all these years I do not regret one minute I have ever spent at the keyboard.
No one had to teach me how to practice - I couldn't wait to get home from school to dive into the keyboard. My progress increased rapidly and I made my debut at the age of 16 with the San Diego Symphony performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto in C minor.
I was raised in Southern California, and in early childhood was fortunate to have Grace Volkman as my first piano teacher. Her no-nonsense approach to building strong technique and musicianship made my advanced studies possible. I later studied with Florence Stephenson, a renowned pianist and chamber music specialist at the University of Southern California. Subsequently, I studied with Wladimir Jan Kochanski, a concert pianist and student of the legendary Mme. Rosina Lhevinne.
At seventeen I moved to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music. After graduating I won First Prize in the Pennington International Piano Competition as well as the prestigious Ceravalo Prize for Excellence in the Performance of J.S. Bach.
No one had to teach me how to practice - I couldn't wait to get home from school to dive into the keyboard. My progress increased rapidly and I made my debut at the age of 16 with the San Diego Symphony performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto in C minor.
I was raised in Southern California, and in early childhood was fortunate to have Grace Volkman as my first piano teacher. Her no-nonsense approach to building strong technique and musicianship made my advanced studies possible. I later studied with Florence Stephenson, a renowned pianist and chamber music specialist at the University of Southern California. Subsequently, I studied with Wladimir Jan Kochanski, a concert pianist and student of the legendary Mme. Rosina Lhevinne.
At seventeen I moved to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music. After graduating I won First Prize in the Pennington International Piano Competition as well as the prestigious Ceravalo Prize for Excellence in the Performance of J.S. Bach.
Reviews (5)
Jana Casas
Jan 23, 2021
I was fortunate to be taking piano lessons with Jonathan. I never played piano and started my lessons with him and after two years I am able to play some of my favorite tunes. He is a great teacher and he communicates not only with the piano key but also on personal level. He makes me feels like I can do thing I was not able to do and he gives his hundred percent of himself to the student.
It's always been a pleasure to have a lesson with him and I am for ever greatfull for helping me to follow my dream. I do personally recommend him. He is the best piano teacher I know.
It's always been a pleasure to have a lesson with him and I am for ever greatfull for helping me to follow my dream. I do personally recommend him. He is the best piano teacher I know.
Rashmi Jha
We had a wonderful experience at Baker Piano Studio. My now 8 year old simply loved his teacher, Mr. Baker, and always looked forward to his classes. Mr. Baker is extremely patient with kids and deals with them in a fun way so that the lessons and subsequent practice at home never turns out to be stressing. Not only that - he was kind enough to help a naive person like me find a good piano and also refer a great teacher in the town where we are now relocating to. I am so glad we found him and through his lessons my child developed the love for playing piano. We are definitely going to miss him.
Katherine Lawhead
Our daughter looks forward to her piano lessons as the high point in her week. Jonathan's approach is balanced and thorough, and I now know that her education would be incomplete without her music lessons. Interesting compositions are always selected, but Jonathan is attentive to making sure that Jennifer is developing real musicianship as well.
Jan Adleski
David started his first piano lesson with Mr. Baker over four years ago and is now is playing pieces by Bach, Mozart, Chopin with impressive command. I think this has been very good for our son because his musical skill is something he takes pride in. Mr. Baker's approach to music education has taught our son good study habits, and I think that really made a difference.
Steven Cho
I've had many music teachers, from private lessons to college professors and so on, but your methods rank the highest. Your ability to articulate solutions, remain patient, and provide positive feedback really makes the learning process a success. It's rare to find someone that has both a great playing and teaching ability.