Sign up for Madeline's free newsletter, Performing Beyond Fear, and receive a free chapter from her book. I help pianists unlock their natural ability to perform with freedom, confidence, and expressive power. We'll integrate groundedness, alignment, and flexibility to maximize both power and sensitivity in your playing. That way, you'll accomplish more with less effort and uncover your natural stage presence. Through expanding your awareness of the visceral impact of musical details you'll increase your expressive power in performance.
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You can trust your body at the piano and continually find solutions to technical problems. Gaining real understanding about how your body works at the piano can make all the difference. You can learn to recognize and release physical tension that has been limiting your freedom at the instrument. And when you combine this knowledge with all the work on listening, rhythmic organization, mental clarity, and heart connection, piano lessons offer a comprehensive path to expressive power in performance.No one should feel uncomfortable playing the piano.
The Art of Practicing is a transformative approach that will help you become the musician you are truly meant to be. I'm devoted to teaching people who have a deep desire to realize their potential - to break free of habits and go as far as they can in expressing themselves through music. If this sounds like you, I would love to talk to you about the possibility of working together.
Would you like your students to experience accelerated progress and become far more motivated? Picture them inspired to practice because they're playing with more freedom and confidence. Envision yourself brimming with excitement as you and your students continually make new discoveries that open up their playing.
Have you feared that you'll never find the "secret" to performing with ease and confidence?. If so, you're not alone. I, too, know what it's like to have extreme stage fright, to feel like I'm not good enough - like I'll never make it as a performer. Back when I was 29, I auditioned for an opportunity that would take my career to the next level.
Reviews (9)
William Restemeyer
Jan 31, 2019
About five years ago I returned to the piano after years of neglect. One lucky day I happened upon a copy of "The Art of Practicing" by Madeline Bruser. Learning to practice better was exactly what I needed. Madeline advocates a relaxed technique (and I really needed to learn to relax when playing). After studying with her for almost a year and a half my hands are much more relaxed and I'm playing more musically-she's helping me reverse 60 years of bad habits. She's found the secrets and knows how to teach them. Highly recommended.
Jonathan Ryfiak Jack
Jan 20, 2019
My experience with Madeline has been more than just piano lessons. Madeline's approach to music, and the piano has brought me to a deeper level and connection than I could have ever imagined before. Before meeting Madeline, music to me was mostly just attempting to play notes on a page accurately, and not placing much attention to the deeper connection to the music that exists.
When starting a lesson with Madeline, you begin to re-learn how to approach your instrument, how to ground yourself, how to connect with your heart and your feelings; tuning yourself to the instrument and the piece of music before you just dive right in. Studying with Madeline has been a journey for me, along with many others, and for all different kinds of musicians and singers at all different levels.
It's been amazing; through her, and the Art of Practicing, you have the opportunity too see and experience other world class Artists and Musicians, and you really feel apart of something bigger than yourself. With an open mind, and willingness to learn, this journey has been life changing, and has given me new purpose. It is with great pleasure too, that I have been accepted to the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, and I can tell you that it's directly because of Madeline's lessons that I felt well prepared and the judges were very pleased to hear that I was a student of hers.
Since the beginning, Madeline has nurtured and encouraged me to continue my studies in music, and to follow a path to becoming a teacher, and I am so proud and honored to be one of her students, and will continue to study with her for as long as I can. Her lessons are of gem like quality, and if you have the opportunity to study with her, please don't miss out on it, take a chance! You just might fall in love with music all over again!
When starting a lesson with Madeline, you begin to re-learn how to approach your instrument, how to ground yourself, how to connect with your heart and your feelings; tuning yourself to the instrument and the piece of music before you just dive right in. Studying with Madeline has been a journey for me, along with many others, and for all different kinds of musicians and singers at all different levels.
It's been amazing; through her, and the Art of Practicing, you have the opportunity too see and experience other world class Artists and Musicians, and you really feel apart of something bigger than yourself. With an open mind, and willingness to learn, this journey has been life changing, and has given me new purpose. It is with great pleasure too, that I have been accepted to the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, and I can tell you that it's directly because of Madeline's lessons that I felt well prepared and the judges were very pleased to hear that I was a student of hers.
Since the beginning, Madeline has nurtured and encouraged me to continue my studies in music, and to follow a path to becoming a teacher, and I am so proud and honored to be one of her students, and will continue to study with her for as long as I can. Her lessons are of gem like quality, and if you have the opportunity to study with her, please don't miss out on it, take a chance! You just might fall in love with music all over again!
Gabrielle Shatan
Jun 13, 2018
I have been working with Madeline Bruser for several years now and have gained so much. We first worked on improving my overall technique from my posture to my hand position to how I move my arms while playing. More recently we have been focusing on musicality and I have seen the quality of my playing improve a great deal. Our lessons are filled wit hard work, laughter and fostering a deeper connection to the music. I highly recommend Madeline if you want to bring your playing to the next level!
Lirong Liu
Jun 12, 2018
I have been studying with Madeline for about one year. Before that, I tended to think of playing the piano as something that requires certain muscle strength. Holding that belief prevented me from being musical when performing. Madeline completely changed my understand of piano. She started with teaching me basic movements for arms, wrists and fingers, which I now believe is the most natural way of interacting with the piano.
Then she added singing and meditation to the process which helped me hear every note and phrase while I am playing. The ability of noticing the sound created by myself allows further relaxation of the mind and body. Apart from piano techniques, she also taught me how to live a life in this fast-paced world. I feel really lucky that I have such chance to learn from her!
Then she added singing and meditation to the process which helped me hear every note and phrase while I am playing. The ability of noticing the sound created by myself allows further relaxation of the mind and body. Apart from piano techniques, she also taught me how to live a life in this fast-paced world. I feel really lucky that I have such chance to learn from her!
Tracy Stuchbery
Feb 05, 2017
Madeline's approach to teaching is long overdue in the world of classical music pedagogy. It is enlightening, liberating and fundamentally sound instruction on how to develop the whole artist. Learning and adopting the "Art of Practicing" teachings will transform your music and your whole being, bringing joy and meaning to every moment spent at your instrument, be it in the practice room or on the concert stage.
Kristin Samadi
Nov 29, 2015
Madeline is a fantastic piano instructor, honing in on sound, technique, posture, mindfulness, finding the correct bench height, and so much more. On top of that, she is also a phenomenal mentor. Overall, Madeline is an extremely genuine person who truly cares about the well-being of all her students. I have been studying with her consistently since May 2015 and have already made a great deal of progress in my playing.
Although my first piano teacher noticed that I had problems with my fifth fingers from the very start, I didn't receive proper advice on how to resolve this issue until I started working with Madeline. So now, twenty years after working with that first teacher, I am finally tweaking my playing and feel that I will eventually reach my full potential if I continue to follow Madeline's lead. If you have not read her phenomenal book "The Art of Practicing" I highly recommend it. This should be a bible for all musicians (not just pianists)!
Although my first piano teacher noticed that I had problems with my fifth fingers from the very start, I didn't receive proper advice on how to resolve this issue until I started working with Madeline. So now, twenty years after working with that first teacher, I am finally tweaking my playing and feel that I will eventually reach my full potential if I continue to follow Madeline's lead. If you have not read her phenomenal book "The Art of Practicing" I highly recommend it. This should be a bible for all musicians (not just pianists)!
Teresa Blount
Jul 07, 2015
Madeline's knowledge, wisdom and insight as a teacher go far beyond the notes and piano instruction. She awakens the absolute joy of not only playing, but also hearing the beauty and miracle of music. She inspires trust and confidence in the ability to let your heart sing that goes far beyond playing an instrument. She is an inspiration to live life as art.
Todd Anderson
Jan 07, 2014
Madeline is an incredible piano teacher. Her approach to teaching piano technique is superb. For those who seek beginning lessons, Madeline ensures that a strong technical foundation is laid. Advanced students benefit from her technical expertise by way of her unique ability to identify subtle technical issues and provide solutions for addressing them.
Beyond her knowledge and skill regarding piano technique, she teaches in a student-centered way, ensuring that students connect deeply with the piano as an instrument and the music they play. I highly recommend Madeline to anyone seeking piano lessons. You will not be disappointed. -- Wm. Todd Anderson, PhD
Beyond her knowledge and skill regarding piano technique, she teaches in a student-centered way, ensuring that students connect deeply with the piano as an instrument and the music they play. I highly recommend Madeline to anyone seeking piano lessons. You will not be disappointed. -- Wm. Todd Anderson, PhD
Jill Carr
Jul 09, 2013
Studying with Madeline has totally changed my experience with the piano. I actually enjoy practicing and practice more efficiently. My posture and technique have improved, but mostly, I just feel so much more connected to the music. I am trying to focus on actually listening to what I play, and this helps me to play much more beautifully. I always come out of my lesson exhilarated and eager to apply whatever I have learned.
I know that studying with Madeline will take me to the level that is the best for me, and that is very rewarding for me. I also respect her so much in so many ways that I feel like my life has improved as well since she has come into my life.
I know that studying with Madeline will take me to the level that is the best for me, and that is very rewarding for me. I also respect her so much in so many ways that I feel like my life has improved as well since she has come into my life.
