As a child I took piano lessons for nearly 11 years but as a grew older I gradually stopped playing…read morethe piano. Over the years I've had the desire to start learning again and I'm thankful I've found Mariam. Although she's a very educated and professional pianist, she's an extremely talented teacher as well. She's caring, she's incredibly patient, and she knows how to focus on the individual needs of her students. Mariam is truly an incredible pianist and an even better instructor. She has the ability of teaching all age levels and all skill levels. If you're a beginner looking to learn, she's more than willing and capable. On the other hand, if you're a professional pianist and your desire is to further your professional career, she's more than capable of helping you.

Mariam is an incredible, European conservatory trained concert pianist and fabulous teacher. She…read moreis patient, encouraging and straightforward in a quiet way with criticism. She teaches you how to practice, gives clear lessons on how to improve technique, is helpful in customizing fingering for your hand and knows how to bring you along through the phases of learning a piece. Its not only about playing the notes. Mariam explains the composer's intentions, the dynamics, mood, and tempo of a work. I took piano through high school and have had a couple of teachers as an adult over the decades. More than ever, I am enjoying and learning piano because of Mariam's teaching ability and her undeniable expertise and knowledge. You are a lucky person if you become her student.

My daughter has had a wonderful experience at the Golden Key piano school. The teachers are highly…read moreadaptive and well-versed in teaching methods. Their rigorous hiring process ensures that only the most suitable candidates are hired. While their emphasis is on the Russian method, they are able to tailor their teaching to individual students' needs. Not only are their abilities versatile, but their personalities as well. I find that incredibly valuable considering each individual students' personalities may coordinate better with a given teacher based on their similarities or differences. Thus, they are truly able to accommodate students' individual characters. They provide ample assistance in certification preparation, work outside of the classroom, and music choices. They constantly encourage students to do their homework to ensure its completion and therefore the students' improvement. Their philosophy is that "[they are] being paid to teach. Thus, you practice on your own time." Katrin, the owner and my daughters' teacher, is truly wonderful. She is both patient and firm when necessary. She encourages students to focus in unique ways that promote creativity. She has helped my daughter work with many methods through mastering different songs. The institution itself has one individual and one duet performance a year, as well as one top ten performance. Also, they sometimes host an animal-based recital where the song performed has to be related to animals. The children wear animal costumes. There are other recitals, as well. Therefore, there is diversity within the themes of these recitals. I am grateful to the school and the community of peers and families I have met through Katrin and the Golden Key piano school, and I am especially thankful for all of the knowledge and experience my daughter has gained throughout her time with this remarkable institution.

I have an autistic son. My mom called and asked if they would take him as a student, they said yes,…read moreto do a trial lesson and if he passed they would take him. I took him and he "passed" his trial lesson. The next time we went over, my four year old wanted to sit on the instructor's lap. She refused several times, which confused him because at home I let him practice while sitting on my lap. Finally she allowed him to sit on her lap for maybe 3-4 minutes and then told him he had to sit on the bench. Later, my son wanted to copy something we did at home, wrote the names of the keys on the keyboard with an expo marker (those wipe off easily with alcohol). The teacher said absolutely not, took the expo marker from him. So my son started crying. While he was crying, the teacher was lecturing me on keeping the piano clean and neat, and to focus on just two keys. She wanted to show him fat cat, but he was so upset he just kept crying. At one point he said he wanted to play the birthday song, the teacher's response, "It's not your birthday." There were zero accommodations or open mindedness when it came to my son. Then she was lecturing me about how I overwhelmed him by introducing all the keys. He's autistic. Lectures don t go well. Finally, it was time to leave. She wrote the fat cat song down and was talking to him while he was crying so he cried louder. When we left the individual room, the owner was outside the door and told us that my four year old son's crying was bothering the other students. She said this in front of my son, he understands. And she said that if he cried again next time, he would no longer be allowed to take classes there. I told her we don't want to bother anyone, we will never stay somewhere we are not welcome. And that based on what she said we didn't need to come back a third time and deal with the rigid instructor we were assigned. 1 thing: I was under the impression the individual rooms were soundproof, I guess they're not. 2nd: four year olds cry. He's not a robot. 3rd: getting irritated and threatening to kick us of the school while giving me negative feedback on my son should not have been done in his presence. If you come to this school expect to be treated with coldness and harshness. Unless you're perfect. Definitely not a place for neurodivergent kids. Expensive as heck. The very same day a found a wonderful piano instructor who will work with neurodivergent kids. We met him today and he made us feel welcomed and valued as human beings. The complete opposite of how we were treated at golden key piano school. I asked for a receipt, I got an unofficial email that I was forced to accept. Heartless. Lacks humanity, basic decency and kindness toward a child with special needs that they accepted only to humiliate him on our way out. I hope this school goes bankrupt for hurting me and my child the way they did. Not one ounce of tactfulness or kindness. I wish I had never set foot in their "perfect" school that only accepts "perfect" people. You can shove your school up your nose. One day my son will be a great pianist, in spite of his disability. And I hope you see him in concert you judgemental, rigid jerks. Please don't support this school. And to the teachers grow the hell up. You're dealing with humans not robots.

My daughter has been in lessons with Cynthia for about three years. It is obvious, from hearing…read moreher more long-standing and accomplished students, that she has the experience and knowledge to prepare her students for a serious future in music. For us though, it it more about building competency and appreciation. My daughter enjoys the lessons (more than she likes practicing, according to her) and it has definitely helped develop both her ear, and her enthusiasm. From my perspective though, the main benefit it gives is for my daughter to learn to accept criticism and high expectations. Cynthia will hold your child (or you) to what is on the page. All of it: the notes, the rhythm, the tempo, the dynamics, the articulation...(plus some other stuff that I don't even know the name for), all at the same time...So it's a great opportunity for my kid to learn focus and multi-tasking. It can be a bit harrowing at times, as the all-of-it-right-all-at-the-same-time is not the approach taken in school, (or at home) but honestly, I'm grateful that my daughter can experience this, as discipline/hard work/humility/practice /all those cliches are obviously going to be required for whatever she chooses to pursue. Cynthia is strict, but also rejoices when the student does finally find success. She knows the student is capable of more than they themselves, or the parents might initially believe. My daughter definitely gets frustrated during practice at home, but she keeps working on it, and eventually gets the satisfaction of learning and getting it right. Also, the songs in the books get good pretty quickly! They are a good mix of pretty, fun, energetic without much dreck...super helpful when you hear it many times over.

If are looking for a piano teacher for an energetic child, run away from this woman and never look…read moreback. She was monstrous. I do not recommend Cynthia for piano lessons for young children. We had an absolutely awful experience. She humiliated and rejected my 7-year-old son, who genuinely loves piano and was trying his best. When he began to grow emotional, she continued to criticize him while speaking to me in front of him. I have never encountered such an unkind or unprofessional approach from someone who chooses to work children. At one point, she even asked me, "Is he in special ed or something?" -- an absolutely offensive and inappropriate question on so many levels. To act like this in front of a young child who was doing his best is unconscionable. While she uses stickers and small prizes as motivation, her teaching style relies on constant criticism rather than balanced feedback. Instead of combining positive reinforcement with gentle correction, she fixates on mistakes and ignores effort or progress. Our experience with her was deeply upsetting and the opposite of what learning music should be.

Ellen is talented, patient and fun! I never would have thought that I'd enjoy piano lessons so…read moremuch. You will look forward to your next lesson. Thanks Ellen.

I'd been playing piano off and on for a long time, but I hadn't taken private lessons in many…read moreyears. After I retired and had more time to practice, I wanted to take lessons again. I specifically wanted to work on my jazz playing. I'd heard Ellen play a number of times over the years and was impressed by how well she plays jazz as well as many other musical styles. When I started lessons with her, I was very pleased by how quickly Ellen assessed my skills and knowledge. She is a gifted teacher and has been able to seamlessly tailor her instructional approach to me and what I want to learn. I am very happy that Ellen does not use a 'one size fits all' teaching approach! (I've unfortunately encountered that in the past.) Soon after I began lessons with Ellen, an opportunity came up to take the vocal duo I'm in to the next level. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ellen also does vocal coaching and helps vocal and instrumental groups enhance the arrangements they've developed. I'm thrilled that one teacher can help me with all my disparate musical interests and endeavors, and that it's no problem for Ellen to roll with it when I want to do a 180 and switch to something totally different from what we were last working on. I am grateful to have found such a flexible and student-centered teacher!

Deborah is a fantastic music teacher! I actually took lessons from her when I was a child and now…read moremy son (age 9) has been taking lessons from her once a week for almost two years. So clearly, she has decades of teaching experience. She recommended that we purchase workbooks that have been great for my son to learn new songs from as his skills improve. Deborah has also been very encouraging when my son wants to create his own songs or learn a song that is special to him outside of the workbooks. She charges a very reasonable amount and is easy to pay. I highly recommend taking lessons with Deborah!

I have never taken a singing class before coming to the School of the Getdown. My only experience…read morewith singing had been in elementary school as a class, and singing in my car while commuting to and from work! I felt quite comfortable right from the start. Faye Carol will put you at ease and make you feel like an old friend. But she will also challenge you and help you discover your own abilities. She stresses that you do NOT need to try to be like any other singer. You just need to be you! You are not in competition with the other students. The other students are actually supportive. I was in class with other students that had been coming for months or years. It is like family! Always there with Faye is Joe Warner, a very accomplished and talented pianist. Whatever song you chose to bring for your solo, Joe will be able to master it very quickly. He will work with you and help you present your song as you wish or envision it, both to the other students and to family and friends who may come to witness the final recital. I felt the class was fun and challenging. I would certainly recommend it to my friends, and to those of you reading these reviews.

I just finished my first 4 week School of the Get Down with Faye Carol and it felt life changing!…read moreAt the beginning of class, I was barely able to stand in front of the group and sing but by the end, I felt more relaxed and confident than I ever could have imagined. Faye created an atmosphere right from the start that was more welcoming and supportive than I have ever experienced. She focuses on the joy that making music brings, not all the things we were doing wrong. She just made everything we did so much fun! Consequently, I watched every person in the group grow as a singer and performer in ways I would not have imagined could happen in such a short time. I can't recommend Faye's workshop more highly for singers from beginners to professionals!

Our 11 year old daughter, Drew, started with Vicky for a little over a year, and has made some…read moreamazing progress from not knowing how to play, to having great intonation and musicality. Vicky teaches our daughter in a way that works with her interests and learning style, rather than having a regimented curriculum. I think this has allowed Drew to be way more excited about playing. She's done a mix of Jazz improv and standards, classical minuettes, and composing her own music, on top of fundamental technique. she's also a really great creative role model for Drew, which helps our daughter develop a passion for playing music.. i've been playing music all my life but since i'm a square parent, it's hard for me to teach drew :) Vicky does a great job giving her guidance during the lesson, so Drew and I can just practice and jam together. i would highly recommend her as a teacher!

Viki is a wonderful instructor for all levels of players. I began taking lessons with her in…read moreSeptember 2021 and have enjoyed every session I've had. I was hesitant to learn an instrument as an adult but was referred to her through a friend who also plays the violin. I came in with no other goal than fulfilling a childhood dream, and she has displayed phenomenal kindness and patience in teaching me this brand new skill. She is quick to encourage a variety of perspectives to help me understand techniques and theory, while providing supplemental research material for my enjoyment whenever I get curious about different topics. Her hours are flexible and she offers both in person and online instruction.

Amy is the BEST. She's helped me go from 0 to 60 in just a few months. Amy combines music theory…read moreand exercises for learning the basics of reading music with more intuitive techniques and songs you'll really feel motivated to master. I'm in my 30s and decided to take up piano lessons this year. Within a couple of months Amy coached me to play several increasingly complex pieces while also learning how to read music, and learn chords/fingering. Amy is really invested in her students progress and I find myself that much more motivated to practice because I know our sessions are coming up. I strongly recommend her! If you're even slightly considering it I would say to give her a call and try her out- I bet you won't regret it!

Amy taught my daughter and, now that she's left for college, Amy is teaching me! (By zoom, per my…read morepreference -- Amy will see you in person but this is so easy.) Amy is great with never-ever beginners of any age but also with adult returnees like me. There is so much I've forgotten since my childhood lessons, and so much I never learned in the first place. Amy has such breadth and depth as a musician combined with terrific flexibility as a teacher. Whatever kind of music interests you she can help you develop - classic-classical, jazz/blues, pop, improv/composition, you name it. Meanwhile Amy will help you build your musicality and, importantly, also a sturdy foundation -- Amy's music theory chops are as strong as her playing (she gigs professionally) and pedagogical skills. I now have a repertoire I really enjoy and am proud of, while I continue to advance my skills and understanding of music. I recommend Amy without reservation, for all ages and skill levels!