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.
As a full-time working musician, I am a piano soloist, accompanist, teacher, organist, and choral conductor. My studies under Dr. Paul Martin Maki and Walter Baker provided me with a mastery of pipe organ technique and repertoire. With Thomas Schippers, of the Metropolitan Opera, I studied conducting. These skills have enabled me to work effectively in synagogues and churches, and I am currently the music director and organist of St. James Episcopal Church at Fordham, NY. My love of music and convictions about social justice led me to found the successful Ebony Youth Choir of Harlem for youths-at-risk.
I have a passion for teaching, and have been providing instruction from my New York City studio near Lincoln Center for more than twenty years. My students are a diverse group, from children to adults of all ages. Some are experienced musicians seeking advice on technical issues as well as new perspectives of interpretation. Others are dedicated amateurs eager to develop their pianistic skill as a means of artistic fulfillment and personal growth.
In addition to music, my interests are history, cycling,
psychology (MSW from Hunter College), the visual arts, movies, gardening,
and live theatre.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Music Teachers National Association
College Music Association
RECOMMENDATIONS
“Jonathan Baker is a master pianist whose teaching
style is thorough and patient and produces tangible results from the first
lesson.”
- Vinnie Peri
“Mr. Baker’s approach to music education
has taught our son good study habits that really make a difference. David
started his first piano lesson with Mr. Baker four years ago, and he is
now is playing pieces by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, and some beautiful arrangements
of Gershwin, with impressive command. I think this has been very good
for our son because his musical skill is something he takes pride in.”
- Moshe Shvo
“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.”
- Steven Cho
“It is very easy for me to recommend Jonathan
Baker to anyone looking for a music teacher. Our daughter has taken piano
lessons with Jonathan for over three years and her progress has been amazing
- she really looks forward to her lessons every week. Jonathan’s
approach is so balanced, thoughtful, and supportive that her education
would be incomplete without her music lessons.”
- Katherine Lawhead
Jonathan Baker • Piano Teacher • Piano Lessons • New York City (NYC, Upper West Side) • 917-526-2253 • www.bakerpianolessons.com