Learn Piano
Premium Piano Lessons in NYC
With Jonathan Baker
Expressing Yourself in Music
Did you take piano lessons years ago but don’t know where to begin again?
I guide adult amateur pianists, from complete beginners to advanced players, who want to use their time as efficiently as possible to make the most progress.
Many of my students are busy professionals in medicine or finance, and several are college students. I enjoy collaborating with passionate amateur pianists who are eager to explore fresh perspectives on musical interpretation or overcome technical challenges they've been working on for a while.
Many pianists waste years trying to overcome obstacles that could be solved in minutes with the right guidance. But there is always a way forward, and I help students overcome obstacles and discover their musical potential with proven methods that truly work.
Going to the Next Level
Take your piano playing skills to the next level by learning to play the music you love. That way, you develop your technique and musicianship directly through the music you love to play, and have it as a reward for your efforts, and if you choose, play it for others.
I often ask students to write down their dream list of pieces they would love to learn as the starting point of their musical journey.
Alternatively, some students are more comfortable with progressive method books that provide systematic, objective markers of your musical progress, including ABRSM examinations as positive goals. Either approach delivers successful results when you are dedicated and consistent.
“The piano was my first love. I have been playing the piano every day since I was seven years old, and I do not regret a single minute I have spent at the keyboard.”
About Jonathan
A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music B.M, M.M., I have performed hundreds of times and taught hundreds of piano students for over thirty-five years.
To prepare for my Bachelor's degree at the Manhattan School of Music, I studied with Florence Stephenson, a renowned chamber music specialist at the University of Southern California, who studied with Tobias Matthay. I also studied with Robert Harvey, a concert pianist and student of the legendary Rosina Lhevinne, who passed Lhevinne’s methods on to me.
I then studied privately with Adele Marcus of the Juilliard School before completing my Master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where I won the Pennington International Competition, was awarded the Ceravalo Prize for excellence in the performance of J.S. Bach, and performed in masterclasses with John Browning and Earl Wild.
What You Learn
Technique
Developing keyboarding skills is within everyone's reach with dedicated practice and professional guidance. I illustrate proven methods to help you improve finger articulation and build speed, flexibility, strength, and poise. With consistency, your technique will definitely accelerate!
Expression
Unleash your creativity through music! Learn how to control the expressive possibilities through tempo and tempo rubato, discover how to phrase melodic lines to reveal their beauty, and learn how to project sound and create subtleties of nuance and grand symphonic sonorities.
Music Theory
The basic elements of music are not taught in separate, tedious theory book assignments. Instead, I seamlessly integrate them into the music you love to play, creating a smooth, effortless path to the knowledge you can use, making learning quicker and more secure!
Sight-Reading
Sight-reading is a wonderful skill for any pianist to develop! Having sight-read music in thousands of rehearsals, both as a music director and an accompanist, I’m excited to share the effective techniques I have discovered to streamline your learning process and guide you toward greater accomplishment.
Pedaling
The great 19th-century pianist, Anton Rubinstein, called the pedal “The soul of the piano.” Students new to the piano are often surprised at the power of the piano pedals! Learn to use the damper pedal, which lifts dampers for a rich, resonant sound and smooth legato. I teach innovative pedaling techniques to expand tonal colors and enrich your playing.
Success
Many piano students around the world struggle with confusion when practicing. But my solutions offer you practical, effective practice strategies so you gain the best results for your time and energy. Knowing how to practice accelerates your grown for faster results. Effective practice methods are the key to achieving keyboard success!
“I started piano lessons at age five and stopped cold at age twelve. With great sensitivity, patience, and creativity, Jonathan Baker helped me get back on track as a pianist after decades away from the instrument. From our first lesson, his warm manner and courtesy put me at ease. He has taken my aspirations seriously and encouraged me while creating the appropriate program to develop my skills. Working with Mr. Baker has been a delight.”
— Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize for History, National Book Award for History
“I’ve had many music teachers, from private lessons to college professors, but your methods rank the highest. Your ability to articulate solutions, remain patient, and provide positive feedback makes the learning process successful. It’s rare to find someone with great playing and teaching ability.”
- Stephen Cho
“I had never played piano before. After two months, I could play my favorite tunes. Jonathan is a great teacher and gives one hundred percent to his students. Lessons are always a pleasure, and I am forever grateful to Jonathan for helping me follow my dream. I do personally recommend him. He is the best piano teacher.”
- Jana Casas
“I cannot think of anyone today who knows more about the piano and its methods of instruction than Jonathan Baker. A brilliant pianist, Jonathan is thorough, kind, patient, and above all practical - meeting you where you are and giving you the tools to get where you want to go. Whether a student plays for their own pleasure or aims for a professional career, I highly recommend him. “
- Daniel Shigo
"Jonathan Baker is a true Maestro. He is a master pianist and a master music teacher and taught our son George Erich. He is a great person who is patient, kind, and incredibly dedicated to his students. His love of piano and music is a true gift.
— Birgit Gill
David started his first piano lesson with Mr. Baker over four years ago and is now playing pieces by Bach, Mozart, and 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."
— Jan Adleski
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 engages them in a fun way, so that lessons and subsequent practice at home never become stressful. 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 a love for playing piano. We are definitely going to miss him.
— Rashmi Jha
Private Lessons versus Apps
Why choose private piano lessons over a pre-programmed app? Because private piano lessons are more effective than any app at providing you with personalized attention, insightful feedback to accelerate your progress, and an engaging learning experience, making your learning journey more productive and successful.
Solutions
Every pianist encounters their own unique challenges, and I’m here to help you overcome them. I give practical solutions tailored to your questions - something no online app can replicate. With my quick feedback, grounded in decades of performing and teaching experience, you can avoid months or even years of frustration spent searching online in vain for answers. I find it rewarding to support your musical journey!
Hand Positions
Many pianists, regardless of skill level, may not realize that their hand positions, fingering, and overall posture are hindering their progress. While no app can see these issues, a skilled piano teacher will quickly notice them and offer practical advice so that your progress can accelerate.
Flexibility
Apps run on preset, mechanical instructions, but you are not a machine! Every thoughtful teacher knows how important it is to stay alert and adapt their approach to help each student achieve their potential. I customize lessons to fit your unique needs, so you feel supported and inspired every step of the way.
Visibility
Unlike any app, a knowledgeable teacher can see you as an individual and value your artistic talents and aspirations. I can foresee your future growth and provide encouragement, inspiring concepts, and the moral support that every musician needs and deserves throughout their journey.
Choices
Unlike any other piano app, a teacher can instantly demonstrate for you an array of musical expressions and possibilities that no machine-based app can begin to replicate. This extraordinary variety of creative choices available to you not only enhances your learning experience but also helps you develop your distinctive artistic voice.
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
Whether you are drawn to the classical repertoire such as Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, or contemporary arrangements of pop and musicals from sheet music arrangements, submit your application and get started on your musical journey!
