My ultimate pedagogical goal is to instill in the student a genuine and meaningful connection with the art of music making. As unique as all human beings are, everyone has the potential to acquire artistic taste and enhance the desire to make music, and it is the teacher's responsibility to ensure that this is awakened. I believe that the lessons and values the student gains in the process - like creativity, empathy, and discipline - are of imperative importance in any young person’s lives. By practicing the art of music, the students will learn and practice the art of living.
In lessons, I work with students on developing a natural approach to the keyboard, which involves alert fingertips and supple arms and wrists. Such work will greatly benefit the range and the variety of the student's sound palette, which is equivalent to the orator's vocabulary. Only through a supple body can one play the piano with singing quality and beautiful sound. I believe it is extremely important for a student to think like an artist as soon and as early as possible: this means having a clear idea, or an “image,” about any piece being studied, whether it is “Hot Cross Buns,” or a Beethoven Sonata. In order to help a student create an image, I often recommend works from literature or the visual arts that I hope will stir a student's imagination. Making connections between different art forms is one of the most interesting and rewarding aspects of our work as artists, and I try to impart this sense of curiosity to my students very early on, always in conjunction with pianistic (technical) work.
I teach piano lessons to students ages 5 through adult, from absolute beginners looking to play their first notes to advanced musicians preparing for competitions and auditions. Due to current social distancing measures, I am offering online lessons until it is safe to meet in person again. While the majority of my students are located in the New York City area, I have expanded my reach to the global level. It has been incredible to work with piano students from around the world and I am excited to continue to offer these online lessons long after things return back to "normal".
¡Hablo español! Soy un hispanohablante nativo de México, y ofrezco clases de piano en ingles y español. Dicen que la música es la lengua universal, pero es imperativo tener un profesor de piano que hable tu propio idioma.
Santi is a wonderful piano instructor. Our daughter has been taking lessons with him for 3 years. She has blossomed with his instruction and she really enjoys her time with him. He makes the lessons relatable to someone her age and encourages her to keep trying. He knows when to push and when to pull back. Santi makes the connection between music theory and playing an instrument very clear. He makes knowing how to read music a priority. We recommend Santiago without reservation!
The McGee Family
Santiago has been a great example, mentor and teacher to our son. A professional that has structure, discipline and compassion, he has made our son a well rounded piano player.
Vanessa P. & Jose M. A.
When I began taking piano lessons with Santiago, I had some piano experience dating back 20 years ago. However, it had been years since I had touched a piano and I was not looking forward to having to start again from the beginning. At our first lesson, Santiago assured me that while I would indeed need to brush up on my skills, I was not starting from square one. I have been studying with Santiago for almost a year now, and I have in my estimation exceeded my prior level of technical proficiency, understanding of musical theory and overall musicality. Santiago provides creative insight into the music and encourages one to see a piece as much more than notes on a page.
Thanks to Santiago’s positive and encouraging teaching style, lessons are always enjoyable. He is a very knowledgeable, energetic and fun teacher. Santiago is extremely professional and responsive yet warm in his communication style. I would certainly recommend him to anyone of any age or proficiency level who wants to study piano.
Bob R.
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