“Dear teachers, do not begin with the hand’s position, but rather with the state of mind.” — J. Hofmann
At our piano lessons in Manhattan, we utilize a distinctive Russian-inspired method of piano teaching. For younger students, we incorporate stories and games, while for adults, we use metaphors to help them grasp the essence of music. We focus on the music itself from the start, avoiding lesson books and mechanical drills. The music we select is vibrant and rooted in the diverse traditions of global folk music, alongside original compositions by renowned composers.
Our approach is built around a collection of inspiring and vivid music, which in turn motivates students to create stories, poems, and artwork as a means of expressing their understanding of the music’s meaning. This paves the way for an artistic interpretation of the piece. By using this method, both teachers and students are encouraged to be creative, bringing energy and life to each lesson.
The foundation of our method is drawn from the esteemed Russian piano school, specifically First Meeting with the Music by Anna Artobolevskaya (1905-1988) and The Art of Piano Playing by Heinrich Neuhaus (1888-1964).
Anna Artobolevskaya, a remarkable piano instructor at the Moscow Central Music School, was celebrated for her enthusiasm and endless creative techniques tailored to each student. In the realm of piano teaching, she was a true artist.
Heinrich Neuhaus, one of the most distinguished pianists and piano teachers of his era, taught at the Moscow Conservatory. His students included renowned musicians such as Emil Gilels and Sviatoslav Richter. Neuhaus believed that a music teacher’s role was not only “to teach the student how to play well” but also “to cultivate their intelligence, responsiveness, diligence, and awareness.”
