Private Music Lessons in Jersey City, NJ

My name is Manuel. I am a professional Piano Teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience with students of all ages and levels. As an instructor, I have worked with many students of all levels, including total beginners and renowned artists such as Andre 3000 and Tame Impala bassist Cameron Avery. I have taught at New York University and the University Of The Arts in Berlin, Germany, and I regularly give masterclasses and workshops at music colleges and universities abroad. As a Pianist, I have organized concert tours in Europe and the U.S. and I have lead groups at renowned jazz clubs such as the Blue Note NYC and others. Please check out my YouTube channel for more of my artistic activities and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Manuel

I’m a professional jazz pianist, composer, and educator from Japan. I earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and a Master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music, where I learned music pedagogy as well as piano playing. Currently, I'm based in New York City, where I regularly perform at various music venues. I'm equally passionate about teaching as I am about performing. Seeing my students' progress is such a rewarding and fulfilling moment. I hope to share the joy of playing piano with you! (scroll down for piano performance) =How I work with students= I’ll have students set a clear goal first (to play Fly Me to the Moon in jazz piano style, to accompany a singer with chord playing, to compose an original piece, to perform Chopin’s Etude from memory, etc). I'll then identify the skills or knowledge required to achieve the main goal, evaluate the student's level and experience, and break the goal down into manageable steps. In every lesson, I'll lead you through each of these small steps, sharing effective practice techniques along the way. =Teaching Method= After almost three decades of piano playing, studying with masters, and doing extensive research on learning strategies, I’ve discovered some methods for piano practice that optimize learning efficiency and piano techniques that allow you to play effortlessly. Practice methods include well-known learning strategies such as spaced practice, retrieval practice, interleaving, and mental rehearsal, as well as additional methods passed down from masters. Students at all levels can benefit from those methods and the technique for effortless playing. =Topics I typically cover= •music theory •improvisation •ear training •piano technique •sight reading • jazz •classic •pop •harmony •chords •voicing Award-winning pianist, composer, and educator based on New York City. Offering solo, duo, or jazz piano trio performances. Music tailored for any occasion including weddings, cocktail hours, baby shower, private party, celebrations, corporate event, etc. I can play a diverse selection of music, from classical and jazz to pop, rock, Broadway, film scores, Disney classics, and holiday songs. I’m also happy to accommodate any special song requests! ********************* ********************* Bio- In 2014 he was awarded a scholarship both from TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund and Rotary Club Japan to attend Berklee College Of Music, where he studied with notable musicians including Joanne Brackeen, Darren Barrett, David Santoro, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Billy Kilson. While in school he was selected to perform at U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference held in Tokyo, an event Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Sinzo Abe, Japanese former Prime Minister participated in. He recorded with Grammy award-winning trumpeter Darren Barrett for his project, But Beautiful “Time For Romance”, which was released in 2018. In 2022, he was chosen to perform with Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Jack Walrath at Dizzy’s Club Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. In the same year he earned Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Manhattan School Of Music. He has toured throughout the US as well as Japan. Currently he is based in New York, where he has been actively performing in various venues in the city.

*Please note, In-person lessons are ONLY held: -at student’s location if in Manhattan/Brooklyn, NY (Sunday-Tuesday) OR - at my home studio in Wilton, CT (Wednesday-Friday) Zoom lessons are held anywhere!* About me: - Bachelor’s degree in cello performance from The Juilliard School (2020), with performance experience throughout the US, Canada, China, Russia and Switzerland - 10+ years of experience teaching private students in Fairfield County, CT - Faculty member at The Fairfield School of Music - Cello faculty member at “The Cello Camp” in Westport, CT since 2018 - Volunteer teaching artist at the Corona Youth Music Project (Núcleo Corona) - Cello instructor at the Harmony Program Summer Camp - Cofounder/former director of the Roots of Music camps in Wilton, CT, and Congers, NY While my primary training is in classical music, I also have extensive experience in arranging and performing pop/rock/movie genres and appreciate opportunities to explore various types of music. I work with students to identify unique goals in their cello practice. I believe in creating specialized lesson plans for each student that build strong technical and musical foundations but always prioritize finding joy in the sharing of music. I also try to be readily available to assist students outside of lessons and encourage students to send practice progress updates or questions that I can comment on throughout the week.

35 years of experience - Private and Professional Music Studio in Manhattan. You may think it's too hard.... but in fact it's simply about unlocking the music you already feel inside. I'm here to be patient and help! Unlocking the music most people already feel and hear inside of themselves... then being able to see them play with that inspiration on their own.