My daughter has been in lessons with Cynthia for about three years. It is obvious, from hearing…read moreher more long-standing and accomplished students, that she has the experience and knowledge to prepare her students for a serious future in music. For us though, it it more about building competency and appreciation. My daughter enjoys the lessons (more than she likes practicing, according to her) and it has definitely helped develop both her ear, and her enthusiasm. From my perspective though, the main benefit it gives is for my daughter to learn to accept criticism and high expectations. Cynthia will hold your child (or you) to what is on the page. All of it: the notes, the rhythm, the tempo, the dynamics, the articulation...(plus some other stuff that I don't even know the name for), all at the same time...So it's a great opportunity for my kid to learn focus and multi-tasking. It can be a bit harrowing at times, as the all-of-it-right-all-at-the-same-time is not the approach taken in school, (or at home) but honestly, I'm grateful that my daughter can experience this, as discipline/hard work/humility/practice /all those cliches are obviously going to be required for whatever she chooses to pursue. Cynthia is strict, but also rejoices when the student does finally find success. She knows the student is capable of more than they themselves, or the parents might initially believe. My daughter definitely gets frustrated during practice at home, but she keeps working on it, and eventually gets the satisfaction of learning and getting it right. Also, the songs in the books get good pretty quickly! They are a good mix of pretty, fun, energetic without much dreck...super helpful when you hear it many times over.

If are looking for a piano teacher for an energetic child, run away from this woman and never look…read moreback. She was monstrous. I do not recommend Cynthia for piano lessons for young children. We had an absolutely awful experience. She humiliated and rejected my 7-year-old son, who genuinely loves piano and was trying his best. When he began to grow emotional, she continued to criticize him while speaking to me in front of him. I have never encountered such an unkind or unprofessional approach from someone who chooses to work children. At one point, she even asked me, "Is he in special ed or something?" -- an absolutely offensive and inappropriate question on so many levels. To act like this in front of a young child who was doing his best is unconscionable. While she uses stickers and small prizes as motivation, her teaching style relies on constant criticism rather than balanced feedback. Instead of combining positive reinforcement with gentle correction, she fixates on mistakes and ignores effort or progress. Our experience with her was deeply upsetting and the opposite of what learning music should be.

My daughter has had a wonderful experience at the Golden Key piano school. The teachers are highly…read moreadaptive and well-versed in teaching methods. Their rigorous hiring process ensures that only the most suitable candidates are hired. While their emphasis is on the Russian method, they are able to tailor their teaching to individual students' needs. Not only are their abilities versatile, but their personalities as well. I find that incredibly valuable considering each individual students' personalities may coordinate better with a given teacher based on their similarities or differences. Thus, they are truly able to accommodate students' individual characters. They provide ample assistance in certification preparation, work outside of the classroom, and music choices. They constantly encourage students to do their homework to ensure its completion and therefore the students' improvement. Their philosophy is that "[they are] being paid to teach. Thus, you practice on your own time." Katrin, the owner and my daughters' teacher, is truly wonderful. She is both patient and firm when necessary. She encourages students to focus in unique ways that promote creativity. She has helped my daughter work with many methods through mastering different songs. The institution itself has one individual and one duet performance a year, as well as one top ten performance. Also, they sometimes host an animal-based recital where the song performed has to be related to animals. The children wear animal costumes. There are other recitals, as well. Therefore, there is diversity within the themes of these recitals. I am grateful to the school and the community of peers and families I have met through Katrin and the Golden Key piano school, and I am especially thankful for all of the knowledge and experience my daughter has gained throughout her time with this remarkable institution.

I have an autistic son. My mom called and asked if they would take him as a student, they said yes,…read moreto do a trial lesson and if he passed they would take him. I took him and he "passed" his trial lesson. The next time we went over, my four year old wanted to sit on the instructor's lap. She refused several times, which confused him because at home I let him practice while sitting on my lap. Finally she allowed him to sit on her lap for maybe 3-4 minutes and then told him he had to sit on the bench. Later, my son wanted to copy something we did at home, wrote the names of the keys on the keyboard with an expo marker (those wipe off easily with alcohol). The teacher said absolutely not, took the expo marker from him. So my son started crying. While he was crying, the teacher was lecturing me on keeping the piano clean and neat, and to focus on just two keys. She wanted to show him fat cat, but he was so upset he just kept crying. At one point he said he wanted to play the birthday song, the teacher's response, "It's not your birthday." There were zero accommodations or open mindedness when it came to my son. Then she was lecturing me about how I overwhelmed him by introducing all the keys. He's autistic. Lectures don t go well. Finally, it was time to leave. She wrote the fat cat song down and was talking to him while he was crying so he cried louder. When we left the individual room, the owner was outside the door and told us that my four year old son's crying was bothering the other students. She said this in front of my son, he understands. And she said that if he cried again next time, he would no longer be allowed to take classes there. I told her we don't want to bother anyone, we will never stay somewhere we are not welcome. And that based on what she said we didn't need to come back a third time and deal with the rigid instructor we were assigned. 1 thing: I was under the impression the individual rooms were soundproof, I guess they're not. 2nd: four year olds cry. He's not a robot. 3rd: getting irritated and threatening to kick us of the school while giving me negative feedback on my son should not have been done in his presence. If you come to this school expect to be treated with coldness and harshness. Unless you're perfect. Definitely not a place for neurodivergent kids. Expensive as heck. The very same day a found a wonderful piano instructor who will work with neurodivergent kids. We met him today and he made us feel welcomed and valued as human beings. The complete opposite of how we were treated at golden key piano school. I asked for a receipt, I got an unofficial email that I was forced to accept. Heartless. Lacks humanity, basic decency and kindness toward a child with special needs that they accepted only to humiliate him on our way out. I hope this school goes bankrupt for hurting me and my child the way they did. Not one ounce of tactfulness or kindness. I wish I had never set foot in their "perfect" school that only accepts "perfect" people. You can shove your school up your nose. One day my son will be a great pianist, in spite of his disability. And I hope you see him in concert you judgemental, rigid jerks. Please don't support this school. And to the teachers grow the hell up. You're dealing with humans not robots.

Amy taught my daughter and, now that she's left for college, Amy is teaching me! (By zoom, per my…read morepreference -- Amy will see you in person but this is so easy.) Amy is great with never-ever beginners of any age but also with adult returnees like me. There is so much I've forgotten since my childhood lessons, and so much I never learned in the first place. Amy has such breadth and depth as a musician combined with terrific flexibility as a teacher. Whatever kind of music interests you she can help you develop - classic-classical, jazz/blues, pop, improv/composition, you name it. Meanwhile Amy will help you build your musicality and, importantly, also a sturdy foundation -- Amy's music theory chops are as strong as her playing (she gigs professionally) and pedagogical skills. I now have a repertoire I really enjoy and am proud of, while I continue to advance my skills and understanding of music. I recommend Amy without reservation, for all ages and skill levels!

Amy is an accomplished music instructor and built a good foundation for my child with the piano. We…read morestarted lessons with Amy over two years ago when our child was in second grade. She always loved her lessons with Amy and came home with new skills and songs to practice.

I started working with Adrienne nearly 4.5 years ago because I wanted to liberate my voice. I knew…read morethat the resonance I carried inside of me didn't match my external expression. What I felt within, I wanted to be able to share with others. And now, having worked across both the technical aspects of vocalization through Western music, and the emotion and connection to the Divine through Persian music, my capacity to express what I feel now matches. My expression is more fluid, expansive and clear. I'm grateful not just for Adrienne's technical mastery and ability to translate complex skills into tangible changes in my body, but more importantly for the invitation she creates through loving presence and laughter to bring forth heart -- in myself and others. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Adrienne (whether in person at her studio or remotely via Zoom). She has helped me transform my relationship to my voice, and what I'm capable of expressing -- and for these lifelong gifts I'm grateful!

Listened to an amazing concert by Adrienne tonight. Wow!…read more Her instrumental accompanying of her wonderful voice is sublime. I can't wait to be able to see her perform in person. Shout out to the F&S Freight At Home Series!

I have been taking piano lessons with Ernie for a few years now and I'd highly recommend him as a…read moreteacher, especially if you are beginning to learn an instrument in adulthood as I have. He's very knowledgable, insightful, and most importantly, a very supportive and friendly instructor. He's also full of stories from a life lived in music and has a helpful anecdote for every occasion. Ernie is always reliable and punctual about lesson dates and times but always understanding if I need to reschedule, given the proper notice in accordance with his posted policies. I look forward to continuing my lessons with Ernie and I'm grateful for his instruction.

I have known Ernie for about 5 years. His passion is music and he is very talented! When I hear…read moreErnie play, I get goose bumps. He knows how to hit the notes that create emotion. I like his music a lot. Ernie shares his talent with people of all ages. He teaches piano, guitar, flute and clarinet. He also helps people learn composition and arranging. It is never to late to learn a musical instrument! And with Ernie as a teacher, you will have a lot of fun too!

Ellen is talented, patient and fun! I never would have thought that I'd enjoy piano lessons so…read moremuch. You will look forward to your next lesson. Thanks Ellen.

I'd been playing piano off and on for a long time, but I hadn't taken private lessons in many…read moreyears. After I retired and had more time to practice, I wanted to take lessons again. I specifically wanted to work on my jazz playing. I'd heard Ellen play a number of times over the years and was impressed by how well she plays jazz as well as many other musical styles. When I started lessons with her, I was very pleased by how quickly Ellen assessed my skills and knowledge. She is a gifted teacher and has been able to seamlessly tailor her instructional approach to me and what I want to learn. I am very happy that Ellen does not use a 'one size fits all' teaching approach! (I've unfortunately encountered that in the past.) Soon after I began lessons with Ellen, an opportunity came up to take the vocal duo I'm in to the next level. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ellen also does vocal coaching and helps vocal and instrumental groups enhance the arrangements they've developed. I'm thrilled that one teacher can help me with all my disparate musical interests and endeavors, and that it's no problem for Ellen to roll with it when I want to do a 180 and switch to something totally different from what we were last working on. I am grateful to have found such a flexible and student-centered teacher!

Tutu school has been great for bringing my 5 yo out of her shell. Love the flexibility too!read more

Had an amazing time for our first class ! Ms Allie is great with the children and truly makes them…read morefeel like little fairies. My daughter loves her class and had learned soo much in just two sessions so far

I had a great experience taking Ryk's beginner ukulele class online with my brother-in-law and his…read moresister. We were all in different cities, along with other families joining from different places, and it still felt fun, connected, and easy to follow. Ryk is a great teacher who made learning approachable and enjoyable. I even unlocked a skill I've wanted my whole life, being able to play and sing at the same time! Thank you, Ryk. His classes are a great value and I highly recommend Ryk's Uke Class to anyone wanting to start playing ukulele or grow the skills they already have.

Ryk is a wonderful ukulele teacher! I highly recommend his class if you're looking to improve your…read moreuke skills. I took his virtual class during the pandemic and learned chords that I was previously afraid to play (hello flat keys!), expanding my ability to really play any song. At the time, I was teaching music classes to a group of preschoolers, and improving my own uke skills helped me have a tool to teach the kids. Thank you, Ryk! Even though the pandemic is over, I would still recommend the online class. Ryk has a clever setup with two cameras that's very effective for learning.