CLASSICAL and JAZZ PIANO, COMPOSITION AND MUSIC THEORY LESSONS
Private lessons include jazz and classical piano, music theory, and composition, with special emphasis on improvisation and the creative process. While providing instruction in standard classical and jazz repertoire, lessons also focus on nurturing the students’ creative relationship with their instrument.
*All levels and ages are welcome. Since 2008, I have taught private lessons to a variety of ages, from age 4 to adult.
*Reasonable rates and flexible scheduling are offered.
*I teach in my Arlington Center studio (Arlington, MA), and can also teach at students' homes.
*Background: MFA degree in Music Composition and Theory from Brandeis University; BA degree in Music from Tufts University (summa cum laude). I have played piano in jazz bands, and I have sung with Chorus pro Musica and Cantelina. I am the Music Theory and Composition faculty member at Powers Music School (Belmont, MA); previously I taught classes at Tufts University’s Community Music Program. My compositions have been performed throughout the United States, and in France and Spain. I am a member of NEPTA (New England Piano Teachers' Association).
Please contact me on the "Contact" page.
Recommendations:
"Rebecca is always gentle and encouraging. I have enjoyed seeing her teach my sons so much that I suggested she try a mini-lesson with my youngest son who is four who has a larger interest than my older sons. He is enjoying his lessons tremendously and always races to the piano for his turn. I also have asked her to teach me. Although I am actually using my sons' piano books (to keep up with them!), my lesson is completely different and she has a way of finding my weaknesses immediately and promptly makes suggestions for improvement. In short, I am extremely happy about finding a teacher as wonderful as Rebecca and would heartily recommend her as a piano teacher." –Parent of 7 year-old twin students
"Rebecca has been teaching my sons for the past 5 years, beginning when they were in the 3rd grade. She has nurtured their love of music, and has guided them to find what style of music is most enjoyable to them, and has then tailored their lessons around those interests. She is extremely flexible to work with, and strives to find the right fit for her students, in terms of structure and timing of her piano lessons. She has a genuine interest in my sons' activities and interests, and has built a strong student-teacher rapport with them." –Parent
"I really enjoy my lessons with Rebecca. When I decided to go back to the piano after a long hiatus, with the goal of learning to play jazz, I was very fortunate to find Rebecca to help guide me along my path. Rebecca's background in composition means that she's thoroughly knowledgeable about jazz theory and she has a terrific ear. She's also patient, kind, and supportive, and most importantly she understands that my goal is not to become a virtuoso player, but just to challenge myself and have fun -- and 2+ years later, I'm still having fun!" –Adult student
"Rebecca has emerged as one of the strongest music majors to attend Tufts in the history of the department. She produced the most integrated and thoroughly conceived piece of intercultural composing that I have experienced in seventeen years on the Tufts University faculty. And while Rebecca's intensity about music is apparent from the get-go, she maintains a sense of humor that works well with her goal to create non-competitive, nurturing teaching situations." –Tufts University music professor
*All levels and ages are welcome. Since 2008, I have taught private lessons to a variety of ages, from age 4 to adult.
*Reasonable rates and flexible scheduling are offered.
*I teach in my Arlington Center studio (Arlington, MA), and can also teach at students' homes.
*Background: MFA degree in Music Composition and Theory from Brandeis University; BA degree in Music from Tufts University (summa cum laude). I have played piano in jazz bands, and I have sung with Chorus pro Musica and Cantelina. I am the Music Theory and Composition faculty member at Powers Music School (Belmont, MA); previously I taught classes at Tufts University’s Community Music Program. My compositions have been performed throughout the United States, and in France and Spain. I am a member of NEPTA (New England Piano Teachers' Association).
Please contact me on the "Contact" page.
Recommendations:
"Rebecca is always gentle and encouraging. I have enjoyed seeing her teach my sons so much that I suggested she try a mini-lesson with my youngest son who is four who has a larger interest than my older sons. He is enjoying his lessons tremendously and always races to the piano for his turn. I also have asked her to teach me. Although I am actually using my sons' piano books (to keep up with them!), my lesson is completely different and she has a way of finding my weaknesses immediately and promptly makes suggestions for improvement. In short, I am extremely happy about finding a teacher as wonderful as Rebecca and would heartily recommend her as a piano teacher." –Parent of 7 year-old twin students
"Rebecca has been teaching my sons for the past 5 years, beginning when they were in the 3rd grade. She has nurtured their love of music, and has guided them to find what style of music is most enjoyable to them, and has then tailored their lessons around those interests. She is extremely flexible to work with, and strives to find the right fit for her students, in terms of structure and timing of her piano lessons. She has a genuine interest in my sons' activities and interests, and has built a strong student-teacher rapport with them." –Parent
"I really enjoy my lessons with Rebecca. When I decided to go back to the piano after a long hiatus, with the goal of learning to play jazz, I was very fortunate to find Rebecca to help guide me along my path. Rebecca's background in composition means that she's thoroughly knowledgeable about jazz theory and she has a terrific ear. She's also patient, kind, and supportive, and most importantly she understands that my goal is not to become a virtuoso player, but just to challenge myself and have fun -- and 2+ years later, I'm still having fun!" –Adult student
"Rebecca has emerged as one of the strongest music majors to attend Tufts in the history of the department. She produced the most integrated and thoroughly conceived piece of intercultural composing that I have experienced in seventeen years on the Tufts University faculty. And while Rebecca's intensity about music is apparent from the get-go, she maintains a sense of humor that works well with her goal to create non-competitive, nurturing teaching situations." –Tufts University music professor