First, consider this -- different people learn different aspects of piano playing at different speeds. In over three decades of teaching I have almost never seen a student learn each aspect of playing at the same rate. This is because music involves several different types of intelligences (seven to be exact) and everyone has a natural head-start in a couple of these, while one or more intelligence has typically been under-developed or nearly avoided. Secondly, we all carry lots of “baggage” that encourages us to compare ourself with other piano players. 9 times out of 10 these comparisons will leave feeling frustrated and disempowered. When you compassionately uncover these unconscious patterns you will be amazed at how much easier it is to practice with creativity and clarity.

Compared to other activities that will further your well-being such as bodywork, skiing instruction, or therapy, piano lessons are a good value. Students generally feel much more alive when they’re really getting into their playing and feel like they are expressing something very essential about who they really are. From an academic standpoint, the improvement in students’ skills in foreign languages, mathematics, and fine motor coordination are well documented. Making music with other people who you would not likely be in contact with is still another perk of furthering your musical skills. Lastly, students frequently notice how their musical creativity spills over into other aspects of their daily lives. All in all, piano lessons with an experienced coach is a true bargain!

• ALL LEVELS Taught
  • from beginners to pros
    
    
• ALL STYLES Covered
  • jazz / classical / Latin / blues / gospel / funk / pop / rock / 'new age' / free improvisation
    
    
• ALL SKILLS Enhanced
  • stress-free technique / improvisation / reading (note & chord notation) / theory / ear-training / songwriting

"Smolens is highly knowledgeable not only of jazz, but classical music,
and the music of many cultures, both instrumentally and vocally.
This, combined with his gifts of organization, focus,
and patience, make him an exceptional
teacher and educator..."

-- David Babich (clarinetist, vocalist, composer/arranger, recording artist)

 

"I always felt like I had learned something new with each lesson and was capable of learning even more -
he really nurtured the Spirit of the Student in me!..."

-- Dave Florey (pianist)