Baker Piano Studio
Welcome to piano lessons in New York City and online classes with Jonathan Baker.
I guide adult amateur pianists who are ambitious to realize their musical potential in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Have you ever wanted to fully express your musical feelings and expand the range of your artistic life?
Drawing on decades of professional performing and piano teaching experience, I share the methods that will lead you to greater mastery of the keyboard and musical expression.
Playing the piano opens worlds of artistic expression, cultivating self-confidence and personal growth. Creating music is a truly remarkable skill that unites every facet of our humanity—it is creative, athletic, emotional, and intellectual, all at once!
If you are reading this, you are probably enthusiastic to dive into the piano repertoire and improve your skill with the music you love. The joy of making music is everyone’s birthright, and it is never too late to realize your musical potential!
About me
Having graduated from the Manhattan School of Music, BM and MM, I am excited to share my lifelong journey with over 35 years of teaching and performing experience, and I am dedicated to helping motivated adult students turn their musical dreams into reality by sharing my wealth of practical knowledge and passion.
I have a passion for teaching committed adult amateur pianists who are ambitious to take their playing up to new heights.
My piano students come from diverse backgrounds, including accomplished professionals and students currently in college and conservatory. Others are experienced musicians eager to resolve technical challenges and explore fresh interpretive ideas.
Some piano students are just starting out, while others are eager to reconnect with their childhood music studies, aiming for even greater artistic achievement and personal growth.
All share a common goal: they are keen to unlock their musical potential. I find it incredibly rewarding to support their progress as they pursue their musical dreams.
What you gain
Your goals are of great interest to me. I don’t operate an anonymous piano teaching factory; instead, my focus is on supporting your musical aspirations. With decades of teaching experience, I’m here to help guide you smoothly toward reaching your dreams.
Your music reading skills will improve, including sight-reading, and you’ll gain the confidence to read any music score with ease.
Your hand technique will improve as you gain dexterity, strength, grace, and speed along the way.
Well-designed piano practice strategies help you make the most of your practice time, ensuring you see optimal progress.
And, most importantly, we explore the widest range of musical expression in the music you love. Every piano lesson is an opportunity to shape musical phrases that truly sing, and discover the wonderful color effects of pedaling to make your playing even more capitvating.
I’m excited to share helpful tips on how to memorize music quickly and stress-free so that you can enjoy greater mastery and independence in your playing.
TEACHING METHOD
In a supportive and friendly learning environment, I’m here to help you achieve your musical goals using proven methods that truly work. My approach as a piano teacher is to streamline the learning process by resolving technical obstacles while guiding you toward your musical goals at a natural and unforced pace.
I’ve discovered that a wonderful way to enhance your musical journey is to access two levels at the same time.
Begin by dedicating some time to mastering a beautiful piece of music that genuinely inspires you. It might take around three months to perfect, but you'll feel so proud once you've accomplished it. Also, try writing down your personal wish-list of music pieces you’d love to play in the future. What's that one piece you've always dreamed of playing?
As you work on mastering a challenging piece, you’ll find it incredibly rewarding to explore a series of fun and easy-to-learn pieces that you can finish in just one or two weeks. These small victories not only boost your motivation but also speed up your progress and make the learning experience truly enjoyable.
With the highest levels of professional skill and teaching experience, I provide you with a solid foundation in keyboard technique and musicianship that empowers you to explore any kind of music.
Among the skills you gain;
Learning effective hand positions and fingering
Improved rhythmic control
Exploring a variety of repertoire
Sight-Reading
Phrasing and interpretation
Pedaling
IT’S ABOUT YOU
Because every student is unique, each piano lesson is tailored to your individual strengths, challenges, and interests. Your musical preferences are incorporated into piano lessons because you are more likely to practice with enthusiasm the music that truly inspires you.
My goal is to help you enjoy the journey of improving your music reading skills, strengthening your technique, and developing effective practice strategies that transform you into an independent musical artist. Most importantly, I want you to have fun discovering and growing along the way!
Igniting the imagination of students and providing you with the tools to realize your highest potential is the basis of my teaching.
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“I started piano lessons at age five and stopped cold at age twelve. With great sensitivity, patience, and creativity, Jonathan Baker helped me get back on track as a pianist after decades away from the instrument. From our first lesson, his warm manner and courtesy put me at ease. He has taken my aspirations seriously and encouraged me while creating the appropriate program to develop my skills. Working with Mr. Baker has been a delight.”
Annette Gordon-Reed — Pulitzer for History, National Book Award for History
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I cannot think of anyone today who knows more about the piano and the methods used to teach it than Jonathan Baker. A life-long student who made his debut with the San Diego Symphony, Jonathan is thorough, kind, patient, and—above all—practical: meeting you where you and giving you the tools to get where you want to go, whether that is playing for your own pleasure or as a professional. I highly recommend him.
Shigo Voice Studio: The Art of Bel Canto
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"Jonathan Baker is a true Maestro. He is a master pianist and a master music teacher and taught our son George Erich. He is a great person who is patient, kind, and incredibly dedicated to his students. His love of piano and music is a true gift."
Birgit Gill
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“I've had many music teachers, from private lessons to college professors, but your methods rank the highest. Your ability to articulate solutions, remain patient, and provide positive feedback makes the learning process successful. It's rare to find someone with great playing and teaching ability.”
Stephen Cho
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“I had never played piano before. After two years, I could play my favorite tunes. Jonathan is a great teacher and gives one hundred percent to his students. Lessons are always a pleasure, and I am forever grateful to Jonathan for helping me follow my dream. I do personally recommend him. He is the best piano teacher.”
Jana Casas
Q&A
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Piano lessons in New York City and online classes are once a week. In some cases, busy professionals may have lessons every other week.
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Online classes and piano lessons in New York City are available in two options: 60 minutes and 45 minutes.
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All adult age groups from teens up through seniors are welcome for piano lessons.
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Beginners should be able to practice for 30 minutes daily. Intermediate through advanced pianists should be able to commit to practicing the same length of time as their lessons.
The Baker Piano Studio
In-person piano lessons are held at my teaching studio on West 69th Street, steps from Central Park, and are easily accessible by the subway lines: B/C, 1, 2, and 3.
Online Piano Lessons are available to students worldwide, including those in the United States, Asia, and Europe. If you are interested in making the most of online lessons, this helpful link provides an excellent guide to get you started.
The Baker Piano Studio is constantly in demand, and I can accept only a limited number of students. To inquire about available time slots, please don't hesitate to contact me.
