Learn Piano

Premium Piano Lessons in NYC

With Jonathan Baker

Expressing Yourself in Music

Piano students at the Baker Piano Studio are motivated adult amateur pianists, eager to express themselves through music.

Some students are at an intermediate level and are taking their playing to the next level, while others are beginner pianists looking to express their artistic potential and personal growth.

Whatever your skill level, the joy of making music is everyone's birthright, and it is never too late to realize your musical potential!

Lessons are designed for busy adults who are eager to express their musical potential.

What You Learn

Person playing a grand piano, dressed in a dark sweater with rolled-up shirt sleeves, with a watch on their wrist.

TECHNIQUE

Learn how you can develop articulation of the fingers and acquire speed, flexibility, strength, and poise.

Golden musical notes and symbols flowing across a dark red background with sparkling effects.

EXPRESSION

Discover how you can express yourself by developing musical devices such as rubato, dynamic touch control from very soft to large sonorities, and tonal production.

Person in a red long sleeve shirt reading sheet music while sitting at a wooden table with an acoustic guitar and a capo.

MUSIC THEORY

Learn how music is made with chords, scale patterns, and form. This makes your learning easier, faster, and more secure.

Close-up view of a piano pedal board with a person's foot pressing one pedal, on a red carpet.

PEDALING

The pedals are powerful levers that enable you to play with a vast array of tonal colors and enhance your playing with the richness of sonority.

Child playing piano with sheet music open on the stand.

SIGHT-READING

Sight-reading can be learned with the simple and effective techniques taught at the Baker Piano Studio. Sight-reading is a useful skill for every pianist!

A blackboard with the words 'Goal Setting' written at the top and the acronym SMART with colorful tiles for each letter. The words next to each letter are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

SUCCESS

Learn how to achieve your goals with practice methods that get results, rather than wandering in circles going nowhere. Knowing how to practice is essential for your Success.

About Jonathan

An older man playing a grand piano, smiling and enjoying the music.

A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, B.M., M.M., Jonathan Baker made his orchestral debut performing the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto in C minor with the San Diego Symphony, and has performed hundreds of times and taught hundreds of piano students for over thirty-five years.

Among his teachers were the concert pianists Florence Stephenson, Adele Marcus, and Wladimir Jan Kochanski. A winner of the Pennington International Competition and the Ceravalo Prize for excellence in the performance of J.S. Bach, Jonathan performed in masterclasses with John Browning and Earl Wild. Read more...

Advantages of

Private Lessons

Personalized Attention ・Insightful Feedback ・Engaging

Private piano lessons are more effective than any app at providing personalized attention, insightful feedback, and an engaging learning experience, making your learning journey more enjoyable and, ultimately, more successful.

Black and white yin-yang symbol with a glossy finish on a black background.

FLEXIBILITY

Apps are pre-programmed, but you are not a machine!

As a teacher with extensive experience, I tailor lessons to your individuality and needs.

A person holding a lit lightbulb with a glowing filament against a dark background.

SOLUTIONS

Every pianist faces unique challenges. I offer practical solutions to your specific questions-something no app can do. This can save you months or even years of frustration searching online.

Close-up of two people playing a piano together, with one person's hand and wristwatch visible as they press piano keys.

HAND POSITIONS

Apps cannot correct wrong hand positions that frequently undermine a student's progress. I will quickly resolve that issue to ensure you are guided responsibly forward.

Close-up of a woman with blue eyes smiling, holding her fingers near her eye in a peace sign gesture

VISIBILITY

A real teacher can see you as a person and appreciate you for the artist you are. A good teacher can anticipate your future development, providing inspiration, innovative possibilities, and moral support.

Hand holding a paper sign with the word 'CHOICE' in front of a blackboard with colorful chalk arrows pointing in different directions.

YOUR CHOICES

Unlike any app, a knowledgeable teacher can illustrate the many choices of musical expression available that are impossible for any app.

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music". — Billy Joel

In-Person & Online Lessons

Two men at a piano, one playing and the other pointing at sheet music, in a room with a bookshelf and a mirror.

A man is smiling while looking at a laptop that shows a young girl playing the piano, with sheet music and books on a piano in the background.

Portrait of a smiling woman with natural black hair, wearing a black blazer and hoop earrings, standing in front of a light-colored curtain.

“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 Prize for History, National Book Award for History

Three people standing together inside a church or chapel, dressed in formal attire, with an ornate altar and religious artwork in the background.

"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

Close-up portrait of a smiling man with short dark hair, glasses, and light skin, wearing a light-colored shirt.

“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

An elderly woman with long white hair wearing red sunglasses and a blue shirt standing outdoors in front of greenery.

“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

A smiling man with short hair wearing a black shirt, sitting in an indoor setting with lamps and decor in the background.

“I cannot think of anyone today who knows more about the piano and its methods of instruction 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 are 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.” — Daniel Shigo, The Art of Bel Canto

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 via the B/C, 1, 2, and 3 subway lines. Located on one of Manhattan’s most beautiful streets, the area hosts dozens of restaurants and coffeehouses.

The Baker Piano Studio is spacious and comfortable, and possesses a well-maintained grand piano and a fully stocked piano music library.

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.

CONTACT