Piano Lessons for Kids
Upper West Side NYC
The Baker Piano Studio is renowned for its high standards and professional excellence, carefully mentoring younger pianists aged 6 to 18, from complete beginner to advanced levels.
Located at 31 West 69th Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, we are conveniently close to numerous private and public schools and are easily accessible by all types of public transportation.
Piano lessons are offered in a welcoming, structured learning environment where students receive personalized, supportive guidance every step of the way. Your child will explore a diverse range of piano styles, making the learning journey both enjoyable and enriching.
As each student gains mastery of the piano keyboard, they gain confidence and a sense of achievement that enhances their educational journey.
“David started piano lessons with Mr. Baker four years ago, and he is now playing pieces by Chopin and Beethoven with impressive command. I think it has been very good for him because he takes pride in his skill at the piano. Mr. Baker’s methods have instilled good study habits in David, and that made all the difference.”
Michael Adelski
“We had a wonderful experience at Baker Piano Studio. My 8-year-old simply loved his teacher, Mr. Baker, and always looked forward to his classes. Mr. Baker is extremely patient with kids and teaches in a fun way so that lessons and home practice never feel stressful. I am so glad we found him, and through his lessons my child developed a love for playing piano.”
Rashmi Jha, M.D.
“Our daughter looks forward to her piano lessons as the high point in her week. Jonathan’s approach is balanced and thorough, and I know her education would be incomplete without her music lessons. Interesting music is always selected, and Jonathan is attentive to guiding Jennifer’s musicianship as well.”
Jason Wright
“Jonathan Baker is a true Maestro. He is a master pianist and a master music teacher, and he 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.”
Katherine Lawhead
What Your Child Learns
Good posture and correct hand positions.
Reading music notation, rhythm and harmony.
Sight-reading.
A variety of musical styles.
Using publications of Faber or ABRSM.
Learning effective practice habits.
How to problem-solve independently.
• Cultivating a lifelong love of music!
As students improve their reading skills and technical abilities, they become more confident and adaptable when learning more challenging pieces. We focus on short-term goals that lead to long-term growth. In lessons, students discover effective ways to practice and leave feeling inspired and ready for their next step.
To protect children from the traumatic stress of formal piano recitals, I instead host piano duet sessions for students of similar grade levels whenever possible. This cheerful and welcoming setting creates a more supportive social environment.
About the Teacher
Jonathan Baker, a Manhattan School of Music graduate with B.M. and M.M., has performed and taught hundreds of piano students for over 35 years to students of all ages and skill levels. A dedicated teacher, he has extensive knowledge of teaching strategies to support each student’s goals and challenges.
He studied with Florence Stephenson, a renowned chamber music specialist at the University of Southern California. Additional studies with concert pianist, Wladimir Jan Kochanski, a student of the legendary Rosina Lhevinne, who passed her methods to him.
Mr. Baker made his orchestral debut at 16, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto in C minor with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. He studied with Adele Marcus of Juilliard before earning his Master’s at the Manhattan School of Music, winning the Pennington International Competition, receiving the Ceravalo Prize for J.S. Bach, and taking masterclasses with John Browning and Earl Wild.
Baker Piano Studio
31 West 69th Street, NY, NY, 10023
Situated in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, just steps from Central Park, the Baker Piano Studio provides a welcoming environment that makes learning both enjoyable and productive.
Close to subway stations: 1 / 9 / 2 / 3 / B / C.
This location is perfect for easy travel, and you'll find plenty of charming coffee shops and restaurants right in the neighborhood, making it a convenient and delightful spot to visit.
