Supportive and encouraging, pianist Jonathan Baker guides students step-by-step toward mastery of the keyboard and musical expression. Jonathan's method as a teacher is to streamline the learning process by removing obstacles and guiding students toward their goals at a natural and unforced pace.

Because every student is unique, each lesson is tailored to the student's individual strengths, challenges, and interests. Musical preferences are incorporated into lessons because students are more likely to practice the music that truly inspires them.

Jonathan Baker provides a solid foundation in keyboard technique and musicianship so that students are empowered to explore any kind of music. Igniting the imagination of students, and providing them with the tools to realize their musical potential is the basis of his teaching method. 

Lessons for Beginners focus on:

• Hand position and fingering
• Music notation
• Dynamics (loudness and softness)
• Rhythm
• Touch (legato, staccato, etc.)
• Chords and arpeggios
• Pedaling
• Phrasing and interpretation

Intermediate Lessons cover:

• Forms of musical composition
• Refining technique
• Phrasing and tempo rubato
• Historical styles
• Improvisation and composition
• Ear training

At all stages of development the student will be shown the most effective methods of learning music, and how to cultivate a healthy balance between creative tension and relaxed poise.

Jonathan Baker has stated;
 
"Learning to play the piano is much more than a hobby - when students learn how to focus their energy and attention to achieve musical goals, they acquire a self-mastery that can be applied to all aspects of their life. The joy of making music is everyone's birthright, and it is never too late to realize your musical potential. Learning to play the piano opens worlds of artistic expression, cultivating self-confidence and personal growth. Making music is one of the few skills that awakens our complete humanity - it is artistic, athletic, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual - all at once!"

BIO:  Jonathan Baker made his debut at the age of 16 with the San Diego
Symphony performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto in C minor.  HIs teachers include Dr. Grace Volkman, a student of Walter Geiseking;  pianist Florence Stephenson at the University of California at San Diego; and concert pianist Wladimir Jan Kochanski, a student of the legendary Mme. Rosina Lhevinne.   Jonathan Baker studied conducting under Maestro Thomas Schippers, principal conductor of the
Metropolitan Opera.  Following his graduation from the Manhattan School of Music, Jonathan Baker won First Prize at the Pennington International Music Competition, and thereafter won the coveted Ceravalo Prize for Excellence in the Performance of the Music of J.S. Bach. In addition to performing as soloist, accompanist, and choral
conductor, Jonathan Baker teaches students of all ages and levels from his music studio near Lincoln Center in New York City.