About Jake Simonds

Piano Teacher in Riverdale and Westchester County

Background

Jake Simonds is a graduate of Indiana University and has been a dedicated piano teacher in Riverdale, the Bronx and Westchester County since 2011. He has helped children, adults, and seniors of all ability levels learn to play piano.

Teaching Approach

Jake believes that students learn best when they enjoy themselves while learning to play the piano. This happens when the teacher adjusts to each student's individual learning style rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Likewise, variety makes learning piano more enjoyable. Many teaching styles force students to spend years playing through a single method book series from the same publisher. While method books are valuable early in the note-reading process, there is much more to playing the piano than method book pieces. There is a rich variety of real, enjoyable piano literature at all levels that students can play to develop their skills. 

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Teaching Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Students

Jake teaches many different styles of music, including Classical, Pop, and Jazz. He believes in providing a well-rounded music education. For beginner piano that includes

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• Getting to know the keyboard 

• The fundamentals of notation and rhythm 

• Habits that develop a strong technique 

• Ear training 

• Pattern recognition 

• Music theory 

• Music appreciation

Most of these same skills are further developed at the intermediate and advanced levels.

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Where do the lessons take place?

In most instances in the student's home.

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