Where WestchesterPlays Piano

Christie Kanska — an accomplished musician, educator, composer, and recording artist with over 35 years of experience inspiring students of all ages. Christie holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Professional Music (Voice Major) from Berklee College of Music and studied jazz, contemporary music, classical traditions, composition, and performance. She is a Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Certified Teacher and a Steinway Educator. As the founder and director of ZCK Music Academy & Recording Studios, Christie combines professional performance experience with a deep passion for teaching and nurturing creativity. Throughout her career, Christie has taught voice, piano, songwriting, and composition to children, teenagers, and adults, helping students develop strong musical foundations while discovering their own unique artistic voice. Her students have prepared for RCM examinations, performances, auditions, recitals, and creative projects, while also building confidence and a lifelong love for music. Christie’s Teaching Style Christie believes that every student is unique. Her lessons combine technique, creativity, and emotional expression. Students learn not only how to play an instrument or develop their voice, but also how to understand music, express themselves, and connect with the story behind every piece. Her teaching approach includes: Strong foundations in piano and vocal technique Music theory, ear training, rhythm, and harmony Creativity through improvisation and songwriting Performance preparation and confidence building Mindfulness, movement, and musical imagination A personalized curriculum based on each student’s goals and personality What Makes Lessons Special with Christie? A lesson with Christie is more than learning notes — it is an artistic experience. Students are encouraged to explore their imagination, develop discipline, and discover the joy of creating music. With her background as a performer, composer, and recording artist, Christie brings real-world musical experience into every lesson. Students have opportunities to work with professional-level concepts, recording techniques, and creative projects while receiving the care and encouragement of a dedicated mentor. Christie’s goal is to help every student become not only a better musician, but also a more confident, expressive, and inspired person. “Music is a language of the heart. My mission is to help every student find their own voice and share their unique musical story.” — Christie Kanska

Private piano lessons, composition, and theory lessons in Katonah. Lon Kaiser's KCLMS offers a creative approach with pedagogical games, guided improvisation, and ear training in a fun-filled learning environment. Private and hybrid learning plans are available, along with small classes and ensembles for both piano and non-piano oriented learners. The studio emphasizes notation, spatial planning, and creative expression.

Larchmont Music Academy (LMA) was founded in November 1998 by Dr. Steven Huter and Claudia Huter and is located at 2089 Boston Post Road in Larchmont, NY. Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, the Academy has grown from 30 students to nearly 800 students with a faculty of 43 artist teachers. LMA offers private music lessons in piano (jazz and classical), clarinet, flute, oboe, recorder, saxophone, violin, viola, cello (Suzuki and traditional), guitar, bass, ukulele, trumpet, trombone, tuba, french horn, percussion, and voice. Lessons are offered in 30, 45, and 60-minute lengths with approximately 18 lessons per semester. The Academy's ensemble programs include wind ensembles, string ensembles, percussion ensembles, jazz ensembles, flute and string choir, clarinet choir, and the Academy Singers choral ensemble. LMA is a Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program Founding School, and students perform at Carnegie Hall. The school also offers Music For Little Ones classes for young children, intro classes (Intro to Music, Piano, Ukulele, and Violin), beginner ear training, and a summer camp for ages 4 to 5. LMA is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Dani Perito has traveled world wide as a pianist, multi-keyboardist and Musical Director for legendary artist and Grammy award winning singer Gloria Gaynor. Some of the hit songs performed include the greatest disco anthem of all time: “I Will Survive”, as well as “Never Can Say Goodbye”, “I Am What I Am”, and “How High the Moon”. Dani is a musical director, pianist, keyboard player, teacher, guitarist, bass player, composer, arranger, and studio and touring musician. He began his musical career at thirteen years old, spanning five decades and is known as a seasoned and skilled musician. He performed, composed and recorded for numerous bands in the New York Tri-state area including: The Jazz Interactions Big Band on Broadway, Nat Horne Dance Company at Lincoln Center, ICU at CBGB’s, The Bitter End and Max’s Kansas City, and The Long Island University Brooklyn Jazz Orchestra, where he studied for his music degree with honors. Dani has been teaching piano privately in lower Westchester for over 25 years. He believes every one of his students has a unique set of skills and helps them focus on how to become better musicians and people. Some of his students have performed at Carnegie Hall and many have scored perfect or near perfect scores on all NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) performance levels (1-6). His mission is to make music a part of his students lives forever, while teaching them essential reading skills, and how to enjoy, write and create, appreciate and understand all types of music. He loves sharing the joy of music.🎹