Teacher Directory

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

Amadeus Conservatory of Music, located at 201 King Street in Chappaqua, NY, is a school like no other, inspiring students to achieve excellence in music. Named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — whose music was the pop music of his time — Amadeus offers both classical and contemporary programs. The conservatory provides private one-on-one instruction with professional musicians in voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, harp, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, oboe, flute, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, and drums. Programs include a low-cost Prelude Program for beginners of all ages or adults returning to music, semi-private and small group lessons, a Rock Workshop exploring rock and funk music, early childhood classes for children ages 3-5, and Mini Music Makers classes for babies. The conservatory also hosts a summer Music Theater camp and offers lessons at St. Matthew's Church in Bedford.

Westchester Home Music provides premium, one-on-one in-home music lessons for families who value both excellence and convenience. Their instructors are active professional musicians from the NYC music scene, bringing conservatory-level expertise directly to students' homes. The school offers instruction in piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, viola, cello, double bass, and all major brass and woodwind instruments, as well as composition, harmony, arranging, and music technology. Lessons are available in 30, 45, and 60-minute lengths for both children and adults, covering classical, jazz, contemporary, Broadway, and popular repertoire. Westchester Home Music serves Scarsdale, White Plains, Bronxville, Harrison, Rye, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Pelham, Eastchester, and surrounding Westchester communities, as well as Manhattan's Upper West Side and Upper East Side. The school is a recipient of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Certification of Excellence and offers curated recitals at professional venues.