Teacher Directory

The Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) is a nonprofit community music school founded in 1929, making it one of the oldest and most distinguished music institutions in Westchester County. Legendary cellist Pablo Casals was among its founders, and jazz legend Cab Calloway once served on its board. Located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY, MCW serves 2,800 students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The Conservatory is one of only sixteen non-degree-granting schools nationwide to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. MCW offers private lessons in piano, jazz piano, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, voice, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, drums, concert percussion, classical guitar, jazz guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, and ukulele. Programs include group classes, a Suzuki program, early childhood classes, music production, summer programs, performing ensembles, a Theater Arts Prep Program, the Music Therapy Institute for children and adults with disabilities, and Healing Our Heroes providing music therapy services to U.S. military veterans. MCW's Scholarship Program provides need-based tuition assistance for financially deserving students. The Conservatory's Recording Studio, Technology Lab, and Piano Lab, completed in 2022, provide state-of-the-art facilities for the next generation of music-makers. MCW also offers lifelong learning for adults, community outreach programs, and free community performances.

Founded in 1944 by pianist Virginia Hoff and composer Joyce Barthelson, Hoff-Barthelson Music School is one of the most respected community music schools in the country, serving Westchester County and the New York tri-state area. Located at 25 School Lane in Scarsdale, NY, the school offers individualized music lessons and performance training for children, teens, and adults. Their distinguished faculty includes many who also perform and teach at top conservatories and stages in New York City and beyond. The curriculum features personalized private instruction in over 20 instruments and voice, classroom study in theory, composition, and improvisation, a renowned Suzuki program (piano, violin, viola, cello, and guitar), youth orchestras, chamber music, and extensive performance opportunities including recitals, festivals, workshops, and master classes with renowned guest artists. The school also offers a Summer Arts Program, an Honors Program for gifted students selected through auditions, and an adult program with lessons in classical, jazz, and popular music styles. HBMS alumni have gone on to attend leading conservatories and universities including Juilliard, Eastman, Yale, Columbia, Harvard, and NYU.

The Muzic Store, celebrating 43 years in business, is Westchester's largest music complex, located at 39 Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Housed within a historical theater space of 10,000 square feet along the Hudson River, the Muzic Store offers a diverse selection of musical instruments and professional sound equipment, music lessons for children and adults, professional sound installation, instrument repairs and luthier services, and a professional recording studio. Music lessons are available starting at $50 per 30-minute session, with instruction in guitar, piano, voice, drums, oboe, saxophone, violin, viola, trumpet, and other instruments. The store also features Riverworks Recording Studio, a professional recording studio established in 1988 and designed by renowned architect and acoustician John Storyk, who designed the famous Electric Lady Studios built by Jimi Hendrix. The Muzic Store has proudly served Westchester County and beyond for over 40 years.

The Music School of Westchester (MSW) was founded in 1983 and has since become one of the finest music institutions in Westchester County, having taught thousands of students from both the local community and more than 50 other countries. MSW combines the best features of American and European music education, offering professional instruction to children and adults in all instruments as well as theory, composition, voice, and acting. The school provides individual instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, string double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, recorder, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, electric bass guitar, banjo, percussion, xylophone, voice, composition, music theory, and songwriting. Programs include individual lessons, complimentary group classes including theory and ensemble classes, pre-school programs such as Wee Boogie Woogie (3-4 years old), Introduction to Instruments (4-5 year olds), and Piano Group Class (5-6 year olds), music therapy and healing, music production, summer programs, and adult classes including Adult Piano Group, Adult Voice Ensemble, and Music Appreciation. The school also offers entertainment services for birthday parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and anniversaries.

Crestwood Music Education Center, established in 1987 and now located at 870 Scarsdale Ave in Scarsdale, NY, is a premier music school in the heart of Westchester County. With a world-class faculty, Crestwood offers tailored one-on-one lessons for a variety of instruments to over 600 students, from toddlers to professionals. The school provides instruction in piano, voice, strings (guitar, violin, viola, cello), woodwinds, brass, guitar, and percussion/drums. Crestwood also offers exciting programs including early education, Suzuki, music theory classes, instrumental ensembles, chamber orchestra, and rock/jazz groups. The school offers lessons both in-person and online, and provides a free trial lesson for new students. With over 35 years of excellence, Crestwood Music Education Center has built a reputation for quality music education in Westchester County.

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

Music in Chappaqua has been educating musical minds since 1993, celebrating over 33 years of excellence. Located at 225 North Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua, NY, the school is dedicated to inspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels through personalized instruction, creative programs, and expert guidance from accomplished teachers. Music in Chappaqua offers lessons across a wide range of instruments including piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele, drums, oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and an early childhood program. The school also offers rock workshops and has been honored with its own day — May 17th was declared Music in Chappaqua Day by the Westchester County Legislator. Students have gone on to attend Berklee College of Music and have achieved 100% on NYSSMA piano evaluations. The school serves music students in Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Armonk, Briarcliff Manor, Millwood, and Northern Westchester.

Mike Risko Music School, located at 144 Croton Avenue in Ossining, NY, has been the go-to music destination in the community for nearly three decades. The school houses a music school, a retail music store, instrument repair and rental services, and offers musical entertainment. Their experienced and educated staff strive to develop the musical skills and talents of their students through private lessons, classes, workshops, and frequent recitals. Mike Risko Music provides top-quality instruments, rentals, repairs, and music lessons on all instruments and voice for all ages and levels. Offerings include musical theater and rock band programs, and the school is home to the Mike Risko Band. Committed to their community, they support local organizations with live music events and revitalize used instruments through their Musical Instrument Donation Program. Private lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly sessions on guitar, bass, piano, drums, voice, violin, viola, cello, flute, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. They also offer Intro to Piano for Pre-K children ages 3-4, and group classes including Rock Band Workshop, Jazz Band Workshop, Vocal Performance Workshop, and Classical Workshop.

The Music Academy of Westchester has been serving the Westchester community since 1996, providing flexible in-home and online music lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels. Located in New Rochelle, NY, the academy offers instruction in guitar, voice, singing, piano, drums, bass, clarinet, saxophone, violin, flute, and ukulele. The academy provides personalized lesson packages including Gold (8 sessions), Platinum (12 sessions), and Diamond (20 sessions) options, allowing students to choose the package that best fits their musical journey. Gift certificates are available starting at $50. The academy serves Pelham Manor, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye, Scarsdale, Harrison, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Eastchester, and surrounding Westchester communities.

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.🎹

Scott Pollack is a full-time piano teacher and performer based in Tuckahoe, NY, with 20 years of teaching experience and extensive online teaching expertise. He offers in-home and online piano lessons for all levels, patiently tailored to each student's individual needs so that they can learn at their own pace. No two students are ever taught the same way — Scott individualizes lessons to each student's goals and learning style. He teaches children, teens, adults, and seniors, covering all musical genres with beginners welcome. Scott serves Yonkers, Edgemont, Hastings, Mamaroneck, Poughkeepsie, Tarrytown, Beacon, and surrounding areas, offering both virtual and in-home scheduling to fit busy schedules. His teaching philosophy emphasizes that learning to play the piano should be enjoyable, and he helps students discover the many cognitive and emotional benefits of playing music.

Dave Long is a pianist, composer, and piano teacher serving Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, and Orange Counties in New York. He began his musical studies with percussion and drum set in elementary school, later expanding to piano, guitar, and music theory. As an undergraduate at Boston University, he studied piano, music theory, music history, ear training, and sight singing, and participated in jazz ensembles. He also studied music theory and conducting at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. For the past decade, Dave has studied with world-class pianist and teacher Seymour Bernstein, professor at New York University and the subject of the 2014 documentary 'Seymour: An Introduction' directed by Ethan Hawke. Dave is a member of the Music Teacher's National Association (MTNA) and offers in-home piano lessons covering classical, jazz, and improvisation.

Drummer, composer, and piano player offering in-home lessons in the Somers area through PINW. Gregg has been teaching and playing music since graduating from Purchase College with a BFA in Music Composition, after starting out in the Percussion Performance program. His diverse musical background brings a unique perspective to piano instruction, with strengths in composition, jazz, and popular music.

The Harrison School of Music is one of the largest and fastest growing music schools in Westchester County, New York. Founded in 2011, the school has taught music to thousands of families across Harrison, Rye, Mamaroneck, White Plains, Scarsdale, Rye Brook, Port Chester, and Purchase. They offer private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, flute, saxophone, clarinet, and drums for students of all ages, starting as young as five. The school features a team of world-class teachers, a top-notch facility on Halstead Avenue in Harrison, and a friendly office staff. They implement a Family Safety Plan including glass windows on lesson rooms, full-time office staff, extensive background checks, security cameras, and an open-door policy for parents. Both in-person and virtual lesson options are available, with lessons offered seven days a week on a month-to-month basis. Free, all-inclusive recitals are provided for all students.

A modern approach to music education in Croton-on-Hudson. CHMA offers personalized piano lessons based on each student's interests, objectives, and needs. With a perfect mixture of goal-oriented curriculums and interest-based exploration, their intention is for students to challenge themselves with guidance every step of the way. The academy serves students of all ages and skill levels.

Brendan O'Keefe is an experienced piano teacher who has been teaching piano to all ages in Scarsdale, Edgemont, New Rochelle, and Manhattan for decades. He offers in-home piano lessons as well as remote lessons via Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype, providing flexibility for students with busy schedules. Brendan's teaching approach is patient and individualized, focusing on each student's unique goals and learning style. He works with students of all levels, from beginners to advanced players, covering a wide range of musical styles. His decades of experience have made him a trusted piano instructor in the Westchester community.

Northern Westchester Music School, located in Yorktown Heights, NY, offers private music instruction for all ages, levels, styles, and instruments. The school has multiple piano teachers on staff and accepts new enrollments at any time. Students can sign up for individual lessons tailored to their specific needs and musical interests. The school serves the Northern Westchester communities including Yorktown Heights, Yorktown, Somers, South Salem, and surrounding areas, providing quality music education in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Eugene's Music & Learning Studio, located at 603 North Main Street in Port Chester, NY, offers private music lessons in-home, in-studio, and online, as well as Early Childhood and group classes in fully equipped studios. Voted Best Music Instructor by Best of Port Chester Awards in 2022, the studio serves families throughout Greenwich and Westchester County. Eugene's offers instruction for all ages and all instruments, from babies in music-and-movement classes to adults returning to music, teaching voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings, winds, and more. Their professional musicians are also caring mentors who customize lessons to fit each student's personality, goals, and learning style. Students shine in supportive recitals, from local showcases to prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. The studio offers flexible options including in-studio, in-home, or online lessons with easy scheduling, available seven days a week.

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.

Christie Kanska is a pianist, vocalist, and music educator based in Yonkers, NY, offering piano and voice lessons at ZCK Music Academy & Recording Studios, located at 34 Hillcrest Ave in Yonkers. Christie offers individually structured piano lessons for each student, from beginners through advanced, based on the curriculum of major conservatories. She also offers voice teaching and vocal coaching. Along with her teaching, Christie performs with the ZCK Jazz Quartet and is involved in music production, recording, songwriting, and original composition through ZCK Music Production, founded by Zdenek Kansky. The ZCK Music Academy also hosts the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, open to artists of any nationality, state, or country of residence.

School of Rock Briarcliff Manor, located at 127 Woodside Ave in Briarcliff Manor, NY, offers a revolutionary music program providing one-on-one lessons and group band practices for students of all ages and skill levels. School of Rock's piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the Briarcliff Manor area and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the piano. The school's performance-based approach combines individual lessons with group rehearsals, culminating in live performances at real venues. Programs include keys, vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, with lessons available Monday through Thursday from 2 PM to 8 PM.

Mount Vernon School of Music offers expert music education for all ages, specializing in piano, voice, and instrumental lessons. The school provides instruction in a variety of musical styles including jazz, classical, pop, gospel, and worship/praise, with qualified teachers who specialize in each area of music. The school offers programs including Piano for Kids, Guitar for Youth, and Drums for All, with regular recital performances including spring recitals and holiday recitals. The school promises to treat students and families with care and respect, provide their best in instruction, return calls and emails in a timely and professional manner, be on time, listen to concerns and try to solve problems, and be there for their students. Homeschool music classes are also available.

Concordia Conservatory, located at 171 White Plains Road in Bronxville, NY, is a community music school offering comprehensive music programs designed to nurture and develop musical talent at every age and skill level. The Conservatory welcomes all students in Westchester and Fairfield counties and the surrounding areas, with scholarships available to help make music education accessible to everyone. Programs include private lessons in bass, bassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, guitar, mandolin, oboe, percussion, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, ukulele, viola, violin, and voice, as well as songwriting and composition. The Conservatory also offers an Academy Pre-College honors program, A Capella Ensemble, chamber music, college and career advisement, early childhood music and Suzuki programs, jazz ensemble, musical theatre, music/art/movement therapy, music theory, rock band, and summer programs. Lessons are offered as private, semi-private, and group instruction throughout the academic year (32 weeks) and private instruction during summer (6 weeks). First-time students are interviewed by Executive Director Kathleen Suss to ensure the best placement with faculty.

David Allen Nichols is a New York-based performer and composer whose reputation as an improvisational pianist has led to an array of collaborative works for dance, film, theater, and television. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he was trained as a classical pianist and received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he later pursued graduate studies in both piano performance and composition. He has lectured on topics of musical analysis including Messiaen's modes of limited transposition and tonal symmetry in the late works of Franz Liszt. Since 2002, he has been Music Director of the New York State Summer School of the Arts School of Ballet and Pianist for the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase College. His projects have included American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, and Twyla Tharp, as well as jazz at Manhattan's "Eighty-Eights." His music was featured in the soundtrack of Corsair Pictures' "Miss Firecracker" (1989) and a 1995 CBS "Eye on America" documentary with choreographer Eliot Feld. His ambient music CD productions have been featured on nationally syndicated NPR and PRI radio programs "Hearts of Space" and "Echoes." An artist/composer member of BMI, his compositions and recordings are distributed in 37 countries. Mr. Nichols maintains a private teaching studio in Bronxville, NY, and is an instructor with Piano Instructors of Northern Westchester (PINW). He offers his popular "Fierce Fingers" piano intensive, guiding young students to technical proficiency in a fun and encouraging setting. He is available for lessons in Mount Kisco, Yorktown, Bedford, Bronxville, Somers, Katonah, Chappaqua, Armonk, Briarcliff Manor, Scarsdale, White Plains, and many other Northern Westchester communities.

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.

Bach to Rock Scarsdale is a modern music school located at 969B Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale, NY. The school offers private and group music lessons for students of all ages and skill levels, taught by professional musicians. Private lessons are available in piano and keyboard, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, voice, brass, strings, woodwinds, songwriting, and DJ. The school's programs include early childhood classes (Rock n Roll for ages 1-3, Rock City for ages 3-5, Kids n Keys for ages 5-7), beginner classes (Piano 101, Guitar 101, Ukulele 101, Drums 101, Voice 101, Songwriting 101, Beat Making 101), rock band programs, glee club, Beat Refinery DJ program, and recording arts. Students can participate in live performance events including Battle of the Bands, Music Showcase, Bachapalooza, and DJ Battle. The school also offers summer camps, birthday parties, and recording studio rentals.

Michael Dawson Crowley (MA, JD) is a classically trained composer, concert pianist, recording artist, and educator from Scarsdale, NY with decades of experience in piano and music education. He earned his master's degree in education from Columbia University, where he designed modern piano curriculum under the guidance of Dino Anagnost and Robert Pace. Michael studied musical composition under Ludmila Ulehla, and his pedagogical lineage traces through the German School via Thomas Robb and Rudolf Serkin back to Carl Czerny and ultimately Ludwig van Beethoven. He holds a teaching license from the New York State Education Department. Before launching his professional music career, Michael taught Music and Social Studies, then earned a JD and practiced law. The Scarsdale Piano School offers in-home lessons across Fox Meadow, Heathcote, Quaker Ridge, Edgewood, and Greenacres, and frequently travels to Eastchester, Bronxville, and other Westchester towns. Zoom lessons are also available. Students learn the music they love, from Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt to The Beatles, Elton John, and Taylor Swift, with custom arrangements created at each student's skill level.