Katonah Creative Learning Music Studio
for Piano Playing and Musicality
“Lon’s patience, inventiveness, and mastery were the perfect combination for our children’s first leap into piano lessons. He tailored each child’s course of study to their particular personalities and they responded with enthusiasm and impressive progress. I can imagine no better introduction to a lifelong love and practice of music.”
–Alison Hockenberry
“We wanted to give our son, 7, the chance to learn piano, but without pressing him to practice, instead waiting to see if he would develop an interest. To our delight, he is showing the desire to practice on his own, to be better prepared for his lessons. We believe this is related to Lon’s teaching style, which is calm, consistent and firm – perfectly suited to tease out an interest waiting to be awakened. Our son learned the basics of sight reading in no time, and we really enjoy hearing him play.”
-Halona Davis-Hilbertz
Welcome to my Piano Studio Website.
I believe each student that comes to me to study piano learns in a unique way because they are a unique individual. I’ve been teaching piano since 1990 and have the experience and adaptability to adjust to the way that you learn best. My goal for each student is that they not only feel successful at playing the piano, but more so that they become independent learners and passionate about taking their practice far beyond my piano studio.
As my student, you will be engaged in a positive musical experience from day one and be encouraged to think, listen, read and explore technique and musicality. Whether you are a student planning a career in music, or an individual seeking out a personal relationship with music- I hope you will invite me along on your journey.
Studio versus Home Piano Lessons
I accept students here in my home studio in the Lake Katonah Community and I also offer in-home lessons to students who live in adjacent areas of Northern Westchester. Where your lessons are held is a personal choice, but I do encourage my students to consider taking lessons at my studio. Your home is filled with distractions that you cannot easily escape, which can make it hard for you or your child to concentrate. That being said, I know hectic work and school schedules can make traveling to my studio complicated, so the option of an in-home lesson is necessary and available.
Recitals
I host a year-end salon style recital, normally in June. This is a special time for my students to showcase what they have learned for their family or friends. If I see considerable mid-year progress, I do consider a post-holiday recital as well. Past recitals have been held in my home studio and are a highlight for me as a piano instructor.
Rates
1 Hour Lesson | $115 in home | $100 in studio
45 min Lesson | $90 in home | $75 in studio
[discounted rates available when multiple family members enroll as students]
“I started taking his lesson a few months ago as beginner. He teaches me not only technique but also how to feel music and express it. Sometimes it seems forever to get where I want to but his instruction is very clear with all explanation why I should do it, history behind it, and theory. So after his lesson, I always feel more motivated. But most of all, it is pleasure to feel his love for music and he is always welcome to share it. I feel very honored to take his lessons.”
–Hoshiko Oki
About
My client roster and composer credits include MailChimp, VR360 Films, Hewlett Packard, Future of Storytelling Summit, MTV, IFC, BRAVO, UNICEF Ad Campaigns, in-house composition for Victoria’s Secret, as well as numerous festival shorts including the 360 Virtual Reality film “INTERRUPTURE” by directors NYBO/DRAKEFORD which premiered in 2016 at the Atlanta Film Festival.
I’ve performed at top NYC and area venues such as Joe’s Pub, The Apollo, National Sawdust, MassMoCA and had recent music played at Lincoln Center for Carl Hancock Rux’s Juneteenth celebration of 2022.
A native of Rochester, New York, I began my lifelong career in music by playing trombone and singing in elementary school. Having tinkered around on the family piano from an early age, I soon realized I didn’t want to limit myself to single notes on the trombone when I could play melodies and chords using a huge pianistic range.
Growing up, I listened to rap, punk rock, classic rock and (after discovering my older sister’s Coltrane record) jazz. After a couple of years studying Be-Bop and Big Band at Youngstown State University with Woody Herman bassist Tony Leonardi, I took some time off of school and taught piano lessons and gigged around town while studying privately with jazz pianist Michael Cain and taking Master Classes taught by Trumpeter Ralph Alessi, Ravi Coltrane and Peter Epstein at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.
After private lessons and master classes at Eastman School of Music, I went on to pursue my degree at California Institute of the Arts, majoring in Composition and Performance. Focusing on 20th Century classical music and improvisation, studying with composer Art Jarvinen & LA piano dynamo Bryan Pezzone.
E D U C A T I O N
• NYU/ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop (2010)
• California Institute of the Arts, CA, Bachelor of Arts, (2000)
Piano Performance & Composition
• Youngstown State University, OH (1992-1994)
Jazz performance
Philosophy of Teaching
I consider myself both a teacher and a student of music. I believe that once you dedicate yourself to an art, you also dedicate yourself to lifelong learning of that art. Well-rounded education in the basics of music (technique, aesthetics, listening, improvisation, theory and discussion of form and structure) will lead you to a rewarding and ultimately, more successful experience. After all, what good is an education if it does not teach you to teach yourself and think independently of your teacher? Piano playing and music is best learned through disciplined but enjoyable and low stress practice/education.
Reading Music as an Independent Learner
I am a strong advocate of reading music. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to learn or study a piece of music when you are struggling with the basics of music notation. While I also strongly believe there is nothing more important than ear training and learning to listen carefully and accurately, a person can really hear only what they know and are familiar with. When a student has spent the time to learn to read well, centuries worth of musical works become available for immediate study. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Improvisation
Learning improvisation is like learning instant composition, and composition requires a deep understanding of music in its many forms. It requires instant recall of keys, scales, modes, chords, melody and harmony. It requires knowledge of styles and aesthetics. It requires creativity and a good ear. However daunting it may sound, there are ways to teach a student to organize these thoughts and practices by limiting choices and working with boundaries. When we work simply with melody, we can see why there is not much difference between Coltrane, Bach, Mozart, Debussy or Miles Davis. All were also incredible improvisers. The tools they used, while stylistically different, are inherently the same. When musicians use tools common to composers, the ability to improvise with structure and meaning come to life.
Technique and Relaxation
Relaxation at the instrument is essential. To let music flow out of you and not be halted by dangerous tension you must be relaxed and open. Posture and a relaxed technique are a huge part of my teaching, something I had to learn through other teachers and something I continue to work on improving today.Lots of motion at the instrument, while interesting to the listener’s eye, does not often affect the music in a positive way. In fact, it usually detracts. Learning to limit movement to only what is necessary and learning to achieve relaxation will create focus between your body and the instrument. The end result is a richer and deeper experience for the player and the listener.
“Lon Kaiser has been wonderful piano teacher for our daughter, Stella, who is 9 and has been studying with him for three years. Her progress from lesson to lesson is evident, her advancement over the three years impressive. Lon clearly communicates with Stella in a way that she is able to assimilate into her playing. He maintains a good balance of technique and theory while never detracting from the actual fun of playing. Stella always leaves her lessons in a great mood. Lon has also gone above and beyond as Stella’s teacher, writing skill-level appropriate arrangements for her of pieces that she’s expressed interest in. The recital he arranged last June was absolutely charming, and the performance was such an important part of the learning process for Stella. What lies ahead in Stella’s musical future remains to be seen but we know that Lon has and will continue to prepare her well!”
– Elise Kanda
Payment and Policies
Lessons are given on a weekly basis, at a time determined by the teacher and student/parent.
[Adult students have the option of lessons every two weeks]
Lessons are 45 or 60 minutes. I do not offer 30 minute lessons.
Cancellation Policy- I require a 24 hour cancellation notice to avoid being charged for your lesson.
Invoices are sent on the last week of each month and must be paid in full by first lesson of the month. Payments can be made via cash, check, Venmo or PayPal* [processing fee applies].
Want to send someone the gift of lessons? Contact me today for details.
Resources
A useful list of resources available to you.
Print your own blank sheet music here! Many options and customization blanksheetmusic.net
ThetaMusic.com! …Music Training Games! Ear Training Notation and more
