JP has been active as a piano teacher for almost 10 years, teaching students of all ages and levels of experience. He teaches private lessons in his studio in Brooklyn and in his student’s homes, and is also on the faculty at the Rye Arts Center in Westchester. JP seeks to take inspiration from the great teachers he has known throughout his life and create a personal approach to communicating musical concepts. Each student is treated as a unique individual, and the lesson plans are built around the student’s interests, learning style, and musical goals. Students are also exposed to a wide range of musical genres in the lessons, using material ranging from rock and roll, jazz, classical themes, and folk music. Students are also encouraged to learn music of their own choosing, which gives a context for working on the fundamental skills needed to play any music.
Some subjects students explore in lessons are: rhythm, music theory, composition, improvisation, music history, and awareness of how the use of the body effects musical performance. JP also took lessons in Alexander Technique, an education practice to improve posture, movement, and muscular use, from Yale faculty member Gwen Ellison.