Dinnerstein Music Studio: the music teaching studio of Nick Dinnerstein.

Experience:

I’m an experienced, knowledgable, and enthusiastic strings and piano teacher. I’ve taught privately and at music schools throughout New York City and New England for over 15 years. I love getting to know my students, watching them develop musically, and helping them to discover new modes of expression to connect with themselves and others through music.

In addition to teaching, I also perform, primarily as a cellist. My playing has brought me to classical concert halls on both coasts, to Thailand, and to appearances on Sirius Radio and MTV. I’ve been a part of some renowned ensembles, including Boston Ballet and the National Lyric Opera, and performed and recorded with popular bands and songwriters, such as The Shills, Mary Bichner, and 30 Seconds to Mars.

I also compose, writing original music, and creating arrangements for ensembles, such as the Boston String Quartet.

Philosophy:

Above all, I want my students to feel comfortable, appreciated, and excited to learn. Music lessons are a positive experience!

My teaching combines a few central ideas: the importance of personal creativity and self-expression; clear, step-by-step explanations of technique; and the benefits of the latest studies on learning methods. My students learn by joining their physical awareness with their sensitivity to sound, empowering them to express their thoughts and emotions through music.

To that end, I lay out a smart and creative approach to practicing, so that students’ practice time is effective, rewarding, and enjoyable. I value the individual goals of each student and tailor lessons to fit them.

To learn more about what I can offer you with music lessons, feel free to send me a message through the contact page.

Lessons:

Step-by-step technical guidance, based on natural physicality

Applications of the latest research on learning and practicing.

Varied approaches to musicality, expression – discovering your voice.

Exercises in creativity.

Supplemental instruction in theory, composition, and improvisation.

Performance Opportunities.

Consistent encouragement!

Questions for a New Student:

As a teacher, some of my first questions to a prospective student are:

What inspired you to consider taking up a musical instrument?

What pieces, songs, or styles are you most drawn to?

Is there anything that you’ve always dreamed of playing?

What do you hope playing an instrument can add to your life?

There are as many answers to these questions as there are students. My role as a teacher is to provide you with a clear path to reach your personal goals, and to cater my teaching to your individual personality and approach to learning.

If you are like the idea of playing an instrument, but are unsure of where to start or still have some reservations, try reflecting no one of those questions. If you have any thoughts, feel free to get in touch with me through the contact page.

The Individual Path of the Student:

Because each student comes to their lesson with their own unique personality, background, and set of musical experiences, a learning plan can never be one-size-fits-all.

Children: I have a lot of experience teaching young children, and I recognize their innate need for creative expression, variety, and play. To that end, I shape lesson plans to the specific age and inclination of each student. I use positive feedback to teach my young students that little by little, they can learn to do amazing things with music. It’s always gratifying to watch a child with little or no experience grow into a confident musican.

To read more about my work teaching children, follow this link.

Adults: I’ve found that adult students approach learning from a number of perspectives: some wonder if learning an instrument is even possible at their age; others are accomplished in their field, be it analytic or artistic, and those experiences inform their learning process; still others study music as a meditative practice, to express themselves, or join a community.

To read about lessons geared toward adults, follow this link.

There are many valuable factors that contribute to a person’s approach to learning music, and I appreciate how each individual relates to music and the learning process in their own way. Growing through music is a wonderful experience, and I love being part of each student’s journey.