Prospect Park Piano
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In Person and Online
Learn to play and write music you love
Off the Q Cortelyou stop in Brooklyn
Studio features a baby grand piano
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Music improves kids' development academically and socially. They have the fun of short term payoffs, like playing versions of their favorite songs, as well as the satisfaction of greater mastery over the long term. It gives them ways to connect socially with peers and a lifetime of enjoyment playing music. I love teaching students of all ages, from 6 years old through teens and adults. I teach traditional music reading as well as chord charts and lead sheets that are used in pop and jazz. I tailor my curricula to the interests of the student while providing a solid foundation in music reading and theory.
For adults, now is a great time to revisit your dream of playing piano or writing songs! Some people have had difficult experiences with teachers when they were growing up. I make sure that no matter your age, you can make steady, enjoyable progress as you learn or create music that excites you.
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For teens and adults, I also offer songwriting and music production classes. You'd be surprised by how quickly you can start writing and recording your own music at home. As a professional songwriter and producer with over twenty years' experience, I can guide you through the process of realizing your song ideas with just a laptop and a microphone.
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Below you can book a sample lesson for a special discount rate, or get in touch if you'd like more information.​
Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you soon!
-- Gaby Alter
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About
Bio
I've been teaching piano for over ten years in Brooklyn and on-line. I'm also an award-winning composer and songwriter, with a resume that includes Off-Broadway musicals, soundtracks, a song a for Disney feature sung by Tom Hiddleston, music for PBS and video games. I've toured across the country as a keyboardist with a band, have played with Wheatus ("Teenage Dirtbag"), and have co-written songs that have millions of Spotify streams. As a creator and keyboardist myself, I love sharing the knowledge and fun of piano playing with my students. I tailor my lessons so I can give them the skills they need to play music they love. If you want to know more about me, please visit my website.
Beginner Students
- Musical Notation Reading
- Chords
- Harmony
- Ear training
Intermediate Technique
- Site Reading
- Chord Charts
- Pop Rhythms
-Â Improvisation
- Chord Theory
Songwriting
- Chords & Melodies
- Crafting Lyrics
- Home Production
Apps: Logic, GarageBand, Reason
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"My kids have been taking piano lessons with Gaby for the past 4 years and then my husband started as well about a year ago. Gaby has been such a wonderful, dedicated teacher. When covid-19 hit and we had to transition to zoom/skype sessions, I was worried that my kids would not want to keep taking lessons due to zoom fatigue, but they have continued and are practicing every day and look forward to the lessons. Gaby made every effort to keep the transition seamless and keep them interested and committed to piano. Gaby is able to teach my 11 year old daughter, my 14 year son and my husband all in their own way, and meet their needs and the developmental stage of each. He works on classical pieces and pop and takes input from the family about what they each want to work on and what kind of music they like. He is kind and supportive and very talented. We all love him!" -- Kahlila K.
"My daughter was thinking of giving up piano, but by helping her play songs that she likes, and changing them so she can actually learn them, it makes it feel like something she's interested in learning. I've seen more willingness to practice and excitement at seeing herself improve." -- Emma C.
"Gaby is very fun and he makes learning piano fun. He picks songs I'm interested in, like "How Far I'll Go" (from Moana) and "Let It Go." I even learned how to play the blues." -- Lucia C., age 12
"I have enjoyed working with Gaby. He's an awesome teacher. I started piano two years ago and now I can read, understand music theory basics and can play some of my favorite songs. He makes learning fun." -- David G.
