About
My name is Gaby Alter. I've been teaching piano for over ten years in Brooklyn. I'm also a composer and songwriter of award-winning Off-Broadway musicals, soundtracks, songs for Disney, PBS and others. I love sharing the joy and knowledge of music with my students, tailoring my lessons to each one so I can give them the skills they need to play music they love.
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.
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 and enjoyable progress as you learn music that excites you.
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. If you're curious about my career, you can learn more at my personal website.
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
Beginner Students
- Music Reading
- Scales and Chords
- Harmony
- Ear training
Intermediate Technique
- Site Reading
- Chord Charts
- Pop Rhythms
- Improvisation
- Chord Theory
Songwriting and Production
- Songwriting
- Producing
- Home Recording
"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.
"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. I highly recommend him." -- David G.
"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
