Best piano teachers in New York: Top 1-on-1 piano teachers, costs & how to choose

There’s something magical about learning piano in New York City. Maybe it’s the sound of street musicians near Central Park, or the energy of a jazz trio playing in a SoHo lounge.

Or maybe it’s just the city itself always moving, always creating, always inspiring.

In fact, singing is widely loved, about 54 million Americans (17% of the population) participate in choirs, including many thousands of young singers in New York City alone.

This thriving vocal community underscores the city’s rich musical culture. But here’s the thing: not everyone thrives in a packed classroom or a rigid group course. That’s where 1-on-1 piano lessons come in. 

Whether you’re a complete beginner, a parent searching for the right piano teacher for your child, or an adult returning to the keys after years away, personalized piano lessons can help you progress faster, stay motivated, and actually enjoy the process.

This guide is for anyone looking to start or restart their piano journey. We will walk you through how to choose the best piano teachers in New York, what private piano lessons cost, and which piano teachers in NYC are worth checking out.

Best piano teachers in New York

Wiingy has built a strong network of 350+ expert piano teachers, each carefully vetted for skill and teaching experience.

The platform makes it easy to find a private piano teacher in New York – available for online or in-person lessons.

Whether you’re a complete beginner mastering your first keys or an experienced player aiming to perfect your technique, Wiingy has a skilled piano teacher for every level and style-classical, jazz, pop, or contemporary.

Here are five top-rated private piano teachers at Wiingy in New York, each bringing their own unique strengths, teaching philosophy, and passion for helping students grow at the keys

1. Laura Morales Guirales – Private piano teacher with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Universidad del Rosario

Laura Morales Guirales offers a dynamic approach to piano lessons. She combines performance coaching with a solid foundation in music theory. 92% of students appreciate the way her lessons are conducted.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 4+ years  
• Professional Background: Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Studies.
• Rating: 4.7/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $17
• Hourly Rate: $34/hr  
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a trial lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Classical Piano
• Digital Piano
• Upright Piano.

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: All ages.  
• Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced.

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Laura leverages tech tools such as DAWs, Metronome Apps, and Virtual Piano Apps to enhance learning and cater to each student’s level. Her curriculum is personalized, focusing on both practical skill development and music theory.

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2. Delphine Hadley – Private piano teacher best for chord theory and ear training

Delphine Hadley specializes in Chord Theory and Ear Training. She tailors lessons to help students reach their potential. She teaches Classical Piano, Scales, and other key techniques. 94% of parents say she is perfect for building confidence in early learners.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 4+ years
• Professional Background: Delphine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education
• Rating: 4.7/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $15
• Hourly Rate: $30/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes a Free Trial Lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Grand Piano
• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Classical Piano

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: All ages.
• Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced.

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Delphine utilizes innovative tech tools such as DAWs, ear training software, and virtual piano apps to enhance the learning experience.

3. Emily Ravenscroft – Private piano teacher best for grand, classical, and digital piano

Emily Ravenscroft loves teaching piano and helping students enjoy music. She makes learning fun and helps students become better musicians. 88% of students feel more skilled, confident, and ready to perform.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 2+ years
• Professional Background: Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education
• Rating: 4.7/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $25
• Hourly Rate: $50/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes a Free Trial Lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Grand Piano
• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Jazz Piano
• Classical Piano

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: All ages.
• Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced.

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Teaching Style

• Approach: With a vast library of resources, from backing tracks to sheet music, Emily tailors instruction to each student’s needs, using tech tools like DAWs, metronome apps, and virtual piano apps for an interactive learning experience.

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Wiingy provides a more budget-friendly solution for private piano lessons in New York with prices starting at just $19/hr. Get started today, try a lesson, and boost your learning without breaking the bank.

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4. Erik Yera – Private piano teacher with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance

Erik teaches everything from chord theory to performance skills. He helps students build a strong musical foundation. He makes lessons exciting and enriching. 93% of students find the piano classes easy to follow and enjoyable.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 2+ years
• Professional Background: Erik holds a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance and teaching
• Rating: 5/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $16
• Hourly Rate: $32/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a Free Trial Lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Grand Piano
• Upright Piano
• Jazz Piano
• Classical Piano
• Electric Keyboard
• Acoustic Piano

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: All ages.
• Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced.

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Erik integrates music theory seamlessly into practical playing, ensuring a comprehensive understanding. Utilizing a mix of digital tools like DAWs and Virtual Piano Apps, he makes online learning interactive and enjoyable.

5. Edwin Montague – Private piano teacher with 10+ years of experience.

Edwin specializes in teaching a wide range of piano lessons, including grand piano, digital piano, jazz piano, classical piano, and more.

Experience

• Teaching Experience: 10+ years
• Professional Background: Edwin holds a Bachelor’s degree in music.
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing

• 30-minute Rate: $18
• Hourly Rate: $36/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a Free Trial Lesson is available.

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Specialties

• Grand Piano
• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Upright Piano
• Jazz Piano
• Classical Piano
• Electric Keyboard
• Acoustic Piano

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: All ages.
• Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced.

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Edwin focuses on teaching with care and progress. He includes ear training, music theory, and creativity in every lesson. He uses tools like DAWs, metronome apps, and virtual piano apps to make learning better.

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Wiingy provides a more budget-friendly solution for private piano lessons in New York with prices starting at just $19/hr. Get started today, try a lesson, and boost your learning without breaking the bank.

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Inside a 1-on-1 piano lessons: real student stories

“From awkward left-hand chords to confident coordination” – Emily’s piano breakthrough

Emily, a dedicated professional with a packed schedule, found left-hand chord transitions frustrating and often lost rhythm. With Stephan’s help, she focused on muscle memory, smart fingering, and interpreting musical structure.

Despite limited time, short and targeted practice sessions helped her play with more ease and confidence.

What you’ll learn: Building left-hand coordination through repetition, Mastering tricky transitions with deliberate fingering, Using short focused practice to progress even with a busy schedule

“From timing struggles to steady rhythm” – Taylor’s piano rhythm transformation

Taylor struggled with rhythm inconsistencies, especially in upbeat pieces like “Dino, My Pet Dinosaur.” With Bardiya’s guidance, she learned to use a metronome effectively, isolate difficult measures, and strengthen her fingers with scale routines.

Practicing singing along with familiar tunes like “Old MacDonald” boosted her timing and musical confidence.

What you’ll learn: Improving rhythm using a metronome, Isolating tricky bars for faster mastery, Strengthening fingers with scales and arpeggios, Singing with piano to lock in timing

Piano lesson costs in New York

Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in elite instruction, New York offers a wide range of piano lesson options. 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay and what you’ll get at each price point.

Option	Price range	Format	Best for
Budget-friendly piano teachers	$19-$65/hr	Online/In-person	Beginners, casual learners
Mid-level private piano teachers	$60-$120/hr	Online/In-person	Intermediate players, exam prep
High-end/celebrity piano teachers	$150-$375/hr	Online/In-person	Advanced students, professionals

Wiingy offers a free trial lesson, no long-term contracts, and flexible scheduling, all while providing access to budget-friendly private piano lessons in New York starting at just $19/hr, making high-quality learning more accessible than ever.

Online vs in-person piano teachers in NYC

Trying to decide between online or in-person piano lessons? Both formats offer unique advantages, especially in a fast-paced city like NYC. Here’s how they compare:

Format	Pros	Cons
Online	Convenient, more affordable, easy scheduling	May lack hands-on corrections and studio environment
In-person	Real-time feedback, better posture/hand position guidance	Less flexible, commute time, often costlier

Why work with a piano teacher in New York

New York has long been a launchpad for musical legends from Alicia Keys and Billy Joel to Lang Lang and Duke Ellington. 

Whether you’re practicing in your apartment in Queens or dreaming of performing at Lincoln Center, this city breeds talent but also demands dedication. And that’s exactly where 1-on-1 piano teaching comes in.

Here’s why private piano lessons in NYC are a game-changer:

• Customized warm-ups and technical exercises designed to help you prepare for prestigious programs at places like Juilliard, The New School, or the Manhattan School of Music. In a city where competition is fierce, your training needs to be tailored.
• Real-time feedback on your playing style and technique is crucial when you’re working toward auditions for Broadway pit orchestras, school competitions, or showcases at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall.
• Learn at your own pace with scheduling that fits your New York life, whether you’re a busy student juggling conservatory prep, a professional carving out weekend time, or a parent fitting in evening lessons for your child.
• Confidence-building in a supportive, judgment-free space – especially valuable in a fast-moving city where self-doubt can creep in. Great teachers create a space where you can make mistakes, take risks, and grow.

Whether you’re working toward your first recital at a local Brooklyn venue or building toward larger ambitions like the Kaufman Music Center’s Young Artist Showcase, having the right piano teacher makes all the difference in New York.

How to choose the right piano teacher in New York

With so many music schools, conservatories, and freelancers offering lessons in NYC, it can be hard to know where to start. Choosing the right piano teacher isn’t just about skill, it’s about finding someone who understands your goals, your style, and your NYC lifestyle.

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience with your level – Whether you’re a total beginner in the Bronx, a returning adult in Chelsea, or a competitive high school student in Manhattan preparing for ABRSM or NYSSMA, you need someone who has successfully taught students just like you. 
• Style match – Want to master classical technique like Lang Lang? Jam out to jazz like Thelonious Monk? Or learn to play pop ballads like Alicia Keys? Look for piano teachers who specialize in the genres that inspire you-and who understand the demands of performing them in NYC venues, from The Bitter End to Carnegie Hall.
• Lesson format – In a city that never sleeps, flexibility matters. Online piano lessons let you learn from a Brooklyn brownstone or a Harlem studio apartment. In-person sessions are great if you’re near a teacher’s location or want hands-on guidance with pedals, posture, or acoustic touch.
• Flexibility – Life in New York is unpredictable (hello, subway delays and last-minute auditions). Go with piano teachers who offer trial lessons and make rescheduling easy. Many Wiingy teachers work with performers, students, and professionals, so they know how to accommodate your calendar.

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Pro tip: All piano teachers at Wiingy are expert-vetted and offer a free trial. For all your different needs, you’ll find someone who fits well and understands what it takes to succeed in NYC.

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How to get started with a piano teacher on Wiingy

Getting started is easier than you think. Follow these three simple steps to find the perfect piano teacher and begin your piano journey today.

• Browse piano teachers in New York – Filter by style, experience, or price
• Book a free trial – Test the vibe before committing
• Start playing piano – Learn from a piano teacher who understands your pace and passion

Conclusion

New York’s piano scene is as vibrant as its skyline and whether you dream of playing Chopin, improvising jazz, or just want to play your favorite pop songs, the right 1-on-1 piano teacher in New York can help you get there. 

Start your journey today with a trusted piano teacher on Wiingy and unlock your musical side.

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