Piano Lessons with York Technical College Educator for All Levels

Hello and Welcome! My name is Michael Tristano, and I'm excited to be your (or your child's) new piano teacher! Music has been a huge part of my life for many years, and I'm passionate about helping each student grow in both skill and confidence. While we'll be focusing on piano, I also teach drums, bass, and guitar — so if you're ever curious to explore other instruments or expand your musical toolbox, I'm here to help! Whether you're just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills, I aim to make lessons engaging, supportive, and tailored to your individual goals and interests. If you ever have questions, ideas, or songs you'd like to learn, don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m here to support your musical journey every step of the way. Let’s have fun and make some great progress together! Looking forward to making great music together! Best, Michael

While we’ll certainly touch on essential music fundamentals — like rhythm, technique, and music theory — my main goal is to help students truly connect with music. That starts with learning to play by ear. Training the ear helps build a deeper understanding of how music works and allows students to recognize patterns, melodies, and harmonies in a natural, intuitive way. Whether it’s figuring out a favorite song or improvising a solo, the ability to listen closely and trust your musical instincts is at the heart of what I teach. I also place a strong emphasis on creativity. I love encouraging students to explore beyond the page — whether it’s writing their own music, jamming over chord progressions, or experimenting with different styles. Improvisation is a big part of that. It gives students the freedom to express themselves in the moment and helps build confidence, flexibility, and musical fluency. You don’t have to be a composer to be creative — you just have to be willing to try something new. Above all, I want my students to learn how to learn. That means developing tools they can carry with them for life — not just memorizing pieces, but understanding how music works so they can grow on their own. I’m here to guide, support, and challenge them, but I also encourage exploration and personal initiative. Whether you’re playing for fun, preparing for performances, or just looking to jam, I’ll meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I’m really looking forward to making music together and watching each student grow in their own unique way. Best, Michael Tristano