What parents are saying about our instructors:
Rob Morrison:
Piano, guitar
"Rob Morrison has been my son Chris's piano teacher for the past three years, starting at age 12. At that age, I don't think Chris would have tolerated a rigid “old school” piano teacher, so it was great that Rob was fun, innovative and flexible. I also appreciated that Rob was responsible and punctual about lesson times (or called if he was running late) and clearly cared about his students and teaching.
Rob has helped foster Chris’s growing love of music not only by helping him learn music he was already interested in, but also encouraging him to try out new music genres and learn the fundamentals of jazz music theory. Over the past couple of years Chris has been inspired to learn some technically difficult pieces and has even composed some piano pieces (!), which Rob helped him refine and record on computer software.
Chris has also benefitted from Rob’s multiple musical talents. When Chris wanted to practice for some choral auditions, Rob helped him prepare for that, since Rob can sing – and when Chris and his guitar-playing friend wanted to learn how to jam together, Rob was happy to help them with that, since he has been in several bands and plays guitar too!
In summary, Rob has been a great inspiration and mentor to my son, and we will miss him greatly."
"Rob taught my son guitar for two years. This year, he added instruction in music theory, in support of my son's homeschooling. Rob is very friendly and a good teacher. In working with my son, he was flexible in his approach, with a goal of always keeping my son engaged. For example, when my son broke his finger, Rob taught him how to use his guitar as a dobro (slide guitar). And, in order to make my son comfortable at the final recital, Rob quickly assembled a band to perform with him. My son learned a lot from Rob."
Merrily James: Voice/Piano
"Our little girl has now had three teachers and she herself has told us how much better she likes Merrily than her other teachers. Merrily has a soft way with Maddy that she seems to really respond to...Maddy often asks to practice now during the week and Merrily has really motivated her to learn piano."
"Merrily has a great sense of how kids learn and respond to the music, and how to guide their interests. You can see this most clearly in the fact that they really like to practice. They are engaged in what they are learning and will often sit down for a couple of practice sessions a day. Although they started piano lessons at the same time and using the same book, my children (9 and 8) are playing different styles of music that suit their personalities and interests. One has gone into more blues style and the other has been playing more traditional or classical pieces. Merrily is always positive, upbeat and encouraging. The kids will often mention a comment she made about their performance in a lesson, and you can see the pride shining in their eyes at what they've been able to accomplish with her help. We will miss her greatly and wish her the best of luck in NYC."
"Hannah has loved taking piano lessons with Merrily. We have both enjoyed her creativity in teaching music, not just "by the book" but in ways that have really interested and engaged her. I cannot believe how quickly she is picking things up. Sometimes I have to walk in the room to see who in the world is playing so nicely!"
"I would really like to thank you for creating an environment for our kids where they really enjoyed playing piano. That is hard to do. But you made it fun. I am really going to miss you as an instructor. We are sad to see you go."
Kyle Lalone:
Guitar, Bass
"Kyle is awesome!”
“Another great year with Kyle and JWY. SuperJam 2010 rocked!! Looking forward to another great year!”