“We feel incredibly lucky to have found Carl as a piano teacher for our son. Carl’s teaching blends kindness, patience, and sensitivity with exceptionally skilled musicianship. He seamlessly introduces music theory and technical skills while cultivating students’ natural love of musical sound and the emotion it carries. Carl approaches each student as an individual, responding to their specific needs and interests. When our son was younger, and we were present for his lessons, we could see how Carl’s gentle encouragement, sense of humor, and precise instruction helped our son grow musically.” (cont…)

(cont…) “Lessons take place in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, but there is always serious music happening. Now that our son is a teenager, we don't get to see the magic that happens in the lesson, but we do see the results! Carl continues to connect with and motivate him, always finding music for him to work on that he loves, and keeping him going through the challenging parts of the learning process. The sense of accomplishment and pride that our son feels when he can finally play a difficult piece beautifully carries over into all aspects of his life!”
- Karen Strassler

“Carl was very patient with me as a piano teacher and always gave me encouragement and helpful direction. Music theory is complicated, but Carl managed to explain it in a way that made it understandable, so it was never intimidating. When I was struggling to learn a new piece, he helped me to overcome my fears. I learned so much in the six years I was his student, and continue my appreciation for piano in my own time after my lessons. I really value my time as Carl’s student.”

- Ella Walsh

“Our son Lucian has been taking piano lessons from Carl for almost 3 years. I need to find words capacious enough to describe who Carl is in our lives and what he offers Lucian as a teacher. Piano, yes-- Carl is patient, fun, supportive and extremely skilled technically. His taste in music is always inspired as he pushes the kids to work across styles and genres into the areas that they are interested in. They choose the pieces they like from a bevy of sophisticated selections, and work toward them over months. The musical pieces themselves are never boring. At all skill levels Carl suggests work and composers of unique pieces of music, not the same stuff everyone grows up playing.” (cont…)

(cont…) “My own knowledge of music has thus expanded too. Then, there is the atmosphere. Pupil and parent in Carl and Jill's lovely home during the lesson. Wonderful recital potlucks occur multiple times per year creating a community of student players and parents which deepens the experience. What Carl provides is an exciting, interesting and passionate teacher of piano, but has too a greater position in our lives, a positive mentor to our son and a friend in the shape of a piano teacher.”
- Tina Tyrell

“Carl has been an incredibly dedicated and engaging piano teacher who has the rare gift to reach children at their level with patience, humor, and heart. It’s a rare privilege to find someone gifted in both classical and avant-garde traditions with the kind of passion and drive he brings to lessons.

Both my kids have achieved goals I thought were well beyond their reach in a relatively short time. More importantly, the quality of attention he gives has deepened their patience, boosted their self esteem, and definitely lifted their musical spirits.”

- Zach Wollard

“To see and hear Carl work with my children for an hour at the piano is inspirational. Patience, listening, and laughter find their way into every lesson as Carl’s generous and loving spirit guides them on their journey to play piano.”

- Anthony Edwards

“Carl is the perfect combination of caring and focused. Each week was carefully planned, without feeling rigid.”

- Julie

“In addition to being an artist himself, it was immediately obvious that Carl is a deeply involved parent and values the importance of connecting with each child and following their curiosity. Carl is a great friend and role model for the kids he teaches.

It was really heartwarming to see our very, very shy five-year-old play the piece he learned at his recital, confident for the first time ever to perform in front of people. Carl has remarkable patience and ability to focus even the most fidgety child.”

- Jon

“I've had the pleasure of studying with Carl both as the parent of a student and as a student myself, returning to piano after a 30-year hiatus. As the parent of a student, I was intrigued by and ultimately thankful for Carl's policy of having a "practice partner" sit in during children's lessons. This encourages a team approach to learning and gives the practice partner a unique insight into the learning process that helps kids progress quickly.” (cont…)

(cont…) “And I enjoyed the hour I spent listening to Carl teach so much that I eventually started taking lessons myself. Carl's approach to teaching adults is more free-flowing and I now find myself noticing patterns in everyday music that I never knew existed. I've had more than five years of lessons as a parent and student, and every time I walk out energized and enthused about music.”
- Jack Erwin