RKO Music Studio

Introduction: For the teachers at RKO Music Studio, teaching isn't just a job, it's a passion! Seeing students make connections and thrive, as they develop their own personal sense of musicianship, is priceless; the rewards for both teacher and student are invaluable. Our goal as teachers is to help students develop a solid technical and musical foundation to empower students to get the most from their efforts. Teaching Philosophy We like to ask students two things: 1) Why do you want to learn music? and 2) What are you ultimately seeking to get out of lessons? These two salient questions form the basis of my teaching philosophy. While every student's answer is unique, the following points serve to show what is typically explored during lessons. Music As a Language Music as language is at the heart of our approach. At its core, music fundamentally strives to communicate its content to the listener or audience. Listening to and creating music, by nature, is wholly communicative and interactive. It is in this spirit that the various tools of langauge -- melody, harmony, phrasing and expression -- are explored. Rather than simply memorizing or playing by route, students learn to explore the the relationships found in music. This allows students to internalize the material, thereby empowering them to more completely convey and express musical content. Strong Technical Foundation A strong technical foundation is essential to solid musicianship and confident playing. Approached with a little ingenuity and a can-do attitude, students learn to utilize the muscles found in the upper arm, thereby taking the strain off of the wrist and hand. Playing from the arm allows for more flexibility in the wrist, consequently affording the hand and fingers greater dexterity, articulation, and overall aesthetic, expressive nuance. Personal Musicianship The playing, performing, composing, and study of music is a thoroughly human art. Because no people are exactly the same, each person brings something unique and original. Here, students are taught to "find their own voice" in a welcoming and supportive environment. A rich, diverse body of musical ideas and artistic perspectives is not only encouraged, but co-explored jointly. Personal musicianship is all about bringing you (ideas, notions, goals, etc.) to the fore. In conjuction with this, students are actively challenged to make judicious, deliberate choices regarding the "how and why" of musical interpretation and rendition. Different Learning Styles At RKO, we essentially "meet students where they're at"-- both discover and work with their learning styles, and develop their innate talent, so that they can get the best results possible. A good, successful teacher is always part psychologist -- getting into the students' thought-processes and figuring out what works, and what's holding them back. What to Expect From the Studio Our job is to help students realize their musical aspirations, whether it be in piano or composition. Every student is unique and brings different desires and challenges to the table. Our task is to help them best utlize their practice time and to get the most from their efforts. Ultimately, as with anything worthwhile, you get back what you put into it. Students quickly learn that even a little bit of work goes a long way! Practicing isn't a chore; effective practicing, however, helps to cultivate skills and ideas explored during the lessons. We only ask that students come prepared to learn and engage themselves in the process. Here, you’ll find what others are saying about Ryan and what you can expect from us at RKO: Ryan is the consummate professional. In the last 50 years, I have never met a more diligent, engaging, and inspirational instructor. Ryan effortlessly combines a love for his art with his expertise as a teacher. His appreciation for the music is contagious and he is devoted to making his students share in his excitement. He therefore allows the student to excel, enjoy, and master an art that may have otherwise seemed beyond their level of expertise. Ryan applies these techniques with punctuality, reliability, and accessibility. He is more than willing to accommodate my schedule, specifically when last minute changes require a change in time or venue. Most importantly, irrespective of one’s skill level or individual goals, Ryan approaches his teaching with a dry wit and warm demeanor. I consider him both a teacher and trusted friend. - Dr. David Ryley, Student Ryan Ottaviano has been teaching my 8-year old daughter for about a year. In that time, I have seen a great change in her confidence and enjoyment of playing the piano. Ryan challenges her, treats her with respect, and holds her accountable for her practice and personal commitment to playing. He knows just how hard to "push" her so she can rise to the occasion. I would recommend Ryan to any parent/child who understands the "family commitment" to music. - Kathy Seero, Parent Ryan Ottaviano is by far the most insightful and imaginative musician from whom I have ever had the pleasure of learning. In addition to being an amazing composer, Ryan has an astonishing breadth of knowledge about music. He knows everything from the physical techniques required to play masterfully to the structure and theory of the music itself -- but just as importantly, he's able to convey his lifelong passion for music and the art of composition. As a child, I took piano lessons for 10 years and became a rather proficient reader of music, but never really evolved to the point of actually making music. When I started with Ryan, I was coming back to piano after a 30-year hiatus and was absolutely honored and delighted to be taken up by this energetic and enthusiastic young man who could show me how to not just play the piano with competence, but to actually become musical. While I'm not there yet, but Ryan has made an enormous difference in my belief that I could be one day. I would highly recommend him as a teacher to anyone who loves music and wishes to truly know it. -Catherine Willet, student I am a rather skeptical person, but I must admit that I am very impressed with both Ryan's teaching method and his dedication. I've been a musician for 15 years and have had many teachers over the years. However, none have displayed the aptitude and enthusiasm that Ryan does each lesson. I played piano for about 7 years before I began lessons with Ryan and have honestly made more progress in the past 9 weeks with Ryan then I have in the past few years. - Max Lewis Ryan as a Composer The music of Ryan Ottaviano is nothing short of genius. Piece after piece, Ryan shows his ability in not only technique, but connecting his deepest feelings and emotions into his music. Ryan is able to capture a single moment in life, and keep it alive in the melodies of his works. Although words cannot describe the emotional impact that Ryan’s music has on me, his music is simply, beautiful. - Jessica Sibelman Much of today's music is full of abstraction and a pseudo-intellectualism that borders on the ridiculous in order to maintain peer approval. Ryan's music achieves better aims. It is shamelessly human, always personal, full of color and beauty. The melodies are melodic; the harmonies harmonious. To play it is to be moved. --Alex McDonald, Julliard Pianist As a composer, Ryan is in a league of his own. His compositions sound classic yet original. He effortlessly combines years of formal training with innate musical talent to create timeless piece after timeless piece. At just 25, he is composing at a level that few composers ever reach. I truly feel honored to have the chance to work with him on a regular basis. -- Max Lewis