Gravity Arts / Ben Schwendener

$90

Starting price

Select a service

Zip code

Student age

Lesson length

Instrument student plays

About

I like to think of myself as a “harmonic consultant.” For over 25 years, I’ve helped students explore music through the Lydian Chromatic Concept, Organic Music Theory, and Applied Modal Analysis. I believe everyone has a unique musical voice that can be discovered and developed with the right guidance. I teach all ages and ability levels in any style that inspires you—jazz, classical, pop, rock, world, electronica, and more. Piano is my primary instrument, and lessons go beyond just notes and fingers. Together we’ll work on proper keyboard technique, reading music, improvisation, listening and ear training, and performance skills. If you’re curious, committed, and ready to deepen your musical understanding, I’d be glad to work with you.

Overview

Hired 19 times

Serves Jamaica Plain, MA

Background checked

1 employee

27 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Venmo, and Zelle.

Services offered

Subjects of interest

Level of experience

Instrument student plays

Piano

Projects and media

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, responsiveness, and professionalism.

Exceptional 5.0

11 reviews

5

100%

4

0%

3

0%

2

0%

1

0%

Read reviews that mention:

Rachel A.

Mar 14, 2016

•

Hired on Thumbtack

Ben is a wonderful teacher and already after two lessons I feel more connected to the instrument. Also, the lessons have inspired me to play more frequently at home and just enjoy my time making music. He might be more pricey than other teachers but I feel the price is fair for the quality of teaching.

Piano Lessons (for adults)

Alan L.

Dec 13, 2018

•

Hired on Thumbtack

Not only does Ben know a lot about what he's teaching, his studio has a multitude of keyboard instruments that he lets the student use.

Details: I travel to the piano teacher • The piano teacher travels to me • 60 minutes • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Jazz • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 18 - 25 years old • Yes, the student can read music

Piano Lessons

Chris P.

Mar 30, 2016

•

Hired on Thumbtack

Piano Lessons

Jonathan T.

Sep 11, 2019

•

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 14 - 17 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • Jazz • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 45 minutes • I travel to the piano teacher

Piano Lessons

Andrew P.

Jan 23, 2013

Credentials

Background Check

Benjamin Schwendener

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My current rates are $160/hour, $90/half hour. As director of the non-profit arts organization, Gravity Arts, Inc., we also can offer partial scholarship and financial aid to qualified students.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I customize our sessions to realize your musical aims. We take a creative approach and immediately begin - wherever you are - to make music that feels and sounds good.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a professional pianist / composer / producer living in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. I have been on the college (jazz) faculty at the New England Conservatory and Longy School of Music in Boston for 30+ years. I also teach a course I designed for non-musicians in the Creative and Critical Thinking Department at UMass Boston. I have performed here and around the world with various groups and as solo pianist. I also work extensively with the Swiss choreographer Angelo Dello Iacono and collaboratively in the professional dance community.