Gravity Arts / Ben Schwendener

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Introduction: I believe that everybody has a unique talent and individual voice that through thoughtful development and facilitation can be developed. I work with all ages and ability levels. In all styles: jazz classical pop rock world electronica - any can serve as excellent portals into the world of ideas and personal musical expression and enjoyment. The piano, which I have played since I was five, is my main instrument. Along with proper keyboard technique, I believe other elements of the musical language should also be introduced and developed - reading music, improvisation, listening and ear training, and performance techniques to name a few.

Overview

Hired 19 times

Background checked

25 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Credit card, Square cash app, and Venmo.

Featured Projects

15 photos

Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

11 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Rachel A.

Mar 14, 2016

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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)

Chris P.

Mar 30, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

I came to Ben looking for lessons on piano improvisation. Coming from nothing, Ben did an extraordinary job immediately helping me become familiar with the concept of improvising while pushing me to not only challenge myself, but to understand what I was doing and why it made sense. Ben's background and talent really show in his teaching style and I left every lesson anxious to get home and practice what we had just gone over. I'd recommend Ben to anyone who wants to get top level education in anything piano.

Piano Lessons

Jonathan T.

Sep 11, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

This guy knows his stuff! I’m shocked by how much Ben has helped me to understand and develop my playing. Would highly recommend.

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

Alan L.

Dec 13, 2018

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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

Guy M.

Dec 1, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ben is an amazing teacher. He listens for what I am working on and where I can grow. And he encourages me to explore and expand my creativity in new ways.

Piano Lessons (for adults)

Credentials

Background Check

Benjamin Schwendener

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My current rates are $140/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.