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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
1 similar job done near you
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
Musical style
Jazz
Work location
My customers travel to me
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, responsiveness, and professionalism.
Exceptional 5.0
11 reviews
5
100%
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Read reviews that mention:
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
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
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)
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
Andrew P.
Jan 23, 2013
I'm a very busy technology professional. After many years of playing and studying on my own since college, I decided to look for teacher again.
I met Ben through Thumbtack and started studying with him about a year ago. I can easily say that Ben is by far the best music teacher that I've ever had.
With Ben, I study classical, jazz, composition, theory, technique and performance - all integrated into a single holistic, experience-based learning approach.
Besides being a master, Ben is amazingly motivating and supportive - he puts my creative experience at the center of all we do. I've progressed in so many ways, none of which I would have expected a year ago.
I've met several other of Ben's students - from children and adult beginners to highly trained professional musicians. They all say very similar things.
I highly recommend studying with Ben.
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.
