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About
I live in Mahwah New Jersey. I am a professional musician. I perform at the most Beautiful Theater on Saturday evenings before the movies called The Lafayette Theater in Suffern NY. I always loved music and started playing piano at a very young age. I gave my first piano lesson when I was 18 years old. I said to myself this is what I am going to do for the rest of my life. I have been teaching piano lessons for 40 years now. I really love teaching piano. I am not your typical piano teacher. I do not go page by page of one piano method book. I feel that is so boring for the student and also moving at a snails pace! I pick the best pieces from different method books that my students have really liked and help them progress a faster pace. My goal is of course for you to learn but I want you to have fun at the same time. I teach music theory and give you great fingering exercises and teach every genre from classical to jazz to blues, country and today's music. I have been teaching for so many years now that I have a huge music library. I have every piano method book and every genre of music at different levels. You never have to buy your music I will supply you with your music. I currently teach over 60 students a week. If you put the time in and practice what I teach you will be playing your favorite pieces of music in no time. That's a promise!!!! Please watch my videos of some of my students playing below. They practiced so much to be on my profile and I could not be prouder of them!!
Overview
Hired 388 times
Background checked
44 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
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2018
Services offered
Music types
Band
Vocals
Guitar
Piano
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Pop / top 40
Rock / classic rock
Jazz / Blues
Mariachi
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
108 reviews
5
96%
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3%
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1%
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Janice R.
3 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Susan is simply the best. I tried 2 other piano teachers for my 9 year old and their work fails in comparison. We ❤️ Susan 🎹
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No, the student cannot read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Tamara a.
Mar 28, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Suzan is kind, respectful, and truly wonderful with children. She creates a positive and encouraging environment that makes learning enjoyable, and my girls absolutely love her lessons.I’ve seen clear progress in their playing, and their confidence has grown so much, they’re now happy to perform for others. We’re very grateful for her dedication and support.
Details: 6 - 9 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Classical • Yes, the student has a piano • I'm flexible • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
William W.
Jan 13, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I have enjoyed working with Sue and she has helped me become a much better piano player. Sue is also great at adapting to what you want to do and your skill set. Been a wonderful experience!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Piano Lessons
John D.
Sep 9, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Susan is an amazing piano teacher. She creates the best outcome by combining music theory with learning how to play popular songs. I can’t believe how fast I’ve learned to play.
Her approach was a game-changer for me.
I went from never having touched a piano to confidently playing blues and classical songs in just 2 months.
I’m very happy and highly recommend Susan. She’s the best!
Details: 65 years or older • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
Silvia T.
Dec 25, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Claude Debussy 🎼 once stated, “Music is not in the notes, but in the silence between them.”
Because of Susan, I now understand - and can appreciate- what he meant.
I have always wanted to play the piano and as an adult, I was naturally hesitate to start. But from the very beginning, Susan’s passion for the instrument, teaching, and overall warmth put my nerves at ease.
Her musical genius is evident in the way she is able to break down complex songs into easy steps.
And if Debussy was still alive today, he would attest to this statement.
I am so grateful for all Susan has done for me ♥️ and look forward to what is possible with each lesson.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn— Susan is the ONLY teacher to go to! 👑✨🎹
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • Classical • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Piano Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Susan Ward
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have been teaching for over 30 years now. I always make sure I have a fair price. I always check what the going rate is for piano lessons.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I first meet a new student I always ask them what they would like to accomplish from taking lessons. In my experience everyone is so different. Some students just want to have fun and learn their favorite songs as soon as they can and other students are more into the theory part of music and want it to be more structured. I teach everyone differently according to what they want.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started to take private lessons when I was ten years old. I had five different teachers over 16 years. I also went to Bergen Community college for music. I have taught group classes and private lessons at Hale Piano and Organ for about 7 years. I also taught at Rockaway Music and Forte piano. I am currently teaching lessons at students home and teaching at Music and Arts. I also perform at the beautiful Lafayette theater in Suffern NY before the movies on Saturday nights.
