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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
My teaching style is very personalized. I tune in on your strengths and build confidence in areas you are weak. I simplify the most difficult tasks and make them manageable. I teach you to trust your instincts and be confident in self-expression.
I love seeing the joy my students get out of mastering what they once thought was impossible.
Overview
Hired 47 times
Serves Brewster, NY
Background checked
1 employee
24 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Playing style
Classical
Fiddle
Work location
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
17 reviews
5
94%
4
6%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Jenna L.
Jul 13, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Mrs. Rivera brings positive energy and a sense of fun to every lesson. She is organized, communicates clearly, and makes her instruction easy to follow. She has a strong knowledge of the piano and thoughtfully explains the reasoning behind her teaching methods, which promotes understanding and confidence in her students. I highly recommend her 😊
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a keyboard • I'm flexible • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Thank you for your feedback. It is a pleasure having you as a student. ✨🌹
Piano Lessons
Michele P.
Feb 14, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Since I am a 73 year old beginner Ms Rivera put me at ease during my introductory lesson.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • Pop • Yes, the student has a piano • I'm flexible • My home, venue, etc.
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Thank you for the 5 stars 🎉. You have a bright piano future ahead of you. Enjoy your piano future and this blooming time of your life. 😊❤️🎹
Piano Lessons
Sara V.
Sep 30, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
This is our third week with Ms. Rivera, she has been wonderful both challenging and patient with my daughter! My daughter (7) looks forward to class!
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Thank you for your vote of confidence. It's been a great 6 months now. New piano, new books, new skills. Keep up the good work.
Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
Julie f.
Nov 1, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Ms Rivera has been teaching my 5 year old daughter for the past two months. She is patient and kind and makes the lesson fun each week. She uses stickers to motivate which my daughter loves. I would recommend her highly.
Details: Younger than 6 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Thanks for the review. It is a pleasure to teach your daughter. She learns fast and loves doing her best. She is breezing through the Little Fingers book. She has great concentration and self corrects as she is playing. A virtuoso in the making. And thank you for sitting through every lesson giving her parental support. We are a team.
Piano Lessons
Jerysse D.
Aug 7, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
The last time I played the violin was in my 7th grade orchestra. Ms. Rivera has patience and is extremely pleasant to work with. I would definitely rehire her again! :)
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Glad I could re-ignite your learning fires!
Violin Lessons (for adults)
Credentials
Background Check
Suzette Rivera
FAQs
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I continue to study my craft to be an expressive accomplished musician. In my spare time I have played viola with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra and I perform with various local musicians.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
My Bachelors degree from Hunter College is for a double major of Music and Math. While at Hunter I played in the college orchestra and chamber music ensembles. During my graduate study at NYU I studied viola privately with Paul Doktor who was also on the faculty at Julliard. While in graduate school I became interested in teaching.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I am a New York State certified music teacher and have taught grades K-12. I have held the positions of String Orchestra Director, Asst. Conductor of All District Elementary and Secondary Orchestra and String Coach. I currently teach violin, viola and piano privately specializing in preparation for NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo performance. I have also taught middle school piano lab and electronic music.
