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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
Musical style
Classical
Pop
Jazz
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
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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
Claudia I.
Jan 20, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
We have only had one class with Ms. Rivera but it went really well. I think there is a good future as my daughter's piano teacher!
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Thank you for your review. I agree your daughter's piano future is very good!
Piano Lessons
Darleen A.
Sep 23, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
A pleasure to have Ms. Rivera as our piano teacher for my 4 year old son! Ms.Rivera is kind, sweet,energetic and passionate. Ms.Rivera is very patient and understanding and pushes my son in thinking with her open ended questions. She has been an amazing experience and pleasure to continue working with. We highly recommend Ms. Rivera!
Details: Younger than 6 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
It is a joy and privilege to teach your very bright and talented son. Your gift to him of music lessons will give him a strong intellectual and emotional foundation that will serve him a lifetime. Peace, love and happiness to you and your family. Thank you for the review.
Piano Lessons
Virginia R.
Apr 21, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dear Ms. Zuzette Rivera, My first thoughts of learning to play the piano at my age was intimating, until I met you. I am very fortunate that I found an experience, patience music teacher and with a good sense of humor. Your caring and encouraging words has helped me with the jitters when I sit at the piano. Your positive feedback during my lessons gives me the confidence I need. And I know I will learn how to read music and play the piano. Thank you Virginia
Ms. Rivera's Music Academy's reply
Your progress gives me confidence as your teacher. It is a pleasure to help you achieve what you finally have time for!
Piano Lessons
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.
