My goal as a piano teacher to students of all levels and ages is to lead the student to a both meaningful and personal relationship to the world of music. My emphasis is on fundamentals, to guide the student in creating successful, long-term habits and make practice and performing an enjoyable experience. To my students looking for a casual experience and those looking for a career in piano I instill an appreciation and understanding for the aesthetics of the great pianists of the last century.
I currently teach piano at New York University as adjunct faculty. My former university teaching includes the University of Miami where I was a graduate teaching assistant. Besides university teaching, I've enjoyed having private studios in Miami, Florida, Portland, Oregon and now New York City where I've taught all ages and skill levels. I hold both a bachelors and masters degree in piano performance as well as a certificate in piano performance and pedagogy from NYU.
I currently teach privately with students ranging from age 4 through 78.
I am available to do both online lessons and in person lessons.
Overview
Hired 14 times
Background checked
1 employee
32 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Services offered
Subjects of interest
Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.)
Harmonization
Counterpoint
Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training)
Level of experience
No experience
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Instrument student plays
Piano
Violin
Guitar
Drum
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
26 reviews
5
96%
4
4%
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Read reviews that mention:
Emily N.
Dec 6, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Nick is fantastic! I always feel so inspired leaving class every week, in large part due to the quality of the lessons Nick provides. I’ve only been working with Nick for a few months and have improved not just my technique but my overall knowledge on musictheory, dynamics, and music history. Nick has me working on classical pieces as well as jazz (and some improv too!!), per my request. And he always sends over notes after each lesson to help guide my practice. I can’t recommend him enough!!!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Classical • Yes, the student has a piano • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Piano Lessons
Devin Coy B.
Aug 17, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Nick is a remarkable instructor! In just three months, my journey from zero music background to being ready for an exam and audition (that I was panicking over) to get into my music school has been incredible - all thanks to my wonderful piano teacher. He is patient, kind, and exceptionally skilled at identifying and rectifying mistakes immediately. Nick is supportive, reassuring, and offers insightful guidance that really fosters growth. His approach is really unique tbh. It's quite refreshing to be in such a constructive and supportive learning environment. He REALLY helps you interpret sheet music and connect with the piano. I get anxious quite easily but I don't in our lessons! And it goes without saying... make sure you practice!! He assigns homework and always sums up each lesson in a convenient email that includes summaries from previous lessons so you don't have to fumble through your emails. Also, definitely ask to watch him play a piece for you. It's quite wild to see up close lol. If you seek expertise, reliability, and a totally stress-free learning experience, stop what you're doing and choose him because he's literally next level. 10/10, perfect choice undoubtedly!!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • Classical • Yes, the student has a piano • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Riley B.
Mar 11, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
About a year ago, I was in search for a piano teacher because I wanted to pick it up again after about 18 years. I was a bit nervous about the process since I’ve had bad experiences with physically and verbally abusive piano teachers in the past — so it was important for me to find someone who was as empathetic as they were skilled at teaching. After crossing off a dozen or so other teachers off my list, I finally came across Nick and his Thumbtack page.
When I got in touch with Nick, I explained what my piano learning journey had looked like and what I was hoping to get out of taking lessons — improving my piano skills in a tangible yet low-pressure way. I also hadn’t decided whether or not I wanted to learn more Classical or Jazz, but wanted the option to potentially explore both during my lessons. And even from our initial correspondence, I could tell he was exactly the type of teacher I was looking for.
I’m approaching about a year of having taken lessons with Nick now, and I couldn’t be happier with him as my teacher. Not only is he easygoing, empathetic and kind, he’s also extremely knowledgeable, flexible, and professional. Taking lessons with him feels like learning from a friend who is extremely thoughtful and methodical in how they teach. He’s also great at teaching Classical, Jazz, AND theory, which is great for someone like me who enjoys variety when learning.
Though I’m not a piano virtuoso by any means (wholly due to my needing to be better about making time to practice more, haha), I can see a marked improvement in my skills since I’d first started. I’m forward to continuing to improve under his tutelage — thanks, Nick!
tl;dr: Nick is a fantastic piano teacher, so be sure to book him before all of his lesson slots fill up!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Greg B.
Mar 12, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
As a professional educator I can say with some authority that Nick is one of the best teachers I have had. He brings great energy to every session and is able to tailor the lessons to my specific needs. In about 6 months I have learned so much and can now play a descent jazz arrangement of All of Me that has impressed my wife and friends.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Jazz • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Michael M.
Aug 18, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Nick is one of the best! I studied piano for 12 year when I was younger and loved. As it always does, life got in the way and I took a brief hiatus from lesson for almost 20 years. I was eager to pick back up but nervous as I had been out of practice. I wanted a teacher that was well studied, still performed and kind but still knew when to push me. Nick met all those requirements and more! I felt an instant connection. He's able to breakdown musictheory concepts into easy digestible bites, has a wealth of knowledge in a variety of genres and can make even the most apprehensive students fall in love with piano! He's extremely responsive and always willing to text, email or send a quick video if you have a question about your practice. If you want the best, look no further than Nick!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 4+ yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • No, the student does not have either • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location
Piano Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Nicholas Poelwijk
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first lesson works as an interview, both for you and myself! We will go over whatever experience you have at the piano or with music in general and talk about goals and a plan moving forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have held taught at two universities. At New York University as faculty and at the University of Miami as a teaching assistant. Besides university teaching I have also held private studios on both the west and east coast. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my students who have ranged from 3 - 78. years old.
I hold a bachelors degree in piano performance from the University of Oregon, a masters degree in piano performance from the University of Miami, and an advanced certificate in piano performance and pedagogy from New York University.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started playing the piano at the ripe old age of three! I have been teaching piano for over a decade.
