Nicholaus Poelwijk Piano Lessons

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Introduction: 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've taught as an adjunct instructor of piano studies at New York University and as graduate teaching assistant at the University of Miami. 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 9 times

Serves New York, NY

Background checked

1 employee

29 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

14 reviews

93%

Read reviews that mention:

Greg B.

Mar 12, 2023

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

Riley B.

Mar 11, 2023

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

Haile C.

Jun 24, 2022

Hired on Thumbtack

I didn't hire Nick to teach my son notes. I hired him to unleash in my son the joy between the notes when the muse sparks a nerve to move a finger to touch a key in the right way, with the right expression, in the right pieces that inspire self-expression flowing for the heart to the keys as second nature as blinking, breathing, smiling and weeping. No small task. I didn't hide my intentions, and Nick didn't shy away from the challenge. He jumped right in with the first "hello," he said to my son. He asked my son what he wanted to play, not to undermine the challenge but to understand it best. He evaluated his skill level and natural talent. And they got to work. There is an understanding between you and someone you ask to guide your son in an art. Nick embodies that trust. He is the wisdom to and skill to accomplish the task. He exudes the confidence, reverence, and love of the field of his mastery. He transfers from himself to my son the gift of joy between the notes in every lesson. And the results are beyond outstanding! If I must review Nick in one word, I will stand and merely proclaim, "Bravo"!!

Details: 14 - 17 years old • Yes, the student can read music • 2 - 4 yrs of formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 30 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Piano Lessons

Alex R.

Jun 13, 2022

Nick has been amazing, he's been working with my son for about 6 months and he's made significant progress, my son looks forward to every lesson. Nick is great at motivating him and making the lesson fun, creates a structured lesson plan, provides feedback to me after each lesson. I would highly recommend Nick !!

Leslie R.

Jun 5, 2022

Not all teachers are able to teach every subject well enough, however this is where Nicholaus differs from the rest. Every lesson Nicholaus makes sure that my son understand everything being taught before proceeding. Lessons don’t feel like a burden. As a matter of fact he look forward to class every week. Nicholaus is young so classes feel more comfortable and natural as compared to an older person teaching you. He’s got a very laidback vibe which is perfect for young and older students alike. My son is currently going through the college process and Nicholaus has been nothing but helpful. He has sat down and explained everything very thoroughly. For any younger students going through the same thing Nicholaus will definitely be of help. And to top it all off he’s got a Steinway for students to play on every lesson! We love him.

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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.

Nicholaus Poelwijk Piano Lessons

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