The Piano Tutor

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About

For over 20 years I have been a private teacher in piano, voice and music theory to students of all ages and levels. I am a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in piano performance and the Royal Academy of Music in London in piano teaching. As a choral and orchestral conductor in Toronto and Montreal, I have conducted over 100 works with professional orchestras including 23 performances of Handel's MESSIAH. In Toronto, Barry Snyder of the Artist Faculty at the Eastman School of Music, performed three concertos under my direction. Working with a high school and college choir in Toronto, we did many performances of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. My vocal students in the Rochester area have had solo parts at Geva Theatre, McQuaid High School, and Pittsford Musicals. In October 2016, one of my former vocal students was the lead in the production of SWEENEY TODD at Brighton High School. My teaching style aims to develop the students talent into the best talent he or she can be. Working with the student and or parent, we can reschedule lessons if there is a school event or personal conflict. Success is to enjoy the lessons, and see improvements while receiving constant encouragement and support from the tutor. My commitment is to give ..... the student receives. The development of the talent is my enjoyment!

Overview

Hired 84 times

Background checked

1 employee

35 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2021

2019

2018

2017

Services offered

Music types

Band

Vocals

Guitar

Piano

Event type

Wedding reception

Wedding ceremony

Holiday party

Music genres

Pop / top 40

Rock / classic rock

Jazz / Blues

Mariachi

Reviews

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

Great 4.7

63 reviews

5

89%

4

5%

3

2%

2

1%

1

3%

Read reviews that mention:

Trang T.

Dec 16, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

In one sentence: I think he is talented, skillful, knowledgeable, super fun, energetic, and full of plans for his students. I am listening to some Christmas pieces my boys are playing and I think it is a good time to leave a review for their piano teacher (they have been with him for two months). Now if you have some spare minutes: I just moved from North TX to Western NY in Aug 2017 due to a new job with my two boys, 11 and 8. One of my biggest concerns is to find a piano teacher that fit them. I found thumbtack from Google search, which gave me a few suggestions. I decided to pick The Piano Tutor because (1) right now I prefer a male teacher hoping that he could discipline my boys (in some fun way), especially when they are almost at the same level and they take lessons together, and (2) he has a fairly large number of reviews and they made me feel positive. He happened to have open slot on Saturday, which was great for me as well since our week is full of swim practice and we live 35 minutes away. I would not mind the driving as long as the teacher is a good fit. Before the boys' first lesson, he asked about their music background and piano experience, so that he can get some book for them. The next day when we showed up, he had several books ready, and I was impressed with his finger skills when he gave the kids the free assessment. He let it go on 30' past the pre-agreed one hour because my boys were so excited with his place and his talks. The first few lessons were not going very well because my kids had not been practicing for 2 months (packing, moving, and settling), and I appreciate the fact that he would show them that he was unhappy (their previous teachers would not and my kids know how to take advantage of easy teachers as well as easy mom). They got better after 4 weeks. Now they are working on many things (mom does not know), including a Christmas songs book and working towards taking the level 2 test at The Royal Conservatory of Music in June 2018. I feel nervous but he is pretty confident they would make it. I am a college-level educator myself, so I value education, and I know that it takes more talent and effort to become a musician/pianist/etc. than any regular professions like mine. I would never mind driving to his place or paying at regular prices, but he has been offering driving to our place if our schedule is too tight, but it might come handy sometime when I decide to buy a house near the city. He also offer a package discount at the beginning and another early renewal discount. My kids, imo, have pretty strong music theory understanding, but they love the constant challenge they get from the new teacher. They are also the type of kids who would not want to be forced to play/practice piano and would find lessons boring easily, so it is not an easy job to entertain yet teach them at the same time. So far, they have enjoyed The Piano Tutor very much. I do hope that the kids would have more chances to play at recitals and contests like they used to do. Two months is still a short time. I will update my review if needed.

Piano Lessons

Anand N.

Jul 10, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Classical • Yes, the student has a keyboard • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Piano Lessons

Joy U.

Jul 20, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

In less than a year, Tom provided the structure and challenge I needed to take piano to another level. I was self-taught and had never taken lessons, and as an older student, I didn’t want to start over. Tom challenged me to try for RCM Level 5 certification, which was very difficult but taught me much I needed to know in a sort of “crash course.” I learned the importance and variety of “touch,” improved hand positions, and the critical ability to turn notes into music.

Details: 45 - 64 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 • My home, venue, etc.

The Piano Tutor's reply

Joy you were an awesome student ... a very serious adult approach You had no formal training before contacting me and in one year you progressed at an incredible speed and decided to take the Grade V Royal Conservatory, Toronto exams. Great job Joy, and you did the equivalent of five grades in one year with no previous training.

Piano Lessons

Patrick M.

Oct 10, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Piano Lessons (for adults)

Chad R.

Mar 11, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Yes, the student can read music • No formal training • Classical • Yes, the student has a piano • 30 minutes • The piano teacher travels to me

Piano Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Tom Harris

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Fees are $30 half hour and $50 an hour. I do offer a 20% discount to students committing and paying 10 lessons in advance.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
At the first meeting on line, text, or phone, I briefly explain what is expected: Masks Distancing Chat about expected practice time: beginner, student has studied before, and professional. With exceptions of course, I plan on regular weekly lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Private tutor in piano and organ in London, Montreal, Toronto, White Plains, and Rochester Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Piano teaching methods for children, older students and adults. Taught music theory in private boys school one year in Croydon, England One year at the Manhattan School of Music, towards Bach. Mus. in Piano Performance Two years toward Masters Degree in Organ with Russell Sanders One year McGill University toward Master Degree Organ with John Grew Bach of Music degree Eastman School of Music with Barry Snyder in Piano Performance

The Piano Tutor

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