I have over 35 years of experience teaching both privately and in schools. I am willing to be flexible with lesson times and days, or structured as the family would like, because I understand that students and families are busy with life and other activities too, just like I am. I enjoy watching how my students grow from year to year through their skills, accomplishments and understanding of music. Plus, I enjoy giving them the tools that will last them for the rest of their lives when I’m no longer their teacher. I like to give students goals throughout the year through preparing for recitals, playing or music theory exams through the ABRSM program, sonatina festivals and other opportunities that might be available in the area where I live.
Overview
Hired 13 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.
Services offered
Subjects of interest
Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.)
Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training)
Other
Level of experience
No experience
Beginner
Intermediate
Instrument student plays
Piano
Violin
Guitar
Drum
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
17 reviews
5
94%
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6%
3
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Read reviews that mention:
Cassie G.
Mar 4, 2018
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Helga has been great to work with, very responsive and flexible scheduling. I love how she is firm and yet encouraging with my daughter. Very experienced piano teacher and wonderful with kids!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No, the student cannot read music • No formal training • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a piano • 30 minutes • Willing to work around teacher's schedule • I travel to the piano teacher • The piano teacher travels to me
Piano Lessons
Natasha W.
Jul 27, 2017
Her years of experience really helped us during the planning process. She took care to find us pieces that were a good fit for us, sight reading as we went to give us a feel for the music we were discussing. She was absolutely professional, and worked with us to create the atmosphere we wanted for our wedding. We were so lucky that we ended up having our ceremony inside, because it meant that she got to fill the room from a baby grand piano. It was beautiful! We'd 100% work with her again.
Julian P.
Feb 6, 2017
Helga taught me piano lessons for fifteen years starting in first grade. She took me through the very fundamental aspects of piano through the advanced elements of music, and helped me become a mature, rounded musician. Her attention to her student's strengths, coupled with a precise focus on technique and musicianship helped me to succeed with my studies at the piano.
Helga draws on a deep knowledge of piano repertoire for all skill levels, an intuitive understanding of the technical development of young learners, and a strong desire for her students to achieve to their fullest potential. She pushes her students to accomplish increasingly advanced goals and does so effectively.
I cannot speak highly enough of the education that I received from Helga. She not only helped me develop my piano technique to a substantive level, but also instilled a passion for music in me that continues to this day. My lessons with her were so important to me that I am soon to receive my Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in Composition here in Boston, where I teach piano lessons myself.
Connie L.
Aug 8, 2017
Helga is such an amazing instructor. When I was younger, finding an instructor who I could stay with was always a struggle. However, Helga has been my instructor for the past 5 years. She explains everything very thoroughly and teaches in a way where you appreciate not only the notes on the page, but also the story behind it. Helga is also a very caring person. She is always there if you need help with anything, whether it be related to music or not. I would strongly recommend Helga as an instructor to pianists of any level.
Stacie H.
Aug 6, 2017
Helga was so wonderful to work with! She helped us out at the last minute and she took care of everything to make sure the music was perfect for our special day! I highly recommend her services and am so thankful to have had her play piano for our ceremony.
Credentials
Background Check
Helga Swatzak
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Standard wedding: $250; includes the following services:
initial phone call with couple; in-person meeting with couple to discuss music choices; continued correspondence re wedding music and coordination with other musicians and wedding planner; wedding music practice time alone and with singer/s or instrumentalists; attendance at rehearsal to get an idea of how the ceremony will take place; playing for ceremony
Additional costs may included extended travel to ceremony and purchase of additional requested music.
For other events: some of the above items apply; additional $100/hr for extended playing.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First we communicate by email and then we set up a time to meet in person, especially if customers need help with choice of music or if they would like to hear me play.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in Piano Performance, as well as close to 35 years of teaching music, playing for events, accompanying for recitals and concerts. I have a great deal of repertoire which helps to cut down on the cost of customers needing to purchase music for their event.
