A Piano Grows In Brooklyn is the piano lesson service delivered by our team of six teachers. We are proud to offer our versatile lessons to piano students of all ages. Our approach is based on the personality and goals of each student.
Our students interested in traditional piano lessons study how to read and play sheet music. We explore music theory, scales, and exercises.
Many students do better with a more creative approach. We teach these students to learn their favorite songs by ear or by using chord charts. Some students want to focus on being able to perform solo or play with a band. We study improvisation, the ability to sing while playing, and sometimes we work on songwriting together.
Stylistically, our lessons run the gamut. Students learn classical, jazz, and pop songs. They learn songs from movies and TV, obscure indie songs, and songs from video games and viral videos.
A Piano Grows In Brooklyn delivers home lessons to students living in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Music is an excellent way to multiply intelligence, express the self, and deepen appreciation for the world around us. We keep this idea at the heart of our teaching.
Our video from 2010 made to advertise our lessons.
About Andrew
Andrew Hoepfner has been a passionate piano player for 30 years and a devoted instructor for 16. He's the pianist of two churches in Brooklyn. During his twenties, Andrew spent much of his time touring the world in rock bands and touring a musical.
Andrew playing with Darwin Deez in Australia in 2011
Andrew playing with David Byrne in London in 2015
About Hank
Hank Zwaan is a Brooklyn-based pianist who has played in numerous bands and as an accompanist around New York and the Hudson Valley. Classically trained since the age of six, his career started as a church pianist in his hometown. Later finding his passion for jazz and improvisation, he attended Bard College where he graduated in 2018 after composing and arranging two hour-long concerts. A multi-instrumentalist and fluent in recording techniques, he is currently composing works for a new trio project.
Hank performing his senior concert in 2018
Hank at Traghaven Whisky Pub in 2019
About Clark
Clark Baxtresser is a pianist, singer, and composer living in Brooklyn. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, he started music exploration at a young age and hasn’t stopped since. He is one half of the Brooklyn-based pop duo TalkFine, a frequent collaborator and music director for the internet-based theater company Team StarKid, and is currently performing an original musical at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade (UCB) theater as part of a monthly residency.
Clark performing at Gramercy Theatre
Clark performing with Team StarKid at Elsie Fest
About Nathan
Nathan is an experienced performer and teacher with a wide range of musical interests. Classically trained on piano from the age of 4, he eventually developed an interest in jazz and went on to study jazz saxophone and piano at the New England Conservatory in Boston, MA. Nathan enjoys working with students of all ages and musical interests, from young beginners to aspiring pros. He specializes in teaching jazz, improvisation, pop music, and songwriting.
Nathan performing at the Banff Centre in 2018
Nathan performing in Shenzhen, China
About Graeme
Graeme Gengras is a pianist and producer and has been developing his musical skills for 18 years. He recently graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs where he played regularly in a multitude of settings ranging from solo performance to jazz groups to indie rock bands. Graeme is currently playing with various artists around the city and working on a hip-hop project for 2019.
Graeme playing with indie band Dolphin Pal
Graeme at his Senior Recital