Experienced piano teacher of classical music for all ages

Laurence C.

I am originally from Australia and my father taught me piano from an early age. Pursuing music as my career brought me to New York where I could learn from the best.

I teach privately and also have been an assistant to my Graduate School teacher Yuri Kim, who has entrusted me with substituting for her at Mannes College to teach both undergraduate and graduate level pianists as well as her students at Mannes Prep.

I also work actively in the city as an accompanist and vocal coach, in this way keeping my practice lively and current.

The guiding principle of my teaching practice is the development of a mutually respectful relationship between the student and myself. Music is a very personal pursuit—I aim to help create an environment in collaboration with each student that allows them the space to relish their own work.

The study of classical piano has typically gone hand in hand with fearsome discipline imposed by the teacher onto the student. Better results are achieved when the student—as an independent person—has a vested interest in the outcome of their work and contributes to the development of their own work ethic. The first step is to be interested and curious. My own personal practice as a pianist is something of a salve in the hyperactive age we live in. Creative development is slow, sprawling, and deeply satisfying in the long term.

I have been teaching piano for over a decade, in multiple settings across a wide age range. No two students (and I have taught twins) thrived with the same approach. Moreover, the same student over a long period of time requires myriad small adjustments and changes in trajectory. The basis of my teaching method is the recognition that the full unfolding of musical potential needs a suitably empathetic approach.

I look forward to joining you on your musical voyage!