Emily
One of the best things about learning is making connections: when one thing you’re working on is informed by something else you’ve already learned, or the new thing you’re working on changes your perception of something you thought you knew before.
Every lesson with Kent involved this kind of learning. It was not unusual for us to cover music theory, psych and math in the span of an hour. One moment we were discussing the timelines of Mozart’s and Beethoven’s works, the next the physics of sound. Everything is interrelated: everything a metaphor.
One of the great things about Kent is that he approaches the music from more than just a theoretical or technical perspective, and he approaches lessons as more than just isolated training. Lessons with Kent are centered on music and piano, but they are always mixed in with lessons about life and building character. He has taught me to be a better pianist, but he has also taught me to be a more expressive, confident person. The passion and “artistic ego” he encouraged in the execution of the music translates to my every day, in a way that circularly enriches both the way I play and the way I live.
I began learning the piano at seven and I started working with Kent when I was a Freshman in High School – I wish we had met him sooner! In the few years we worked together my playing improved beyond anything I could have imagined before we met. I went from tentatively keying the first part of Fur Elise to finding my voice and exploring emotions through the Sonata Pathetique. He taught me so many valuable techniques (emphasis on the importance of fingering!) and interesting elements of theory, but I think above all he taught me how to embrace artistry and make music my own. I owe the way I play piano today to Kent Major and Concept Music.
-Emily
Jennifer
Our son was a very reluctant piano student. When we told him that we had won piano lessons at the PS 10 Auction, he *might* have yelled something like “How could you do this to me?!" But 9 months later, we’re happy to report that he is a pretty good piano player.
Kent's method is easy for kids to follow. His students repeat four simple steps when learning new pieces, and devote themselves to a short daily practice. Over the last 9 months, our son has progressed in a way that makes him (and his parents!) truly proud. We’re thrilled with what he has learned — but more importantly -- we love seeing his drive and focus when he sits at the piano.
Kent is one of the best teachers he’s ever had, in any subject.
-Jennifer
Stephanie
My son started piano lessons with Kent over a year ago and his progress has been incredible. Kent’s technique makes it easy for kids to apply the methodology to any song they approach allowing them to be organized in their learning. He has a great demeanor that kids relate well to and my son looks forward to working with him weekly. I genuinely can’t believe how well he is playing after just a year and I look forward to his continued progress and working with Kent.
-Stephanie
David
We have watched our daughter grow steadily under the patient teaching. Expectations are consistent and fair, and I think she’s grown to understand the idea of “putting in the work”. She’s really proud of how she’s grown over the past couple years. We also look forward to hearing all the advanced students play each year at the recitals.
-David
Karen
My son studied with Concept Music from age 7 to 14. He really thrived under Kent’s tutelage and even won a state-wide composition contest for high school when he was in seventh grade. We would have continued his private lessons, but he was accepted into the Manhattan School of Music’s developmental program. He owes much of his amazing progress and love of music to these lessons!
-Karen
Kelly
Both of our sons have had lessons over the past 5 years. We first chose Concept Music because a friend we trusted referred us. The in-home lessons really worked with our busy schedules. I cannot say enough about the quality of the teaching. Our eldest had a previous teacher and the difference was night and day. Our sons have progressed far more and faster than we thought possible, and they really take pride in their piano. I couldn’t recommend Concept Music more heartily.
-Kelly (Mother of Jack and Sam)
Faith
My children have been taught piano by Concept Music for three years. Since that time, they became more fond of piano. The teacher is very skillful and patient in teaching and guiding them. One of them have been taking and passing Royal Music exams.
- Faith
Rosa & Suji
Mr. Major has been teaching my two daughters since they were 4 years old. My older one is now 9 and younger one is 7. He has been a wonderful, dedicated teacher who has never missed a lesson. He is very attentive to each child’s needs and firm about what needs to be done. He is patient, consistent, and also funny and fun. He is gifted in working with young kids, helping them to focus, learn, and feel a great sense of accomplishment. My girls love him! I highly recommend him to anyone.
Suji’s testimonial: Mr Major is an amazing person and a fun talented (easy to work with) guy! I have been taking lessons from him for 5 years! He is super funny but strict too. He’s taught me everything from “Mary had a little lamb” to “fur Elise” it’s always awesome when he comes over. I rate him 5 HUMONGOUS stars. And a high recommendation!
-Rosa and Suji
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