Briana Cangemi
Classical Piano Teacher
FAQ
Where are you located?
My private studio is located in the heart of Astoria, Queens.
Can you come to my home?
If you live in Nassau County and have a piano in your home, I can travel to you. If you are a resident outside of Nassau County, you are invited to my home studio for lessons.
What are the benefits of piano lessons?
As someone who started piano at age five, I can vouch for the power of piano lessons. Because of the visual nature of the piano, it can be a great gateway to music and music literacy. Many students who begin an instrument in elementary school benefit from having prior piano training.
In this digital age, I believe one of the greatest gifts one can receive (especially those who are younger) is experience and time off of a screen. Piano lessons develop the brain, body, emotional, creative connection.
Some Cognitive Benefits: Memory (short and long term), concentration and attention span, processing speed, executive functioning
Some Coordination Benefits: Finger dexterity, body awareness
Some Emotional Benefits: Reduces stress and anxiety, build confidence, self discipline, persistence, stimulate creativity
I don't have a piano at home, can I still take lessons?
In order to progress in your studies, practice is required. Therefore, you must have an instrument at home that you can practice on. Nothing will beat an acoustic piano, but if you don't have one, I suggest purchasing an electric keyboard, which will work just fine for practice. I recommend one of the two keyboards linked below. The weighted keyboard will feel more like a real piano, and is therefore more expensive.
Weighted Keyboard (recommended)
I'm not sure if I want to commit yet. Can I just try it out?
Yes! I totally understand that not every teacher is the perfect fit for every student. I offer trial lessons, which are non-committal (please note I charge the same rate as a normal lesson for a trial lesson). You or your child can take as many "trial lessons" as you'd like before committing to weekly lessons.
Can you prepare my child for NYSSMA Solo Festival?
Yes, I have experience preparing students for NYSSMA Solo Festival. I am happy to help a student prepare for NYSSMA if they are willing to prepare and put in the practice time.
Do you accept Venmo, Cash, or Card as payment?
Payment is cash only, please.
What is the appropriate amount of time for a private lesson?
Most beginners and children will greatly benefit from a half hour lesson. Even older students (including adults) will benefit from a half hour once a week. Once students have developed their own practice outside of lessons, they might benefit from forty-five minutes to even sixty minutes, particularly those who are playing intermediate-advanced repertoire. Most students start with me at a thirty minute lesson window.