Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my website. I am an accomplished pianist and teacher living in Mt. Kisco, NY. I take great pride in seeing my students grow from preschoolers to middle schoolers to high schoolers to adults.
My musical training began at a very young age. My mother and I used to sing and dance together in the kitchen waiting for supper to be cooked. Uncle Mike and Emile played piano, drums and guitar on Sunday visits. Music provided many good times, and still does. The enjoyment of music is what I wish for your family.
Piano lessons provide a special bond between the student and teacher. The relationship can last a very long time. Just last week I spoke with a former teacher who is 93 years old. She just stopped playing the celeste for the Metropolitan Opera last year -- there is no retirement age.
Students develop poise and confidence in their lives and in their playing. A few examples of what my students accomplished:
- An elementary school teacher was thrilled when a student surprised her by playing Happy Birthday;
- A middle schooler student delighted his class by playing Star Wars; and
- A high school student who wasn’t sure if she could memorize a five page classical piece for a festival. She totally surprised herself with an outstanding performance.
I use an interactive, fun approach at lessons. We march to the beat of songs; analyze music by pretending it is a treasure map and use spy glasses to find the treasure -- music symbols; toss a few flashcards in the air and then compose a song using them.
If you have a favorite song you'd like to play and it's too hard, I can simplify it for you. I will tailor a curriculum especially for you. You are encouraged to:
- Ask questions rather than be silent;
- Tell me if something is too hard or easy;
- Listen, sing and dance to all types of music; and
- Perform for friends and relatives.
What You Will Learn
Foundation
Note names, chords, reading, writing, rhythm are taught in a positive atmosphere tailored to suit each student’s learning style.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Combine piano and technology to enhance your music education. Learn to use Piano Maestro, Garage Band and apps
Variety
Play familiar tunes from a multitude of genres whether it’s classical, a pop song you heard on the radio, or anything in between. You choose the songs you want to play.
COMPOSITION
Put notes on a staff using MuseScore. Compose your own songs, press "print" and you get a printout of your song to play again and again.
Learning is Fun
Fundamentals are taught by playing musical games. Rhythm is experienced by dancing and drumming. Melodies are sung using solfege (do re mi, etc.).
Community
Have fun meeting fellow students at our popcorn party gigs; pair up for duets. Show off your hard work at our Spring recital, NYSSMA, and Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program.
Testimonials
"It is with great pleasure that I recommend piano instructor Mary Farrell. Mary is an excellent teacher with a warm, fun approach to teaching, which holds a student’s interest. She covers a wide spectrum of musical styles and incorporates today’s technology with traditional studies. Her students build an excellent foundation of music theory and technique. They further benefit from her years of performance experience which helps them prepare for Royal Conservatory of Music, NYSSMA, NYSMTA and Piano Teachers Congress evaluations and competitions."
- John Sauro, Pound Ridge, NY
"My 9 year old daughter, Chloe, has been a student of Mary Farrell’s for the past two years. Under Mary's expert tutelage, Chloe has blossomed into a strong and confident pianist. Chloe has developed a love of piano and looks forward to her lesson every week!
My husband and I couldn't be happier with Mary's instruction, enthusiasm, and impact on Chloe's piano playing. Mary is always sending links to videos and apps for Chloe to watch and try. I highly recommend her."
- Leigh Kohl, Bedford, NY
"Mary Farrell is a fantastic piano teacher. My 8 year old son loves taking her classes and practicing her lessons at home. She is upbeat and keeps the lesson moving at a good pace in order to keep the interest of young budding musicians. I was initially drawn to her teaching style because she integrates traditional piano teaching techniques with new techniques, mixing in technology and other instruments when appropriate. The music my son is studying ranges from classical to movie theme songs to pop music. He remains consistently interested and excited about learning to read music and learning to acutely listen to music, in order to learn how to play the piano. Mary Farrell is everything I could ask for in a piano teacher; she is a terrific instructor."
- Lara D'Agostino, Katonah, NY
Let's Chat.
Use the form below to contact me regarding any questions you may have. You may also email (NYPianoTeacher@gmail.com) or call (914.666.2523).