Auditions, Expectations & Testimonials
Monthly coaching with Aljoša Jurinić at his studio,
Auditions
Prospective students must send in a video of their playing and write a brief explanation of their background and goals to be considered for a trial lesson.
Please prepare and share at least one piece that best demonstrates the student’s strengths and ability.* A successful audition will showcase the student’s personality, enthusiasm, expression, and determination.
Parents of young students must write a brief overview of their musical journey and outline the goals and avenues they wish to pursue.
*pianists suffering from playing-related injuries may skip the preparation and video audition, but are encouraged to include details of their physical challenges and what their goals are for improving their mechanics of playing.
*beginner students may learn and play a simple tune by ear
Expectations
Children pianists are expected to engage in their lesson materials such as technical exercises, sight reading, theory, ear training, and repertoire. They are also required to participate in the broader music community - this includes selective regional recitals, festivals, competitions, examinations, concert attendance, and/or collaborative work through their schools and personal communities.
Adult students are also strongly encouraged (but not required) to perform and connect with the music world beyond just their lessons. Lessons for adults are catered to the needs and goals of the individual student.
Rate
$135/55 minutes
A single, 55-minute lesson with no commitment, on an as-needed basis. A discounted hourly rate for a longer lesson can be discussed, if desired.
This option is only for advanced students or professionals.
$120/55 minutes
Lessons can be weekly, every other week, once a month, and once a quarter. A discount is possible if year-round commitment is desired,
$90/40 minutes
Lessons can be weekly, every other week, once a month, and once a quarter. A discount is possible if year-round commitment is desired,
Financially disadvantaged students are encouraged and supported in this studio. Please reach out via email if you are passionate about playing piano but are experiencing financial hardships.
Testimonials
Testimonials
Marcy is an incredibly talented, encouraging, and comprehensive teacher. I am a professional musician who has multiple degrees in piano performance, but I picked up an injury during my studies and needed help reworking my technique. I knew Marcy was a fantastic performer and educator who brought a unique perspective to teaching, so I asked her to help me - and I’m so glad I did!
Before coming to Marcy, I was beginning to lose hope that I would ever play comfortably again.
In our lessons so far together, Marcy has been able to diagnose my technical issues and share helpful experience and knowledge. She is clearly extremely passionate about what she does, and it comes through in her teaching. Thanks to her ideas, I’ve seen an improvement in my sound and my physical comfort at the piano and have hope again that I can accomplish my goals.
I would highly recommend anyone of any age or background to study piano with Marcy - you’ll gain confidence, improve your ability, and feel more comfortable expressing yourself through the piano!
- Noa S.
I felt drawn to the piano for a long time and finally started learning on my own as a young adult. However, I often ended up frustrated with my practice sessions. Like many adult beginners, I would play the notes without considering the music, and I frequently walked away with pain in my hands and wrists due to poor technique.
When I started working with Marcy, she immediately helped me lay a strong technical foundation while emphasizing tone production and musicality. Even with early pieces, I learned how to utilize arm weight, voicing, and dynamics, while developing interpretive ideas on phrasing and the overall structure of a piece. The pain in my hands and wrists disappeared, and I've developed much more control over the sound I produce at the piano.
Marcy is meticulous and incredibly patient. Whether I am struggling with the rhythms of a passage, making a technical mistake, or need help understanding the music in a larger context, she always has a strategy to resolve my questions and provide helpful feedback. I've never left a lesson without feeling like I've made significant progress.
Since working with her, my confidence and abilities at the piano have skyrocketed. Needless to say, I highly recommend Marcy to anyone looking for a piano teacher.
- Ricky
I’ve only started taking piano lessons with Marcy for a short period of time but I can confidently say that I’ve gained a great amount of learning from her. She helped me prepare for my ARSM Diploma exam and gave me the boost of encouragement that I needed. She isn’t the type of teacher to just give basic tips to her students.
She cares about each of her students and wants them to succeed. She’s given me tips such as wrist, hand, and arm stretches that I never even knew I should do but now do every time before I practice. She has provided me with clear and detailed pointers that have really helped.
I’ve taken in-person as well as virtual lessons and both methods are equally beneficial. His lessons are engaging and supportive. I’ve really enjoyed my lessons with Marcy, and she’s really brought out the best in my piano playing. Overall, Marcy is an incredible teacher with an extensive amount of knowledge and background in piano.