REFERENCES

Jim is an amazing and gifted teacher. My sons have been students of his for almost three years. He sparked motivation in our sons to learn the piano when there was none there to begin with. He is obviously a wonderful musician, capable of making the piano sing a variety of different genres on the spot. His effortless musical capabilities and his energetic motivational support continue to inspire our sons. He has shown them how to make music. Our boys have come a long way in just a few years, but with Jim’s breadth as a teacher, they will have a lot to look forward to.

 – Lorenzo Cervantes, Fairfield, CT

I’ve studied with Jim for the past three years and he has furthered my piano repertoire, technique, musical theory, and overall skill in a way that no other teacher could do. Jim is a remarkable teacher, pianist, comedian, and everything in between. He brings a certain kind of charisma and energy to every lesson and never misses a beat. He’s also a fantastic pianist, and has a style unmatched and tailored to the student. He’s always prepared and has such a large repertoire that no student could think to themselves after a lesson “I have nothing to work on!” He knows how to create a curriculum unique and perfect for the student, with pieces both fun and enjoyable to rigorous and technically challenging.

— Laszlo Balazs, Norwalk, CT

Jim has taught my son piano for the past five years. We started in person and then transitioned to online through COVID and now hybrid. Jim is an amazingly flexible, inspirational teacher. He has my son playing classical music through rock music. When my son cancels last minute, Jim has always found an alternative time to make up the lesson. He also accompanies my son to piano recitals at my mother's assisted living. He creates and prints flyers for the recitals, and makes sure they play music recognizable to her generation (many of the residents sing along as they play Broadway show tunes).

My son is now a high school senior applying to college music programs. I attribute his continued interest in music to Jim’s mentorship.

— Patricia Mennitt, Westport, CT

Jim has taught all three of my kids to be wonderful pianists. He’s got two aces up his sleeve.

The first is piece selection. The man knows, and has access to, thousands of pieces. He’s figured out that if a kid loves her piano assignment, she’ll rush home from school to play it for fun—and that’s critical to turning what could be drudgework into a lifelong love of music. 

The second is friendship. Jim knows each kid, jokes with them, works with them, shows them YouTube videos of great or hilarious piano performances, and gently ushers them toward ever improving musicianship. 

--David Pogue, Westport, CT

Jim has been a wonderful piano teacher for our two children. He met them at their level and found the right way to provide instruction and discipline while encouraging them.  Our whole family has looked forward to their weekly lessons and the skills and joy he brings them.

— Eva Balazs, Norwalk, CT