What is the Keyboard Collective?
The Keyboard Collective® is an elite network of New York's top professional
musicians and teachers who have been working together for over 35 years
to help students reach their creative and artistic potential. We offer keyboard and piano lessons in New York City, teach all
levels - from beginner to professional - with a creative and comfortable learning environment
and the most enjoyable and effective teaching methods available anywhere.
The other Web pages on this site, Performance and Composition and Music Technology describe the broad range of musical areas taught at The Keyboard Collective. At The Keyboard Collective you can learn it all - from a strong foundation in keyboard playing and understanding music to hands-on experience with the latest creative tools - all to help you find your own expressive musical voice.
Email Keyboard Collective Phone 646-744-6655
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What We Teach
Our students come from all walks of life, from complete beginners to seasoned
pros needing to brush up on a neglected area. We teach all ages and all levels.
At your first piano or keyboard lesson, we will set up a detailed and comprehensive lesson plan designed specifically for you. Our Keyboard Collective Method Books are
organized and easy to follow, taking you step-by-step through the learning
process. You will also get a Background Series CD to play
along with. These great-sounding CDs are like having your own band for practice
sessions. We have taught thousands of students over a period of more than
35 years, and their success proves that our methods work.
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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Location
The Keyboard Collective's private lessons take place in our state-of-the-art music studio in midtown New York City, on 32nd Street between Second and Third Avenues.
The environment is friendly and supportive, encouraging curiosity, creativity and excitement. You can learn to play on our Yamaha acoustic piano, or explore the world of keyboards, synthesizers, MIDI, and studio recording.
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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The Director
Sam Kanter, co-founder/director of The Keyboard Collective, is a professional
musician, composer, and music educator. He has received several grants from
The National Endowment for the Arts. His music scores for dance, film, and
video have been presented in theaters and festivals throughout the United
States and Europe, as well as on PBS television. He has worked in jazz, rock,
and experimental music groups and ensembles, and was musician/composer-in-residence
at Queensborough College for ten years. In addition to offering private instruction
from his own studio since 1972, he has taught workshops in music composition
and electronic music in colleges and universities both here and abroad.
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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Student Comments
"Sam Kanter at The Keyboard Collective is a brilliant and empowering teacher. He has enriched my piano playing and brought my songs to a whole new level. I send all of my singers to study with him!"
-Cari Cole, founder/director Cari Cole Voice Studios
“I’m learning a lot. Lessons are tailored directly to what I want to do. Sam’s always looking for a way to make it fun and musical."
- David Joerg, computer programmer
"Before I came to study with Sam I had so many fears and they are melting away...everything seems simple and logical...I love that it's so creative."
- Katie Agresta, vocal instructor
"Sam is supportive, straightforward, and user-friendly. I’m actually learning how to play!"
-Seren Morey, singer
"In the beginning I explained what type of music I would like to learn to play and we started playing it! It is great to have method books to refer to between lessons. The books are straightforward and easy to understand."
- Steven Whitehead, designer
"Sam makes having fun a priority. There is no pressure at a lesson. The best teacher I ever had!"
- Sherry Dubin, legal secretary
"I feel that I am building a solid musical foundation...Sam Kanter is the fourth instructor I have studied with and he is the only one that has a firm grasp of what an adult beginner should learn. The teaching technique is easy and rewarding."
- Joseph Turner, producer
“I’m starting to really move on the keyboard. I’m learning something every time I come here!
- Ben Burgess, student
"I like Sam's holistic approach in playing music. I like the fact that I choose which songs to learn and which areas to concentrate on. I always leave the class feeling inspired."
- Karen Shapiro, architect
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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Scheduling
Studio hours are seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 9:00
PM. Lessons are usually every week, but can be scheduled every other week, depending
on individual
schedule and budget. The first session
consists of three parts:
• First, we will talk in depth about your background, musical preferences,
and goals.
• Second, we will create a course of study
customized for your needs.
• Third, we will have an actual lesson so that
you can get started learning and playing immediately.
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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Fees:
Private
Lessons
(individual)
30 minutes |
$60 |
45 minutes |
$75 |
One hour |
$100 |
90 minutes |
$140 |
Two hours |
$175 |
Fees for private lessons with director Sam Kanter are $125/hr, $100/45 min.
Courses of Study
(paid in advance)
Monthly (5 Lesson Course) |
5% discount off individual fee |
Quarterly (10 Lesson Course) |
10% discount off individual fee |
Bi-annual (25 Lesson Course) |
15% discount off individual fee |
Annual (50 Lesson Course) |
20% discount off individual fee |
Keyboard Collective Series
Books and CDs
All lessons and studio time must be paid for in advance.
48 hours notice is required for all cancellations.
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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How to Buy a Piano or Keyboard
Advice on what to look for when shopping for an instrument.
Download (PDF format)
Recommended Software for Learning Music
Band in a Box
Generates backgrounds for practicing, playing, or singing. Useful for learning keyboard voicings, basslines, drum tracks, and making demos of songs.
www.pgmusic.com
The Amazing Slow Downer
Slows down, loops, changes key of CDs, MP3s. Useful for hearing music from recordings, ear training.
www.ronimusic.com
Earmaster School 4.0
Ear training program for hearing intervals, scales, and chords.
www.earmaster.com
Resources
Cari Cole Voice Studios
Cari Cole founded Cari Cole Voice Studios in 1987 out of a desire to provide a place of study for the contemporary popular singer and to explore the realm of vocal study more deeply through teaching. She brings her vast experience as a teacher and a singer of 30 years to her Manhattan based vocal studio.
www.caricolevoicestudios.com
Email Keyboard Collective Phone: 646-744-6655
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