Learning piano shouldn’t feel Frustrating
Confusing methods and endless drills have made learning piano
frustrating… but not anymore!
You’ve worked through method books that never got you playing the music you love, sat through theory that felt pointless, and been told to just “practice more”.
Months of drills before you play a song you love
Dry theory with no clear purpose
“Practice more,” with no feedback on what’s actually wrong
Sloppy habits that quietly cap your progress
A rigid, one-size-fits-all path
Boxed into a single style forever
Real pieces in your hands as early as possible
Just enough theory
Honest feedback on your playing, hands, and posture
Proper technique built in from the very first lesson
A proven system, shaped around your pace and goals
A classical foundation that unlocks every other genre
Hi, I’m Michael
A classically trained pianist who’s been at the keyboard since childhood and has spent years teaching students of my own.
I teach the same technique-first system I used to learn. It’s an approach I’ve found far more effective than the methods most students are handed
I’ll teach you to read music, get you playing songs as quickly as possible, and cover exactly the music theory you need (no more, no less)
My focus is classical — the music I know most deeply — but once you can read music and play with control, that foundation carries straight over to jazz, pop, film scores, and anything else you want to play.
Why Learn From Me?
Studied under Ursula Ingolfsson-Fassbind, an accomplished Swiss-born concert pianist
Performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 (first movement) with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra at just 13.
Performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 (first movement) with the Ocean City Pops
Semifinalist, Stravinsky International Piano Competition
Selected to perform at the Settlement Music School Gala at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
Performed Chopin’s Étude Op. 25 No. 12 at 15, and multiple Chopin études as a teenager.
Featured in the local press as a young piano soloist
Has taught 9+ students to read music and play with confidence
On Stage & In the Press
On stage at the Settlement Music School 88th Anniversary Gala — Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Featured as a young piano soloist with the Ocean City Pops.
Here It For Yourself
Prefer something with orchestra?
Mozart concerto I performed at 13.
Chopin — Étude Op. 25 No. 12 (live)
Performed By Michael Bernstein
Look Inside the Piano Techniques Method
Free Intro Lesson
A relaxed 1-on-1 over Zoom to talk through your goals, your experience, and whether we’re the right fit.
Reading Music
Learn to read notation properly, so you’re never stuck depending on memory or YouTube tutorials.
Technique First
Hand position, touch, and control; the foundation everything else is built on.
Real Songs, Fast
Start playing actual pieces as early as possible, so it stays fun and you stay motivated.
Theory As You Need It
Just enough music theory to understand what you’re playing and why..
Learn Your Way
Pre-recorded video lessons to study on your schedule, plus live Zoom sessions for real-time feedback.
Who These Lessons Are For
Most of my students are adults. Some have a little musical background, but many are starting from scratch. You’ll feel right at home here if you’re:
A complete beginner who’s never played a note
An adult returning to the piano after years away
A self-taught player who wants to fix technique and fill in the gaps
Someone who wants to truly read music (not just memorize tutorials)
A lover of classical music who wants to play it properly
Busy, and in need of lessons that fit your schedule
Here’s What His Students Have Said
I studied with Mike for many years, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything he taught me. As my very first piano teacher, he gave me a strong musical foundation that has stayed with me ever since. He always created a positive and encouraging learning environment that pushed me to improve while making every lesson enjoyable. More than just teaching me how to play the piano, he helped me develop a genuine love for music. I still play piano to this day, and the strong foundation he gave me has even helped me pick up other instruments, like guitar. I’m very thankful for the years I spent learning from his and would highly recommend him to students of any age or experience level.
— Matthew T.
Mike was my first piano teacher, and he taught me many concepts and pieces that set me up to have a solid foundation in music. He’s patient, his teaching is perfectly paced, and I always learned something new every lesson. Thanks to Mike, I quickly discovered my love for the piano at a young age, and I continue to cherish the skills and abilities I’ve learned from him!
Kristen T.
Mike was my very first piano teacher and I couldn’t have had a better experience. His ability to explain the basics while still making the experience fun made learning piano easy and fun. His passion and experience will make this course worthwhile and engaging!
— Lily C.
Start Playing the
Music You Love
Request a lesson and find out whether my technique-first approach is the right fit for you.
