Piano Teacher and Professional Pianist Specializing in Jazz with Open Styles for all levels

I studied piano with Sam for a year, taking weekly one-hour lessons. During that time, we worked on Bach’s Inventions as well as a variety of four-hand repertoire, experiences that greatly strengthened both my technical abilities and my overall musical understanding.

Sam is an outstanding teacher: patient, deeply knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to each student’s growth. He creates an environment that is both supportive and intellectually engaging, encouraging students to challenge themselves while building confidence. My playing has improved tremendously under his guidance, and I wholeheartedly recommend Sam to anyone looking to develop their piano skills at a serious level.

Samuel is the most patient and talented piano teacher for a young child. He has a gentle yet firm approach to getting a child's attention and is highly effective in his teaching.

It is with great enthusiasm and deep gratitude that I write this recommendation for my son Jasper’s Jazz piano and music theory teacher, Samuel Lerner.
Over the past three years, this educator has had a profound and lasting impact on my son’s musical development, and I cannot speak highly enough of their dedication, expertise, and exceptional teaching ability.

When Jasper began his lessons with Samuel at the age of fourteen, he had a genuine interest in music but lacked the technical foundation and theoretical understanding that serious musicianship requires.
From the very first lessons, his teacher demonstrated a rare ability to meet Jasper exactly where he was — nurturing his curiosity while steadily building his skills in a structured and engaging way.

What has impressed me most, as a parent, is the consistency and quality of instruction over three full years.
Jasper’s teacher brings both deep professional knowledge of Jazz and an extraordinary gift for transmitting that knowledge to a young student.
In consultation with Samuel Lerner, my son has gained incredible musical skills as his teacher describes:
“Harmony, improvisation, ear training, rhythm — all of these dimensions have been addressed thoughtfully and progressively.
Jasper today can analyze a jazz standard, comp confidently, and improvise with a musical maturity that genuinely surprises people when they learn his age.”

But beyond the technical growth, what truly sets Samuel apart as a teacher is his ability to instill a love of the music itself.
Jasper doesn’t just play Jazz — he listens to it obsessively, studies its history, and speaks about it with passion. That curiosity was cultivated in the lesson room.
As a Jazz listener myself, this passion ignited in real playing in our home is beautiful and wonderful to witness in my son’s growth as a musician.

I have also been consistently impressed by Samuel’s professionalism, reliability, and genuine investment in Jasper as an individual.
They communicate openly, set clear goals, and push Jasper to grow while always keeping the experience joyful and meaningful.
As a parent, that trust is everything.

I recommend Samuel in a heartfelt way: to any student, institution, or program fortunate enough to work with them.

Sincerely,

Robert Adler
Parent of Jasper, age 17