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PIANO LESSONS
Biographical Notes
Photo: SUE ANNE MILLER
With over 30 years of private piano teaching experience, Rosine Katan offers piano lessons on her Steinway baby grand to both children and adults.
When Rosine began taking piano lessons at the age of six, she couldn’t have imagined that her study would become a life-long pursuit. After 13 years studying piano with a Julliard-trained teacher, Rosine trained as a classical piano major at Oberlin Conservatory.
Rosine then headed to Northern California’s Bay Area where she lived for five years, exploring and developing her skills in a variety of music projects. She worked as a music director, piano accompanist, and performer for several children’s community Musical Theatre companies. She began to teach piano. She also gained experience in the commercial music field, performing as a keyboardist and back-up singer in various bands ranging from Reggae and Motown to Pop and Afro-Rock.
During this time, Rosine also began taking jazz singing lessons and teaching herself how to write songs. She began to record for various independent music projects, and co-produced a children’s recording titled, “African Folksongs for Children” for her father’s pioneering educational multi-media company, “Spoken Arts, Inc.” She went on to produce her first professional demo of her original pop songs, “Jubilation”, which received a glowing review in Keyboard Magazine.
After returning to New York, Rosine Katan began her private piano teaching studio. She also discovered her interest in Early Childhood Human Development, and decided to train to become an early childhood music educator through the “Musical Munchkins” program (see Early Childhood Music Classes).
On staff with the Westchester County, NY-based early childhood music organization for five years, Rosine taught the innovative program to over 1,000 babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in private group classes and public library programs. Rosine’s training and experience with Musical Munchkins deepened her interest in Human Development, which continues to influence her approach to teaching as a Human Development educator.
After taking a leave of absence from Musical Munchkins, Rosine concentrated more fully on her private piano teaching practice for children and adults. Additionally, Rosine developed her performing career as a pop-jazz pianist/singer/songwriter in the New York metropolitan area. She then released her debut CD, “Liquid Blue”, an 11-song collection of Rosine’s original pop-jazz songs which she produced, performed, and arranged for a 9-piece band.
For the next few years, Rosine performed on the New York club scene, promoting the CD with her band and trio of background vocalists. After relocating to Northern Westchester, NY Rosine opened up a new piano teaching studio, resumed teaching with Musical Munchkins, and began production on her soon-to-be released intimate sophomore CD, “Blue Gem in the Raw”.
Piano Teaching Approach
Photo: JERRY LUCIDO
The Human Development approach to teaching encourages the process of learning for learning’s sake. As a Human Development music educator, Rosine Katan’s piano teaching style focuses on nurturing the joyful process of learning how to play the piano. This process of learning needs to feel comfortable, engaging, attainable, and satisfying.
Whether her students are children or adults, Rosine Katan provides a fun experience for learning the language of music by learning how to play the piano. As a result, students are motivated to practice on their own – the key to learning.
For over 30 years, Rosine Katan has been teaching “music literacy” = the fundamental A-B-C’s of the music language. As we all go to school to learn how to read, write, and do arithmetic, Rosine believes everyone can learn how to read, write, and express themselves in the language of music. In every piano lesson, Rosine addresses the music fundamentals which include rhythm, melody, harmony, ear training, and sight reading in both solo and ensemble playing.
To develop well-rounded musicians, Rosine Katan introduces her students to a variety of styles of music including classical, pop, blues, rock, and jazz. Rosine’s piano teaching approach goes beyond learning how to play a particular song or piece of music. Her approach creates a love for learning, a life skill beneficial to all ages.
Rosine Katan offers weekly piano lessons throughout the year.
Children take weekly lessons throughout the September to June academic school year, while adults can space out their lessons to 2x/month to accommodate busy schedules. Beginning students are generally 7 years old, however, children whose parents are musicians are sometimes developmentally ready to begin lessons at the age of six.
Piano Teaching Referrals
“Rosine has been my piano teacher, and also my son’s and daughter’s for 13 years. My daughter and I both studied with other teachers. Why was Rosine better? She related to all three of us. She felt that piano could be learned using any style of music and she felt equally comfortable with classical, jazz, and pop music. My piano lessons were geared to me as an individual. My weekly piano lesson was an oasis in my otherwise harried life as a physician, mother, and wife. Rosine brought music into our house. She is a skilled musician, a wonderful person, and an excellent teacher. If you are reading this, do not let Rosine get away; offer her the job quickly. Good teachers are hard to find and she is one of the best.”
— Beth B., M.D.
“All parents hold their children’s teachers to a high standard, but…I have a masters degree in piano performance. From the very first lesson, Rosine’s gifts as a teacher and musician have shown through clearly. Not only does she possess impeccable credentials and a thorough mastery of her instrument; her warmth, humor, and engaging personality are also perfectly designed to draw a child in and make the study of piano and music theory a joy, not a burden.”
— Diane G., M.M.
“Rosine has a great deal of insight into children of all ages. She so obviously respects the children she works with. She lets who they are emerge in their own time. I have never seen another adult connect with my daughter as quickly and fully as Rosine did. Our years with Rosine have been invaluable. I recommend her to you in the strongest terms.”
— Pat R., Ph.d
“My two sons have taken piano lessons with Rosine for the past nine years and have become passionate musicians as a result. Her accepting ways, her appreciation of the importance of the relationship between teacher and student, her attention to the crucial importance of developing rhythm early on, her sensitivity to the pacing of the lesson and introduction of new concepts that stretch her students without overwhelming them are just a few of the qualities that make Rosine such a special teacher. Rosine guides her students to bring out the passion inside them through their music and playing. Her ability to both be in the moment with her students as well as to hold a vision for their potential and where they can stretch and strive and apply themselves is invaluable.”
— Marjorie S., CSW
“Rosine Katan taught piano to my daughter for seven years and to my son for two. In addition to being conscientious and responsible, she is a warm and enthusiastic teacher who instills a love of music and keeps the lessons fun. Whatever their level of skill, her students learn to play the piano musically.”
— Elise R., M.D.
“Rosine’s breadth of knowledge, extensive experience and love of music has helped me to grow in my technical skills as a pianist and in my enjoyment of playing. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable, Rosine is very patient. I always looked forward to my piano instruction with her and would leave each lesson feeling good. She is a great teacher of piano.”
— Jeanne F., B.A.
“I am delighted to recommend this supremely gifted piano instructor to you. Rosine brings a joyous, profound respect for children to her excellent musical instruction. Her vast musical knowledge and incredible talent are matched only by her energetic spirit. She is a rare gift to any family seeking a serious musical experience and a positive adult influence in their child’s life.”
— Patricia C., Midwife
For more information, please send Rosine Katan an e-mail at: muir004@aol.com