In the studio
“Róża’s lectures were great: full of information and insights, inspiration and practical reminders. Every time I learned something new! I also greatly appreciate the handouts. Those are so handy for following up either through reading or listening. ”
“I thoroughly enjoyed each one of Róża classes! What a fantastic job! I so appreciate how much research she must have done, her delivery, which was delightful and always spot on emotionally, and her wonderful performance demonstrations. The rhetorical figures in Bach—of course, one can hear their emotional meanings and how they need special treatment to bring them out to their fullest—but it was wonderful for me to learn about each one individually, confirming what I hear and know internally, clarified by being put into words.”
“I can’t say enough about Róża … her teaching, her endless knowledge of music, art and history, and her ability to bring out the absolute best in her students. Under her expert guidance, pieces are not only technically learned and mastered, but they are shaped, colored, and tell stories which she demands her students find within the music, and themselves. Her music studio is warm and welcoming, where students are all engaged positively in each others’ progress. We are currently learning remotely with her, and I can assure you, none of these details are lost. Róża has been a gift to my children, and we are blessed (parents as well!) to learn from her vast knowledge of music, art and history. An amazing teacher.”
“Róża is an amazing, one-of-a-kind teacher. She is very dedicated to teaching. From very beginning she helps students to achieve great technique and musicality in phrasing and expressing music. Róża always pushes her students to play challenging pieces, while remaining there to help them overcome technical challenges in many different ways. I personally have not met a teacher like Róża during my study of music in school and college. Teachers like her are rare sparkling individuals.”
“Music has always been a big part in my life. Having taken piano lessons for a few years as a child I fell in love with classical music ... I wanted my kids to develop the same love. Róża is one of the rarest pedagogues who can discover, nurture and build a real artist! She has this unique talent of teaching that makes her every lesson a masterpiece filled not only with finest pianism and techniques but also love and care for every student. Róża can make every student play the instrument to their best potential! I remember at my daughter’s first lesson, it was on “Polichinello” by Villa -Lobos. Róża asked my daughter, “ how do you put your doll to sleep? Sing to your dolly ... this is how we play this part. ... Then just after two months she played her first competition! She was nervous, so was I, and then I felt someone tapped on my shoulder and as I turned - Róża’s smile was so radiant ! She had come to listen - how special!”
“Róża is an extraordinary teacher, preparing her students beyond mastering the piano. While her lessons can be demanding, she is very nurturing and fair with unwavering expectations for her students to be successful. Her teaching is rich of musical expression, cultivating the value of art and history to comprehend the imagination of classical music. Our son has enjoyed many trips with Róża to an art museum, to Poland, and many more.”
“When we had our first lesson with Róża, she said something that stuck with us: “your son can play like a million other kids, or he can do more.” Since our son started with Róża ten months ago he’s improved by leaps and bounds. She not only challenges and pushes him (in very firm and direct, but gentle ways) to improve his technique and play more challenging pieces, she also approaches teaching and music on holistically. It’s not simply about playing the right notes and teaching for the time allotted — it’s about understanding the history and backgrounds of composers and genres and instilling a love of music so her students articulate their pieces with depth, emotion, and heart. She cares deeply about her students and their progress, and gives so much of herself to see them succeed. We are so thankful to have met a wonderful and dedicated teacher like Róża. We highly recommend her!”
“I’ve known Róża for nearly 30 years. She was my son’s teacher from when he began piano at 9 years old until he left for college at 18. In spite of his late start, under Róża’s guidance he blossomed as a pianist and won many regional and state competitions. I watched in amazement as she worked her magic with him and other students in her studio, to bring out their best technically and musically. She is tireless and dedicated and possesses an uncommon gift of teaching. I have met many teachers in many fields and she certainly is one of the best. When my granddaughter was thinking of taking piano lessons I told her parents, ‘don’t teach her piano unless you have Róża as her teacher.’ In just three years of taking lessons my granddaughter now plays Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin and many other composers. She does practice but her progress in technical and musical abilities are due to Róża amazing gift of teaching. I highly recommend her as a teacher and this trust is evident in the fact that she is teaching the second generation in our family.”
Dancing a Polonaise