Comments for Andrew Westphal Music

Comment on Lessons by Jonathan B

Jonathan B — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:51:36 +0000

I am a 32 year old who has been playing amateur guitar and piano for about the past 15 years. Although guitar is my stronger instrument, I originally contacted Andrew because I was looking for some focused instruction in piano (blues based) to combat my habit of playing the same few things over and over. I really wanted to branch out. I can unequivocally say that Andrew’s instruction has allowed me to branch out and I know it will continue to do so. Almost immediately after the introductory lesson I felt as if I had learned something new and this feeling has not changed as I have continued to study with Andrew. He really is a perfect combination of approachable yet combined with a no nonsense work ethic. I never once have felt that he is mailing it in or teaching me simply as a “job”. He geniunely appears interested in helping me become a better piano player (and musician in general).

More than any specific lesson or riff he has taught me (although he has taught me some great riffs and specific ideas) I really am pleased with his teaching method in general. He has provided me with a framework to get better via targeted practice and repetition. In a few short months Andrew has changed the way I spent my life listening to, thinking about, and playing music. I now practice every day both for myself and because I don’t want to let Andrew down! I wholeheartedly recommend Andrew as a teacher to anybody of any age and any skill level.

Comment on Lessons by Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:45:14 +0000

Hi Susan,
I’d be happy to help. Chord theory in conjunction with some ear training would probably be the quickest way to reading charts and improvising. Since you are already familiar with root position chords, the next step would be to start practicing inversions and learning the more advanced chords used in jazz charts. Voice leading takes some time but it is well worth the effort as it opens up many possibilities for creating your own arrangements. I have many exercises and techniques that can help–I’ll email you about setting up an intro lesson.
–Andrew

Comment on Lessons by Susan Dahlinger

Susan Dahlinger — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:46:19 +0000

Dear Andrew,

I was looking for a piano teacher in Ulster County, and your website really caught my attention.

I’d love to learn to play piano enough to read from charts and improvise. While I’ve had some theory, basically you can assume that I don’t know anything much about music theory, although I have a useful grasp of classical and Broadway repertory for singers, gained from years of listening and occasionally perfoming.

Through the Juilliard and Mannes evening schools, I’ve taken various “Teaching Little Fingers to Play” courses, some rudimentary theory, but once chords leave their root positions, I begin to wonder what finger to move next.

Do you think you could help me?

Best,

Susan

Comment on Valentines Mixtape: You’re Trying to Seduce Me by Julienne

Julienne — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:28:24 +0000

What a beautiful collection. Thank you.

Comment on Valentines Mixtape: You’re Trying to Seduce Me by Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:51:51 +0000

1 Marylin Monroe — I Wanna Be Loved By You
2 Django Reinhardt — The Man I Love
3 Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto — Desafinado
4 Nancy Wilson — But Beautiful
5 Van Morrison — Crazy Love
6 Audrey Hepburn — Moon River
7 Marvin Gaye — Let’s Get It On
8 The Bird and the Bee — How Deep Is Your Love
9 D’Angelo — Feel Like Makin’ Love
10 Jean Corti — Coudes á Coudes
11 Ry Cooder — Secret Love
12 Blossom Dearie — Someone to Watch Over Me
13 John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman — My One and Only Love
14 Billie Holiday — For Heaven’s Sake
15 Michael Buble — That’s All

Comment on Introducing vocalist Mackenzie Hofmann by Kayla Araujo

Kayla Araujo — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:08:34 +0000

Mackenzie Lou you are truly amazing girl. I wish you
nothing but the best of luck!! I love you!

Comment on DJ by Ginny

Ginny — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:32:00 +0000

We had Andrew Westphal as the DJ for my husband’s 70th birthday party. Andrew helped to make the party a great success. We would gladly recommend him any time! –GINNY

Comment on Mackenzie Hofmann Sings ‘So Far Away’ by Cassandra Shultis

Cassandra Shultis — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:47:41 +0000

Mackenize once again your voice is amazing. I love you.

Comment on Introducing vocalist Mackenzie Hofmann by Cassandra Shultis

Cassandra Shultis — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:46:47 +0000

Mackenzie you are amazing. Im so proud to call you my cousin. You are making our family proud including uncle jimmy. I love you and wish u the best of luck on american idol.

Comment on Lessons by Nancy W

Nancy W — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:29:27 +0000

Just wanted to comment on Andrew’s teaching. At 48, I was a little worried about how easy I might take to learning piano, having never played any instrument before.

But Andrew has such an encouraging way about him. He never makes me lose hope of learning something, has infinite patience, and simply such a kind and enthusiastic demeanor,not to mention all of the incredibly cool music he is introducing me to.
I am starting to “hear” music with new ears.
I look forward to each week’s lesson and leave there so eager to go home and practice. He explains things simply, but not at all in a condescending way, and explains them in different ways when needed.

I could not have hoped to find a better match for a piano instructor, that is for sure.

Comment on DJ by Julienne Pape

Julienne Pape — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:52:07 +0000

Andrew’s knowledge and passion for music is amazing. He is personable, professional and great at reading the crowd. We recommend Andrew as not only a fantastic DJ but a gifted pianist as well.

Comment on Introducing vocalist Mackenzie Hofmann by Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:04:25 +0000

There is a new post with Mackenzie singing the Carole King classic: ‘So Far Away’. Here is the link: http://www.andrewpiano.com/mackenzie-hofmann-sings-so-far-away/