Piano Lessons
West Islip

Discover why so many people from West Islip are traveling to Wantagh for their piano lessons. Piano lessons for beginners – advanced, kids-adults.

Which Lesson Type Would You
Like to Learn More About?

Click a lessons type below:

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Kids 9-12yo

Watch your child's confidence soar!

female child in red shirt

Teens 13-19yo

Let them be proud of themselves!

female child in red shirt

Adults 20+yo

Finally, play the music on your Spotify playlist!

Opens Lessons Tab

“In 3 months I went from no experience to reading music, playing songs, and performing on stage!”

chatalbash lessons student talking about how it is taking lessons here

– Drew Reynolds, Student
   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Which Lessons Would You Like to Learn More About Today?

female child in red shirt

Kids & Teen Lessons

Build their self-esteem. Playing the piano is meant to be fun and engaging, not stale and boring. 

adult piano student in red shirt

Adults Lessons

It’s never too late to start playing the piano. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can play music.

How Do I Get Started?

That’s easy. Follow the three simple steps below so you can
stop thinking about the piano and actually start playing it.

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1. Take Your Assessment

This 30 second Readiness Assessment will help deternine if you’re actually ready to start playing the piano. I’ll ask a few quick questions like are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced player? What are some of your concerns? What are your goals? Once I get your request, an email will be sent to you with your results. If you’re ready, you’ll move to step 2. This assessment is valuable to anyone who is interested in playing the piano.

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2. Request Your Intro

The second part of the assessment will determine if you feel that this is the studio for you by coming in for an intro lesson. This intro lesson will allow you to get a feel for how piano lessons will be going forward. Half the lesson will be spent giving instruction on how to sit, how to position your hands so you’re not in pain, and so much more.  The other half will be spent talking about your goals and what you expect going forward. This is the time to see if you vibe with Sara. Once the lesson is done, you can decide if this is the studio for you.

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3. Play Music You Love

If you decide to take lessons here, that is when the magic really happens! Once you are a student here, you will be on the road to playing the piano with ease. My Lab Lessons are the perfect piano lessons for beginners and intermediates and my Elite Lessons are reserved for more advanced players. I want you to become the kind of pianist that YOU want to be. Want to be the casual player at parties? I got you. Want to fly through challenging classical pieces? I can help you do that, too.

Which Lesson Type Would You
Like to Learn More About?

Click a lessons type below:

female child in red shirt

Kids 9-12yo

Watch your child's confidence soar!

female child in red shirt

Teens 13-19yo

Let them be proud of themselves!

female child in red shirt

Adults 20+yo

Finally, play the music on your Spotify playlist!

Opens Lessons Tab

Ok, This All Sounds Great, but Do You
Have Any Actual Reviews?

Sure do! Below you can read reviews from Paul, Deb, and Nicole.

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Chatalbash Winter 2019 99
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What Makes You Different from the
Other Piano Lesson Schools?

For starters, I want you to play the music you actually like.

The number of people searching for piano lessons in West Islip has gone up over recent years. That being said, the availability of skilled West Islip piano teachers has decreased. If you live in West Islip and want to learn to play the piano, you probably don’t want to wait a bunch of years for a qualified teacher to begin teaching in your area.

So what many West Islipers (is that a word?) do is make the mistake of choosing a teacher who may be underqualified, causing them to develop bad habits, not achieve their goals, and have a bad piano lesson experience eventually causing them to quit. Nonetheless, they chose the instructor because they were the nearest. If we could get anything we wanted in the town we lived in, we wouldn’t be on Long Island. (I still travel 22 mins for the best BBQ on Long Island)!

Let me introduce myself. I’m Sara Chatalbash, owner and teacher at Chatalbash Lessons.

If you searched for piano lessons in West Islip, and want to learn to play the piano quick and easy and don’t mind a short car ride, I can help.

I’m going to be honest and transparent with you. My goal is not to mold you into the pianist that I want you to be. My goal is to help YOU become the pianist YOU want to be. Lessons here are fully geared, personalized, and based on you and your goals, whether you want to play for fun, play in a band, or study for music school. Yes, I use different music books in my piano lessons, but only as a tool to teach you concepts and give you the physical skills needed to play piano and make music. This way, when you sit behind the piano you know exactly what to do.

With that said, if you searched piano lessons in West Islip but are ok with driving a few mins to our studio, then you have to grab your Readiness Assessment now; this will put you miles ahead of everyone else learning piano today!

Which Lesson Type Would You
Like to Learn More About?

Click a lessons type below:

female child in red shirt

Kids 9-12yo

Watch your child's confidence soar!

female child in red shirt

Teens 13-19yo

Let them be proud of themselves!

female child in red shirt

Adults 20+yo

Finally, play the music on your Spotify playlist!

Opens Lessons Tab

How Close is Your Studio to West Islip?

I will use West Islip High School as a starting point and give you directions from there.

1. Start out going west on Lions Path toward Higbie Ln/County Hwy-82.

2. Turn left onto Higbie Ln/County Hwy-82.

3. Turn right onto Montauk Hwy/NY-27A.

4. Take the NY-231 N ramp toward Huntington.

5. Stay straight to go onto Babylon Northport Expy/NY-231 N. Continue to follow NY-231 N.

6. Take the exit toward New York.

7. Merge onto Southern State Parkway.

8. Take Exit 28S toward Wantagh/Wantagh Ave S.

9. Merge onto Wantagh Ave.

1890A Wantagh Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793 is on the right.

There’s a Bunch of Teachers Out There. How Do

I Find the Right Piano Teacher for Me?

Whether you go with me or another music teacher, I highly recommend your teacher have these qualities so that you have the best chance of enjoying lessons.

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A Teacher Who Teaches All Levels

If your music teacher only teaches beginners, you will outgrow them after a couple of years max and have to go find someone new.

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A Teacher Who Can Play Advanced Music

If they can play advanced music (and I don’t just mean classical music) you know that they will be able to give you comprehensive music lessons.

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A Teacher Who Has a Degree in Piano

You know that your instructor had proper training in performance, theory and pedagogy (teaching) for your music lessons.

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They Must Explain Things Simply

Your music teacher must be able to explain things in a way that makes sense to you and not talk as if you went to some music academy or already know music theory.

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NOT The Cheapest Teacher

A music teacher who is the cheapest most likely will be the most inexperienced, which is why they’re undercutting the industry.

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Must Let You Choose Your Music

Whether it’s classical or rock, you should play the music that made you want to play piano in the first place.

Which Lesson Type Would You
Like to Learn More About?

Click a lessons type below:

female child in red shirt

Kids 9-12yo

Watch your child's confidence soar!

female child in red shirt

Teens 13-19yo

Let them be proud of themselves!

female child in red shirt

Adults 20+yo

Finally, play the music on your Spotify playlist!

Opens Lessons Tab

 I’m Looking for Piano Lessons in West Islip,
Why Should I Take Lessons at This Studio?

Here are a few quick reasons you may enjoy taking lessons here.

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Fun & Supportive Environment

I believe in keeping music lessons fun and upbeat; nobody wants a tyrant for a teacher or to feel like they’re in school. I’m not one of those teachers who teaches every student the same way. Every student has a different personality and learns differently so it’s important for a teacher to customize music lessons to their students.

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Relaxed, Casual Recitals

I’m also not one of those teachers who likes to torture their students with formal recitals. I like to give music performance opportunities in more relaxed settings, where friends and family can enjoy a cup of coffee while hearing your performance. I even have a backyard potluck over the summer where students play whatever they want! Classical music, jazz music, Latin music, Christian music, pop music, rock music, blues music, country music, R&B music, rap music….you name it, you can play it!

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Continued Student Success

The students in this music studio consistently score high in NYSSMA and theory exams, win classical performance competitions, and many more are accepted into the top music schools. My students are amazing!

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Cross-Genre Secrets

I’ve experimented with many forms of music. I’ve jammed and recorded with indie music bands and improvised at Fat Cat in NYC playing jazz music. I love incorporating non-classical music elements into lessons and giving the theory behind them so, as I said before, whether you’re into jazz music, Latin music, Christian music, pop music, rock music, blues music, country music, R&B music, rap music, or you really love classical music, I teach it all so there’s no limit on what styles you can learn.

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Ever the Student

I don’t ever want to fall into the “those who can’t do, teach” group so I still practice, give a music performance in every recital, and challenge myself even as a music teacher. I know what it’s like to be a student. If your teacher can’t play the music that they’re teaching you, that’s a red flag. You want a teacher who can take you from A-Z and a teacher you won’t outgrow.

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Unique Lab Lessons

This is a unique way to learn music. This way of teaching gives you the privacy that you need during the lesson so that you don’t feel like the teacher is hovering over you as you practice. Having to give a music performance every second of your lesson is stressful! From classical to pop, these lessons will skyrocket your results.

Who’s This Kid Jonathan?

He’s one of my students. I’ll let him tell you in his own words what lessons are like here

“I’ve progressed much further than I ever would have on my own…”

It’s been 2 years since I made the decision to reach out to Sara for my first lesson at Chatalbash Lessons after looking at a bunch of teachers and I can undoubtedly say that not once have I ever regretted it.

I started as a beginner with Sara back in the summer of 2016 and I’ve progressed much further than I ever would have on my own. She’s done a terrific job in helping me learn the fundamentals of playing piano, music theory, as well as the music that I enjoy playing.

Despite the hard work and dedication that comes with learning music and playing the piano, having Sara as my teacher makes learning piano easy and fun. She’s everything you would want in an experienced piano teacher. Sara is an exceptionally talented pianist and teacher who’s patient and understanding when it comes to learning the piano but she will make sure that you’re focused on practicing your music and making progress.

She’s always upbeat and excited to help her students learn and love the piano. Sara is an excellent teacher and an extraordinary pianist. (Seriously, you should hear her play.) She tailors her lessons based on her student’s interests, skill level, and music goals and she’ll work with your schedule to fit in a weekly lesson time as best as she can. Without her, I never would’ve had the courage to complete my first performance.

She happily teaches kids, teens, and adult students that are willing to learn and take their music lessons seriously. Regardless of your skill level, if you’re interested in learning to play piano, play classical or looking to improve your piano skills, Sara of Chatalbash Lessons is the right teacher for the job. I highly recommend Chatalbash Lessons to any aspiring piano students looking to learn or improve their piano skills.”

Jonathan E, Long Island

Which Lesson Type Would You
Like to Learn More About?

Click a lessons type below:

female child in red shirt

Kids 9-12yo

Watch your child's confidence soar!

female child in red shirt

Teens 13-19yo

Let them be proud of themselves!

female child in red shirt

Adults 20+yo

Finally, play the music on your Spotify playlist!

Opens Lessons Tab

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have some more questions so I listed the questions I get most below.

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    I don't have a lot of time to practice. Can I still get good?

    You don’t need a lot of time to make progress, you just need CONSISTENT time.

    If you only have 30 minutes a day, that’s completely fine, but make sure you do it every day to really cement your skills and ensure you fully comprehend them especially if you’re a beginner with no musical experience reading sheet music.

    I’d recommend no less than 30 minutes a day since you won’t be able to get through everything you need to go over in less time than that, but do mas much as you personally can if you don’t have 30 minutes in your day.

    You’ll just make slower progress, that’s all. Slower progress is better than zero progress. Think about your day or your week in advance and schedule your it for yourself. Maybe wake up a little earlier or do it right after you get home so you don’t forget. Make it a routine!

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    Do you give me the lesson books?

    Yes, I will give you all the lesson books you need before your first lesson so that you are ready to go and don’t have to go searching for anything!

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    Do I have to perform in recitals?

    I have all my students participate in recitals so that you have a clear goal to work towards, you can share your accomplishments with friends and family, and you can step outside your comfort zone! Performing in front of others will help you in many other areas of life besides piano! My studio recitals are very low-key and most of my students actually look forward to them. Each summer there is a potluck recital in the backyard and I’ve even done a movie-themed recital in an actual movie theatre! You always get to choose what you play and if you’re an adult, don’t worry, you won’t be the only adult there; half of my studio is adults!

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    Why are you qualified to teach me piano?

    Unlike a lot of piano teachers, I didn’t teach myself and this isn’t a hobby or side job for me.

    I was trained for 16 years by many professional pianists who have their BM degrees on piano and/or piano performance and I graduated from The Crane School of Music, a renowned school that breeds some of the best educators in the country.

    I’ve been teaching piano for 14 years and have been a pianist for 26. I’ve performed professionally at numerous venues and even on studio records. I also have experience with online lessons.

    Whether you choose me or someone else, they should be professionally trained to be an instructor, be able to play/teach beginner-advanced, and piano should be their main instrument. It’s a plus if they can teach all musical genres so if you’re interested in something specific like jazz, they can teach it to you.

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    How are payments made?

    Invoices are automatically paid on the 15th of each month by card on file or bank transfer only. This way, we can focus on making music together and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting or late fees! Easy peasy!

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    Are you qualified to teach my child piano?

    Yes, unlike a lot of piano teachers, I didn’t teach myself and this isn’t a hobby or side job for me.

    I was trained for 16 years by many professional pianists who have degrees in music education on piano and/or piano performance and I graduated from The Crane School of Music, a renowned school that breeds some of the best music educators in the country.

    I’ve been teaching piano lessons for 14 years and have been playing for 26. I’ve performed professionally at numerous venues and even on studio records. If you want to read more about my qualifications I have a list on my about page called Just The Facts click here and I’ll take you straight to the list.

    Whether you choose me or someone else, they should be professionally trained, have taught a piano lesson before obviously, be able to play/teach beginner-advanced, and piano should be their main instrument.

Whew, you made it to the bottom! Thought I lost you
 there for a sec. Well, now that you're here, who 
are you looking to get lessons for?

Click one of the choices below and I'll zoom you over to the right page

female child in red shirt

Kids & Teen Lessons

Build their self-esteem. Playing the piano is meant to be fun and engaging, not stale and boring. 

adult piano student in red shirt

Adults Lessons

It’s never too late to start playing the piano. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can play music.

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