I take piano lessons with Mark Meritt. It is very fun because he encourages me by playing the piece before I take it home, so I can hear what it sounds like. Then I take it home and try to play it very slow. I work my way up to it and now I am very good. Thank you Mark for making a hard instrument fun!! I am now at Level 2 in the Alfred’s Basic Piano series.

Sarah Prosser, age 9

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In the Songwriting Workshop I participated in, I was encouraged to think about the theme (the town and home we love) in ways I’d never before considered. Mark’s musical ability and insightful facilitation resulted in a "theme song" for our home! The rest of the family loved it, and I can envision us adding verses as the family gathers together each summer.

I could see this process being a big hit at family reunions or team building workshops in the corporate arena. It was a creative process resulting in a unifying and emotionally rewarding "product." I understand that children’s groups are also offered, and as an educator, I can see how the creativity and cooperative approach Mark employs could be both fun and valuable for children.

Teresa M. Norris

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I think it was really fun!

Molly, age 4

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It’s miraculous that Mark can harness the chaotic energy of a group of young kids to produce something harmonious.

George

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The videoed performances really speak for themselves. Here are groups of kids with unique perspectives and connections to the world around them. Mark helps them express their ideas together and condense them into lyrics. Add Mark’s amazing off-the-cuff musical accompaniment, and magic occurs! The kids leave the workshop knowing they had fun. The parents know it is a moment in time recorded forever.

Jenny

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It’s AMAZING to create a song out of nothing but scrap.

Chapman, age 8

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Mark Meritt began teaching piano to my 5-year-old son Adam in 1992. I knew Mark was an accomplished musician, but I don’t believe he had taught piano before. I was especially impressed with the logical, effective approach he took to the process. And it seems to have worked! Adam learned to play well over the years, and I always thought part of the reason a young boy would be willing to participate in piano lessons was the fact that his teacher made it fun and let him play music he liked. And, of course, Mark was a terrific role model for a child whose main talents lie in the academic realm. Adam went on to graduate at the top of his high school class, and I will never discount the role that his Music Lessons played in his intellectual development.

When Mark went to graduate school, Adam continued with another piano teacher. The strong foundation he had built over the years thanks to Mark made the transition easy. He regularly participated in the NYSSMA Music Festival and while I can’t remember all the details, I know he consistently received exceptional marks. I recommended Mark to my neighbors, and he taught their children as well.

I would recommend Mark without reservation and I am more than willing to speak with the parents of prospective students any time.

Dolores Pinto

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Mark really got the the house rocking. I’m not talking rock-a-bye baby, but oh baby, the real deal: rock-n-roll.

Barbara Sicuranza — Akira & Vali’s Mom

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