Deborah Sampson I would give Abby and Les more than 5 stars, if I could. I decided to take piano lessons a few years into my retirement. Lessons with them have changed my life so much for the better. Abby and Les understand that there are different ways Abby and Les understand that there are different ways people learn, and they are capable of going with the flow of each student. Whatever your need (structured, loose, or anywhere in between) they've got you covered. Their teaching style is not pushy or forced. They go at your pace, and instinctively know what you need to learn next. They are smart, talented, and really care about their students. Last, but certainly not least, lessons are fun. I highly recommend them as piano teachers. Paul Liberti Those that CAN - Do. Those that can EXPLAIN what they do - Teach -- AND DO. Les Horan and Abby Lumsden are amazing musicians. On top of that - they are extraordinary teachers with skills for truly teaching all levels and styles of piano - between them. Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Improv, Blues, R&B, and they have even had me singing in my lessons as I accompany myself. They love what they do from every pore of their being and it shows in the joyous lessons that I take and observe others doing as well. I ran out of stars here as they deserve double that for both being very special teachers and extraordinary human beings. I took my niece to a lesson with them both - she had never had a piano lesson but played by ear and composed. She is now studying full time and it amazes me how one person reaching out to another can change everything. That lesson has changed her life and that is what Les and Abby do every day - change lives.
Vivian Ducat Unlike many music teachers, Les and Abby have a deep interest in the actual effectiveness of how they communicate their lessons as well as just the lessons themselves. If one method of instruction doesn't seem to be getting through to our son who has been taking lessons with them for almost 10 years, they come up with another teaching strategy. And they find the strategizing itself to be a very worthwhile challenge which is wonderful. They teach and play with joy and humor and it is contagious.
Heidi Siegell I love working with Les and Abby! They are incredibly skilled and compassionate teachers. I highly recommend them.
Yunhua Zhou Les and Abby are the best teachers! They are so talented and know the methodology of teaching. Classes are always so much fun. :)
Louie Remigio Les and Abby are amazing teachers! I have played, on and off, for about 30 years. After one of my latest "off" times, and a recent move back to NYC ...I decided to search for a piano teacher. Well...I got two. The great thing about it was that all of my life I was classically trained...but didnt get the theory/jazz/pop part. I wanted to continue with the classical music and develop myself with pop and theory. Well that is exactly what I got with getting 2 piano teachers! Abby with the classical part...Les with the Pop/Theory part. While Abby and Les can do both.... this is how it has worked out for me. I have been working with them for the last year and the direction and focus they have put me on is nothing short of amazing. I would absolutely recommend taking piano lessons with this lovely couple. I always leave my time with Les and Abby with a deep sense of joy and excitement!
Barbara Shamah Abby and Les are the best teachers. They complement each other and make learning and practicing fun. Les can take any song and simplify to any level. Abby is in a class by herself. If you want to see or hear what true joy is, listen to the both of them.
George Andrews I am a professional arranger/composer having made my living at music all my life. Les has to be one of the best music teachers I've ever had and he really didn't teach me anything about music. Les has a rather unique ability to give you exactly what you want and then need to take your next step; all in the context of enjoying the process of making music. If you are "playing" the piano, you'll never be confronted with the drudgery of "practicing" the piano. My lessons with Les were about my mindset, my attitude toward my music and my nervousness when playing in public. Just what I needed in that moment in my development. I now play better in public and am more relaxed when I have to speak in public. My recommendation of Les is unqualified.
Kevin Gonzalez Les is a great teacher! Highly recommended. He will go above and beyond to help you out! I love playing the piano now!
Mike Meyers. Les is a phenomenal teacher. He is patient, paced and always affirming. He makes learning the piano so much fun. Abby is a gifted pianist and violinist and singer. They are both very creative and so warm. Their recitals are a unique experience...
Richard Locker. Abby and Les are both outstanding teachers and performers. Our daughter has been studying piano with Abby for several years and she has proven to be a patient and adaptable teacher, able to teach piano,(classical, jazz, and pop,) singing, and general musicianship with great skill. While she has worked only occasionally with Les his knowledge and kindness are both seemingly inexhaustible. I am a professional musician and have recommended them to several (very critical) colleagues as teachers for their children. In every case the reaction was extremely positive...
Rolando Gori. Friendly, professional, patient ... I can't give enough praise about learning through Abby and Les. Due to their tremendous flexibility and experience, their methods are ideal for any learner. You leap and bound to new levels of expertise without even realizing it... and I haven't scratched the surface on their musicality. Whoever you are, if you are taking lessons with Abby and Les, you're in great hands...
John G. Abby & Les are amazing teachers. I came to them after not having practiced piano for several years and their style, expertise, and patience had me playing in no time. I credit them with helping me get back to where I should be with my piano playing. Fantastic teachers.... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Martha C. Les (and his wonderful spouse and fellow teacher Abby) are fantastically warm and teach with real passion for music and spreading the joy that music can bring. No matter what level of musician you are, you will find creative teachers who love what they do by studying with Les & Abby. We have become friends as well as students, and love seeing them perform as well as studying with them. Can't recommend highly enough!...
Ken. F As performers, this celebrated duo has demonstrated a sense of unerring musicality and vivd, exuberant connectivity with audiences in varied venues - concert halls, cabarets, churches or city plazas where their remarkable versatility and consummate artistry in different styles have elicited warm response. Abigail is quickly establishing her own niche on the national small concert scene and the Les Horan Quartet headed by its virtuoso leader presents its own unique jazz styling that brings wizarding joy to all...
Gary B. Les and Abby are simply unique and amazing individuals. Musically, they have a level of skill, insight, and ability to teach that is very hard to find. More importantly, they are passionate about what they do, and take real pleasure in helping others develop and explore their musical talents. No matter where you start out musically, you'll go far with these two...
Jerry S. Les & Abby - two great teachers and two great people. I've been working with Les for just about a year now and I have made more progress than ever before. Recently started working with Abby on a classical piece and she is helping to make great strides in that area. I've also hired them on several occasions to perform holiday music in the lobby of an NYC landmark, and in the summer to perform at our outdoor concert series. Always a great success...
Jane Y. Les and Abby have both taught my son. They are not only very skilled at teaching and performing, but also very understanding and supportive. They are devoted to every level of students. My son loves meeting with them and gets inspired by their lessons and conversations. I would recommend them to anyone, from beginner to advanced students to. You'll love them, too!...
Annette W. Les and Abby are fabulous teachers! They will MUSICALLY MOVE YOU FORWARD and you'll reach new heights of creativity!!!! It's truly an extraordinary experience to learn from them... they bring out the BEST IN YOU! Don't miss their NYC performances...
Robert W. I am a post-retirement student having played the piano off and on for 60 years. Les has brought my"game" to a new level. He loves music and loves teaching. He is so talented, technically knowledgeable and extraordinarily patient He is a real find....
Ohad B. I have been studying with Les for the past year. I see myself as a self taught intermediate player. I love jazz and blues music, but never learned the technique or how to read. I have a very busy life style, but Les knows how to deliver his amazing knowledge no matter if you are a child or a working busy adult. An amazing pianist and not less important an amazing teacher...
Alan C. Les and Abby have the unique ability to tune into a student's learning style to coax their creatice skills. It's truly a game changing experience.,,
Joseph R. Les is one of the truly great music teachers. I say this not simply as one of his former students, but as a professional who specializes in teaching and freeing people's creativity. As performers Les and Abby are a perfect combo, always in tune with each other and the joy of performing...
Harry M It Feels Like Magic. LES AND ABBY ARE THE BEST! SIMPLY PUT!....
Alex S. Both Les and Abby are super devoted, dedicated, innovative and just a total pleasure to learn from and be around. It's so obvious that they enjoy their work. Very inspiring...
Tony G. I have known Les and Abby for six wonderful years. Abby is an amazing vocal teacher, and Les as a piano teacher is as talented as they come. They will become friends as well as teachers. You simply can't go wrong with them!...
Jude Marryshow in the last week Les and Abby are the friendliest people on earth. You can sense that when you meet them. I have enjoyed the lessons so far and I plan on taking many more. I am taught by Les 90% of the time and 10% of the time I am taught by Abby. Les takes ...More Helpful?
Bernard Childs 3 weeks ago I began taking piano lessons with Les and Abby this past fall at the age of 35. Despite having almost no musical background, they welcomed me in and made me comfortable from the start. ...More 1
Darryl J. a month ago I just started taking piano lessons with Les and Abby and I can honestly say I wish I found them years ago. They teach you anything you want to learn from a scale to a song and ensure you understand the theory behind it, the correct finger ...More 1 Regina De La Cruz 2 weeks ago My son Jaydan who is 9 years old has been taking piano lessons with Abby and Les for a year now and the experience has been extraordinary. Abby has a very special way of making a challenging lesson become interesting and appealing to my ...More 1 Elaine Engman a month ago Abby is a charismatic and very talented musician and teacher. She was the first conductor for the International Schools' Orchestra which I organised in The Netherlands in 2001. She had excellent rapport with the students, choosing and ...More 1
Kimberly Fung a month ago Since I was a child, I had been taking piano lessons, but I stopped in college due to the workload. After a while, I realized I missed having music in my life. Luckily, I found Abigail when I was looking for piano lessons in NYC. I have ...More 1
Wendy Kopp a week ago Abigail and Les have taught our four kids from the time they were in kindergarten through middle school. Their approach to teaching piano is such a far cry from how I learned -- they've really connected to the interests of each of our ...More Helpful?
Rachel Bensimon 2 weeks ago I had my first lesson last week with Les. I learned so much in just one lesson and he was friendly and very cool. He knew just how to interpret the music I brought with me and was perfect for what my needs were. I'm looking forward to my ...More Helpful?
