
Studio News
About

As a teacher, my aim is to help students unlock the meaning and message of any piece of music. For me, teaching and learning are both about exploration, inquiry and experimentation. And I approach each lesson fully committed to spark a student’s imagination and musical understanding through these principles. The joy in my teaching is seeing students’ ideas develop and being there to guide them each step of the way!
Together with my students, we discover a wide range of repertoire, from Schumann, Kurtag, and Prokofiev, to Beethoven, Ravel and Phillip Glass. I also equip students with the practical skills of lead-sheet reading, accompaniment styles, transposition and improvisation so they can take their creativity and love of music in many directions.
But my goal is to do more than teach piano. I help students become problem solvers and independent learners, as they find their own artistic voices. I ask lots of questions to help students make their own musical decisions and take ownership of their interpretations. I’ve taught students ages 5 to 68, and have found that at every age, the discovery of how music can communicate and connect people is richly rewarding.
Music is meant to be shared, so with my students each year culminates with a celebratory studio recital. Not only does this create a concrete goal and a sense of accomplishment for students, but it further cultivates the shared supportive studio environment they contribute to and enjoy.
Current Teaching Positions/ Affiliations
Manhattan School of Music Precollege - Piano Literature
Piano Teachers Congress of New York – Executive Board
20th/ 21st Century Piano Festival (PTC)- Co-Chair
Piano Works-In-Progress – Adult workshop - Adamant, VT
Leschetitsky Association – Member
NJ Talented Young Musicians Association – Member
Past Teaching Positions
Third Street Music School Settlement (Piano Faculty)
New York University, Steinhardt School
TeenPianophoria! – Teen Summer Program in NYC
Hunterdon Academy of the Arts
Bronx Conservatory of Music
Masterclasses / Adjudication
Conservatorio Nacional de Bolivia
Universidad Mayor Real y Pontifica (Sucre, Bolivia).
NYSSMA
International Young Artist Piano Competition (Preliminary)
Bottazzi School of Music (reviewer)
Student Success & Participation
NJTYMA Russian Music Competition
PTC Honors Program
Steinway Society Classical Competition
Lyra Music Competition
Claudette Sorel Piano Competition
PTC - Incentive Recital
PTC – 20th/21st - Century Piano Festival
NYU Youth Music Festival
NYSSMA
The Royal Conservatory of Music
Accepted To by Audition
Camp MSM
Lyra Music Summer Workshop
Manhattan School of Music – Precollege
Mannes Prep
Special Music School

Philosophy
DISCIPLINE
Learning an instrument requires commitment and discipline from the very first lesson. Without this, it will be difficult to succeed!
Work outside of the lesson is expected and parental guidance and involvement is extremely encouraged.
Not only is this a crucial skill for music -
but also in LIFE!
EASE
I am committed to making sure each student is at ease at the instrument!
Students will learn to:
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sit correctly at the instrument
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align their body to the piano
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use arms, hands, fingers freely
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play comfortably at the piano
FUN!
Lessons are ENGAGING and FUN!
My approach is to keep students interested and involved all while learning the necessary skills!
Students see the possibilities of the instrument and the beauty of music when they are involved in what they are doing!
SHARING
Music is an art to be shared with others!
Yearly studio recitals provide a great sense of accomplishment
&
other performance opportunities are available through outside organizations such as The Piano Teachers Congress of New York, The Leschetizky Association, and more

lessons
Welcome to Walter Aparicio Piano Studio
The piano studio offers high-quality piano lessons in NYC for students interested and committed to excellence in music!
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Student of all ages, abilities & goals welcome
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30, 45, or 60 minute lessons - frequency/length depend on age & experience
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Convenient Upper West Side location
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In-home lessons available (subject to schedule)
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Tailored curriculum for each student's goals and interests
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Supportive and nurturing environment
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Performance opportunities throughout the year


Testimonials

Walter has been the perfect teacher for our two boys, Griffith and Rowan. Over the last 5 years, both have grown enormously, both as pianists and as musicians. Walter strikes the perfect balance between tough and loving; he's supportive, patient, serious and fun. Our boys have very different personalities, and he plays to their strengths and encourages them through their weaknesses. We can't imagine a better piano teacher!
Jim B., parent (New York, NY)
Studnets since 2012

Walter is energetic, inspiring and giving. He gives it his all to his present students and has been known to support past students.
He encourages my son to take his piano playing to a whole new level. Walter encourages playing in recitals and entering competitions but he also realizes that it may not be for everyone. He does encourage and expect that our children put forth the effort to strive towards those goals.
It isn’t always rosy especially when Alex is starting a new piece and is struggling with a part of the song. However, Walter is encouraging but firm and demands effort in a very positive manner so that my son can succeed.
The biggest sign of success happens as we are leaving the class and my son is beaming. He tells me that the class was “so amazing and that he has learned so much.”
Linda L., parent (Clinton, NJ)`
Student since 2015

Walter has been a wonderful instructor for both my children. Both of them have made great progress under Walter's guidance and continue to flourish as little pianists. He is very patient and supportive. They both look forward to their weekly lesson and and enjoy practicing afterwards - they don't find it a chore to practice!
Walter is very flexible with my children's interests and abilities. He picks fun music as well as pieces that are challenging. One time, my daughter wanted to play the Star Wars theme song and Walter was able to find a version that was perfect for her level.
Walter has 2 recitals a year and this helps build confidence and gives them an opportunity to show case their achievements thus far. The recitals are always in a comfortable and encouraging setting. Walter also makes the recital something that the children look forward to. Everyone who participates gets a little personalized trophy!
Walter has been very flexible with scheduling. We've had to reschedule or cancel classes due to illness or vacation plans and Walter has always been very understanding.
Connie H., parent (New York, NY)
Students since 2016
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