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GEORGE'S BIO, CREDITS AND EXPERIENCE

 

12 years private classical lessons*3 years Juilliard*accepted into High School of Music and Art**BA Fordham University
MA City University New York *Leader/keyboardist for blues-rock band 3 years*10 years jazz lessons*27 years playing and teaching in NYC and AZ

 

 

George teaches Classical, Jazz, Blues, Broadway and Pop piano lessons.

George has been teaching adults and children for 25 years. He works with beginners, and those with previous experience who want to return to piano and/or to learn new skills on classical, jazz, theory, chords, improvisation. Piano lessons for adults are immediately applied to the music you know and wish to play. 

All ages and levels are accepted.

 

George is very at ease and natural in his approach to teaching children. They will learn reading, theory, playing by ear and playing for fun on materials personally selected according to the needs and musical likes and strengths of each student. He will work closely with each student and parent for maximum results.

 

 

Location and Contact

14015 N. 94th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Phone: 480-219-2788

Email: gherzog@mail.com

 

REVIEWS

  • 5/5 stars

    I have had piano lessons with a variety of different piano teachers of different musical backgrounds and abilities. I've stayed a student of George's and will continue to be one, because he has been better than the rest. He quickly assessed my own ability, thoughtfully considered my goals, and built lessons to help me get there. I have made significant improvement in a short amount of time under George's instruction. He has a passion for piano and a passion for teaching, and he goes over and above to make sure I fully understand all the concepts he teaches. I'm lucky to have found such a competent teacher who makes every lesson fun and wants me to be better.

    Zachary M. on July 21, 2015

  • 5/5 stars

    George is patient and takes the time to explain not only the terms you will encounter in the rest of your time with him but also explains the history behind composers and pieces. Lessons are informal and tailored to your learning experience. Having had previous music knowledge (from choir in high school) George made the adjustments for what I knew and what I didn't. A+ teacher and will make you look forward to the next lesson.

    Deanna S. on July 17, 2015

 

 

  • 5/5 stars March 12, 2015

    My 9 year old daughter began lessons with George a little over a month ago and she clearly loves the way George teaches. She is always eager to attend lessons and practices at home without prompting. His instructions and tips for practicing at home have been invaluable to my daughter.
    George is very patient and kind and teaches at the student's pace (which was extremely important to me to ensure that my daughter continues to love playing while considering her other obligations as a student with other extra-curricular activities). He has also been very flexible with scheduling the lessons.
    After leaving her most recent lesson my daughter thanked me for finding "...the best piano teacher ever...." 
    George makes the lessons fun and engaging. He possesses a great deal of knowledge of music theory and music history. I am actually learning quite a bit just being present for my daughter's lessons!
    He truly goes above and beyond more than most teachers/instructors I have ever encountered.

    Amy G.

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  • 5/5 stars February 8, 2015

    I'm 29 years old and started piano lessons with George after having not played since middle school. George is great at customizing the lessons according to my ability and rate of learning. He teaches a lot of theory behind the music as well, which in my opinion, helps in understanding how to read the music. He also has a vast collection of music books and helps you choose books and songs that he thinks suits your learning style best.

    Krystle S.

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  • 4/5 stars February 3, 2015

    Very knowledgeable teacher. George is patient with me and is very flexible with my busy work schedule. I am very happy with him!

    Samantha K.

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  • 5/5 stars September 1, 2014

    I studied for several years with George in New York City, concentrating on jazz piano. He is great at communicating the basics of jazz (I came in knowing a decent amount of sight-reading and harmony, but he can work with students who are starting from scratch). George is very patient and friendly, which is so important in a teacher.

    Marian C.

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  • 5/5 stars August 6, 2014

    I love that George could take me, someone who knew how to play a little, and opened up a whole new world of jazz piano in a way that made it easy and fun. He brings a wealth of knowledge and years of playing that helped show me lots of great tips and tricks of the trade. 

    The joy he brings to the lesson, and to music, blends with mine, and so a sort of synergy is created in just a short time. I come from central Phoenix, and have bee happy to meet him for lessons I jazz that have made all the difference.

    Rich B.

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  • 5/5 stars July 4, 2014

    My 13 year old son is currently taking piano lessons with George. He is both a skilled piano teacher and player. While instructing, George clearly explains new concepts and readily demonstrates new skills. He is encouraging, patient and positive. Most importantly, he is willing to teach piano lessons using the musical genres (i.e., jazz/pop) that my son is interested in learning.

    Melissa C.

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  • 5/5 stars June 26, 2014

    I'm an adult student with a background in viola. This has turned out to be an awesome way to learn piano. George does a great job adjusting the lesson to your skill level, and he takes the time to get to know you at pretty great price. Definitely try him out if you're an older student trying to learn something new.

    Jonathan S.

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  • 5/5 stars May 22, 2014

    Hi my name is Matt and I am an adult who starting learning to play the piano as a beginner. I've never played any instruments and I thought I should start learning the piano first. I got a few quotes on thumbtack and George inspired me the most out of all the reviews. I've been taking lessons for a month now and I couldn't be more happier with the teacher I chose. George has helped me learn the basics quick and the theory of piano. I look forward to going to each lesson and the best part is I can tell George loves to help and improve my skills each time. He really loves his job and that makes it fun. Thank you George

    Matt E.

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  • 5/5 stars February 22, 2014

    I took piano lessons when I was younger. As a returning adult student, George has opened up amazing new worlds in classical and jazz piano for me. He is patient, very knowledgeable and works at your own pace and schedule. I highly recommend him!

    Deborah H.

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  • 5/5 stars February 18, 2014

    George is an outstanding piano and music teacher. From the first class he took the time to understand my goals as an adult student. (I used to take lessons as a kid, but stopped due to other activities.) George took the time to really listen to what I want to accomplish. Each class keeps getting better as I learn and move forward. There is absolutely NO pressure to go at a particular pace, George follows the pace I set and helps direct me to the next level, when I'm ready. 

    I highly recommend his classes! Piano is fun and it's something I have always wanted to get back into. Thanks to George, I am on my way!

    Lindsay C.

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  • 5/5 stars February 16, 2014

    I started taking lessons from George after taking a twenty-year break from the piano. I have been so pleased with my experience! George loves music, and he loves to play and teach. I'm not only learning to play, I am also learning music theory. I highly recommend George to prospective piano students of all levels

    Meaghan K.

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  • 5/5 stars January 14, 2014

    George is such an inspiring and experienced piano teacher. He has all the passion, knowledge, energy and materials needed to help students of all ages and levels reach their musical goals. His voice is reassuring and his language is full of life and eloquent. As a fellow piano teacher from NYC (where George used to live and teach) I highly recommend his services.

    Abigail L.

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  • 5/5 stars January 12, 2014

    Mr. Herzog was hired as a piano teacher but soon became one of my daughters music mentors. Mr. Herzog's instruction was crucial in my daughters music development. She is now playing at a very high level and participating in music competitions. Mr. Herzog introduced important concepts and ideas with a focus on improving her performance and music reading skills. With his instruction she became an even better pianist and was left with a deeper appreciation of all types of music. We're happy to have had Mr. Herzog be a part of our daughter's music training.

    Valerie W.

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  • 5/5 stars January 11, 2014

    George taught me more about playing jazz piano than I thought was available in Phoenix. His encouragement  and patience were invaluable.

    Susan W.

     

     

  • QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

 

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My lessons are very personalized, according to the needs of each student, regardless of age or level of experience. I am known for applying all reading and theory skills directly to music or songs that the student wants to play. 
For beginners, I cover all the basics for a strong foundation.

 

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love teaching piano. My methods have grown and become polished so that the student is rewarded with fast results, which in turn is rewarding to me. 
For adults, regardless of experience, new worlds open up to you in areas such as classical, jazz, blues, and the important theory to go with them. 
Children get the basics in a pleasant, "child-friendly" atmosphere.

 

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Customers often ask, are the lessons strict? No, not in the old traditional manner.Lessons are friendly but thorough, carefully tailored to the abilities and desires of the student, and if it is a child, in cooperation with the parents. 
How much are lessons? My answer can vary depending on each situation and also depending on if student wishes to purchase a discount package. 
Lessons vary from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, averaging $25-40.

 

 

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