Online Piano Lessons from Manhattan, New York, NY
Learn Piano with Nick Navari
“I specialize in Piano Bar Sing-a-longs, Musical Theatre, and Songwriting And Composition”
About Me
Hello! My name is Nick Navari, and I am an Off-Broadway Music Director, Composer, Arranger, and Orchestrator who also has played thousands of hours at dueling piano bars! I currently teach a master's level course on Songwriting and Theory in the Musical Theater Canon at Berklee College of Music's Manhattan campus, Berklee NYC, where I also received my Master's degree and my Post-Master's Degree. My musicals have been produced all around the country, so if you're looking to play your favorite musical theatre scores- I'm your guy!
My first love, though, was piano rock. Learning Billy Joel, Elton John, and Ben Folds made me a better piano player, and their styles and techniques are rooted in my approach to teaching.
My ethos for teaching piano is to get you playing your favorite songs as soon as possible. My love for the piano was ignited when I broke free from the mandatory songs my teacher was giving me and started studying the music that I listed to everyday. Just like in my course at Berklee, we'll analyze your favorite songs at whatever level of piano you're at, and then start to build on techniques and skills to get you sounding like the greats. The point of my lessons is simply this- I LOVE playing the piano, and I want you to love it too. Truly, there is no better feeling then sitting at the keys, closing your eyes, and playing the songs you know and love. I can get you to that place!
My courses are suitable for all ages, and my method is applicable across all skill levels. We'll assess where you're at, as well as why you maybe haven't connected with the piano in the past, and from there we'll get you up on the keys and pounding out your first song.
I'm excited to meet you!
Nick Navari
My full bio:
I am a Pittsburgh-born, Manhattan-based writer, composer, producer and director of musical theatre. My first original musical, "Local Singles", for which I wrote the book, music & lyrics, opened Off-Broadway at The Players Theatre for a 5-week run in January of 2025. The show has since been produced around the country. I wrote "Ellie’s Coffeehouse", a one-woman musical performed by the Broadway legend Lea Salonga. "Into Your Hands", my original one-man show, opened Off-Broadway at the AMT Theater, where I won Best Actor in a Drama. I am the current Orchestration Assistant at New York City Center with the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra. I am the former Producing Artistic Director at The Strand Theater, a professional theater in Pittsburgh. I received the Post-Master’s Fellowship in Writing and Production for Musical Theatre at Berklee College of Music, where I also obtained my master’s degree and teach Songwriting and Theory in the Musical Theatre Canon. I am a graduate of Kenyon College with degrees in Economics and Law, a proud member of The Dramatist Guild, and the co-founder of Punch Up! Theatre Co. and Musical Theatre Fight Club.
Lesson Details
Teaching Experience
4 years
Students I Teach
Children (6-12 years), Teens (13-17 years), Adults (18-65 years), Seniors (65+ years)
Music Styles
Pop/Rock, Blues, Musical Theatre
Where I Teach
Pricing
30 Minutes
$50
per lesson
45 Minutes
$75
per lesson
60 Minutes
$100
per lesson
Student Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay if I've never played the piano before?
Absolutely! My approach is all about getting you playing the songs you love as soon as possible. No need for any theory or prior experience necessary. That's why I'm here!
Can I request which songs I learn?
I think that should be the point of learning the piano! Start with the songs you love, and you'll see immediate improvements!
I am interested in writing my own music. Can you help with that?
Yes! I have been writing and selling my own music for years and teach a Songwriting course at Berklee College of Music. Not only can I help in the process of songwriting craft, but I can also help with arrangements, orchestrations, or producing demo recordings.
What are your rates?
30-minute classes are $50, and 60-minute classes are $100.
What are some of YOUR favorite songs to play?
The first song I truly loved to play was 100 Years by Five for Fighting. It made me feel like a real piano player. At the dueling piano bar, I loved playing Billy Joel (You May Be Right was a favorite) and to slow things down, I always liked singing Drops of Jupiter by Train- especially because someone proposed to their girlfriend while I was playing it one night! For all other answers, see Ben Folds and all Broadway showtunes.