Lesson


Yoichi Uzeki offers personalized jazz piano and arranging lessons for students of all levels — from motivated beginners to advanced performers and educators.
Based in New York City and Tokyo, Yoichi draws from a diverse background as a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and published rail photographer.

 

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Teaching Philosophy

My approach is rooted in the belief that music grows from individual expression.
Rather than forcing students into a fixed method, I focus on developing:

  • A natural sense of time and groove

  • A deeper understanding of harmony

  • Practical improvisation skills

  • Musical storytelling

  • Personal creative identity

Students learn not only what to play, but why it works — building the flexibility needed to perform confidently in any musical setting.

 

Teaching Credentials

Yoichi has served on the faculty of:

  • York College, City University of New York (CUNY) – Adjunct Lecturer

  • Boston University – Jazz & contemporary music instruction

  • Temple University – Guest & substitute instructor

He has worked with students from music conservatories, jazz programs, professional performance scenes, and international communities.

 

Areas of Study

Lessons are tailored for each student and may include:

  • Jazz piano technique

  • Voicings & harmonic language

  • Improvisation concepts

  • Arranging & orchestration

  • Composition

  • Walking bass lines / comping

  • Ear training & transcription

  • Rhythm section performance

  • Repertoire development

  • Preparing for auditions & recordings

 

About Yoichi

He studied piano with Bruce Barth and David Berkman,
and arranging/composition with Bill Cunliffe and Michael Philip Mossman.

 

Alongside his work as a jazz musician, Yoichi is an internationally recognized rail photographer. His unique musical perspective includes recording with Ornette Coleman as the only Asian pianist to have collaborated with the jazz innovator in this context.
He has presented at the Center for Railroad Photography & Art and has been featured by MTA, NYC transit communities, NYC Tourism Bureau, and multiple rail-oriented publications. This unique combination of artistic disciplines gives his teaching a broad creative perspective — helping students develop both musical clarity and visual imagination.

 

Lesson Format

  • NYC in-person lessons

  • Tokyo in-person (limited periods)

  • Online lessons (Zoom / FaceTime)

    Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
    Language: English / Japanese

 

Pricing & Lesson Plans

Rates vary depending on the format and content.
Here are the available options (please inquire for pricing):

　　　

　　　◎ Trial Lesson (One-time Special Rate)

　　　　A discounted first lesson for new students.
　　　　Great for anyone who wants to get a feel for my teaching style.

　　　◎ Standard Lesson (Single Session)

　　　　Jazz piano, improvisation, theory, arranging, composition, or custom topics.

　　　◎ Multi-Lesson Packages (Discounted)

　　　　Packages of 4, 6, or 8 lessons are available at a reduced rate compared to

　　　　single-session pricing.

 

Feel free to contact us for details.
We will recommend the best lesson plan based on your goals and musical needs.

 

▶︎ Contact / Booking 

PLEASE CONTACT US