What Parents Are Saying

“As a parent, we cannot say enough how much Tony did for our children as their piano teacher. All four of our children studied piano with Tony. What they learned from Tony assisted them in becoming fine musicians who participated in honor bands, choirs, and the all-state program. He has seemingly limitless patience, and he always encouraged them to keep trying even when the task seemed challenging. That is a life skill that has served them well. Tony’s attention to detail helped each of them grow not only as musicians, but as students in general. They learned how to work hard and then were able to enjoy the result of that effort.

Tony is not only a talented musician; he is also a phenomenal teacher. The musicianship and aural skills our children learned are lifelong blessings. Our children are now grown, but their love of music and enjoyment in both playing and listening were nurtured and grew while studying with Tony.

He is a marvelous gentleman and we would recommend him to anyone who wants to study piano, organ, or music theory.” 

— Christine and Max M., Parents of Four BKS Students

“Tony Birnbaum has been a positive force in our daughters’ development. Both of them have taken lessons for a number of years, starting before they started kindergarten and still going.  Tony provides caring and encouraging instruction at our home and online when needed (travel, weather, pandemic).  Our children have both been excited enough about piano that they have worked to learn other instruments and continued involvement at school in band and orchestra programs.  I feel he has helped set them up for success with his patient approach and willingness to push them forward on both theory and keyboard skills.  Tony has taken extra time to help them learn music they are interested in, even when that isn’t what he’s chosen for them to perform in festivals and recitals.  He even makes sure to spend a few minutes with our high-energy dog on the way in and out each week!”

—Tyson and Allison S., Parent of Two BKS Students

“We are grateful to have Tony teaching our daughter for the past 10 years. He is incredibly patient, very adapting to the child’s individual pace of learning and most importantly makes it fun. Also from the parents’ perspective, very very flexible with scheduling and convenient at home lessons where we can all listen in and watch the progress - greatly appreciate that.
He also makes sure the student doesn’t miss out on recitals or festival performances, which may not be possible with some private teachers.
Strongly recommend this studio!”

—Lakshmi D., Mother of One BKS Student

What Past Collaborators Are Saying

“As pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel, I have worked with Tony for over twenty years. At our chapel, Tony serves as choirmaster and organist. He is a musician of the highest caliber. He knows how to lead the congregation in song. He has trained several cantors. Under his leadership, our choir has grown in numbers and in skill. He has accompanied numerous soloists, both vocal and instrumental. His work is always excellent.”

— Rev. W. Max Mons, St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel and Campus Ministry at University of Iowa