Cynthia is a passionate and dedicated teacher who teaches jazz, classical, pop, and improvisation to all ages, beginners to advanced pianists. Professional songwriters, instrumentalists and pianists learn form, phrasing, improvisation, applied music theory and how to talk to the band. She is a vocal coach and clinician, and teaches group piano classes. Her students include award-winning songwriters, a finalist in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition, classical cellists daring to improvise, and six-year-olds enchanted by the pizzazz of Old MacDonald.

Click here to see one of her student recital programs –  Recital Program 5-14

TESTIMONIALS

“Cynthia Hilts is an intensely talented musician and teacher. She is patient, smart, fun, funny, creative and inspiring. She is excellent with children. Her knowledge of composition and technique is clearly evident, but her ability to open up young minds to the idea of writing their own songs is subtle and sage-like. I don’t remember exactly when or how it happened but my interest in writing music was definitely sparked by her,
and I am a songwriter today because of it.”
Spencer C. age 33

“Cynthia has been a wonderful, patient teacher for our son, helping him really gain a musical understanding of jazz piano. We could tell the difference after every lesson when he’d come home, enthusiastic to play around with all the new techniques he’d just learned.
He grew musically under her tutelage.”
Zach age 14

“When I first started taking piano, I didn’t think it was the right instrument for me, but learning from Cynthia was so fun, that now I love it! She also encouraged me to go up on stage with her recitals. Even though I was nervous she helped me feel comfortable going in front of a crowd.  I couldn’t have asked for a better piano teacher for those two wonderful years that Cynthia gave me.  Cynthia is very kind and always encouraged me.”
Ella age 10

“It was such a joy to see my daughter playing piano so happily in her recitals. Cynthia was such an accommodating and patient teacher with my daughter.
She never ever complained about going to her piano lessons”
Mother of Ella (age not disclosed)

Cynthia started with classical training, together with her own exploration of rock, musical theatre and composition. She studied Performance, Jazz Composition and Arranging at Berklee College of Music. Then as her jazz career took off, also performed with reggae and calypso bands. She is musical director for musicals, singer/songwriters, opera, light opera, and her own jazz ensembles.

With this rainbow of experience, Cynthia’s teaching style is fluid, inclusive and broadening. Her students begin to move immediately toward their stated goals. And they are also likely to begin enjoying aspects of music they had never considered. For some idea of Cynthia’s delight in teaching, read her poem, “Giggling Future Composers”.

contact: cah2(at)cynthiahilts.com