Lets Go Deeper TOGETHER
Welcome to my 1 on 1 Lesson Program
Take a Massive Leap Forward in Your Musical Journey!
SIGN UPYour Teacher: Tim Whalen
I’ve spent the last 25+ years helping jazz pianists, instrumentalists, and vocalists, from total beginners to advanced players, develop a deeper understanding of how to play jazz piano to the best of their ability.
You don’t need more information—you need the right information, in the right order.
My approach is rooted in clarity, musicality, real-world application, fun, and kindness. I believe the best musicians and teachers are the best listeners, and I promise to always listen and relentlessly search for ways to help you improve.
What if you could finally play jazz the way you've always wanted?
Why study 1-on-1?
Private lessons give you a completely personalized experience—designed around your playing, your goals, and your musical journey. Whether you’re just getting started or returning to jazz piano after time away, you’ll get clear direction, step-by-step support, and honest feedback to help you move forward with confidence.
We’ll work together in a space rooted in inspiration, encouragement, patience, compassion, honesty, and steady growth. These are values I’ve used to guide hundreds of students over the past 25+ years. My teaching works. Period.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning in a smart, fun, and organized system.
1 on 1 lessons are where breakthroughs happen...
Personalized Plans
Every lesson is tailored to your unique goals, skill level, and musical path.
Faster Progress
 Get focused feedback and direction that accelerates your growth and eliminates guesswork.
Clarity
Know exactly what to practice, and why it matters.
Confidence
Play with a deeper sense of trust in your ears, hands, and musical choices.
Support
Get honest, encouraging guidance from someone who truly cares about your growth.
Awareness
Learn to be your own best teacher while you practice.
Accountability
Stay motivated and consistent with regular check-ins and structured goals.
It's not about learning everything, it's about learning the RIGHT thingsÂ
What students are saying...
Alex M
Tim has been one of the most passionate, skilled, dedicated and down-to-earth teachers I've had the privilege to learn from. He's taken me on a discovery of how jazz works, and how my identity fit into its expression. I've been privileged to be his student and see him play live. If you're looking for quality music composition, arrangement, teaching, or performing, Tim definitely has the bar set high.
Robel F
Tim was my first formal piano teacher. I had been playing loosely by ear and had experience with other instruments but I decided that I wanted to properly learn jazz piano. Tim took the time to analyze where I was at in my music/piano skills and tailored exercises to fill gaps in my fundamentals. As my fundamental skills improved, Tim informed me that, while I continued to follow his instruction, that I really needed to take more ownership of my piano journey, to be much more specific and intentional on what and how I developed, given the many things one can focus on regarding jazz piano. This was sound advice that I needed to hear at the time and has stuck with me to this day, leading to me being much more specific and critical on how I spend my practice time. All the while he has been a very pleasant and encouraging person to be around, as well as honest when necessary. I feel very fortunate to have found Tim.
Jill K
My playing had plateaued when I began studying with Tim, and he immediately got me moving forward again. His knowledge of jazz piano stylings and vocabulary is enormous, yet he knows just how to break it down into learnable chunks. I would unhesitatingly recommend him to beginners and advanced players alike.
Rick D
I was an experienced jazz player, had played in combos with instruction but found myself at a plateau. I wanted to improve my rhythm, vocabulary and ability to play as a soloist, but my previous learning lacked guidance on problems specific to jazz piano. Tim instructed me in working on foundational material, solo transcription, and arranging tunes for piano solo. His comprehensive approach guided my playing to a higher level by teaching me how to practice jazz.
Sinetra B
After many years of studying classical piano and receiving a degree in classical piano, I grew stage fright. But my love for playing and learning other genres of music never stopped. I felt that learning to play jazz would be impossible but then I met Tim Whalen who took me on as his student. Tim is ridiculously talented and he effortlessly shares his love for piano as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Tim meets you where you are musically. I can definitively say that he is one of the best teachers I've seen. His teaching style is efficient, gratifying, and digestible which is how I described my lessons and weekly trainings. I am a better musician because of his training/teachings.
Zach N
I took lessons with Tim during my senior year of high school leading up to college. Not only is he a fantastic musician/composer, but Tim is an amazing educator. Through my lessons, he helped me better understand bebop and jazz improvisation as a whole. I appreciated how invested he was in my path and how much he catered to my specific needs. Tim has a wealth of knowledge in improvisation, composition, arranging, piano, and so much more. I can’t recommend studying with him enough!
Wade L
In my view, Tim is the ideal teacher. He’s organized in preparing lessons, patient, and makes sure to match lessons to student interests/goals. He has a strong command of jazz music and distills complicated concepts so they are easy to understand. I’ve played guitar most of my life, including some jazz, but jazz theory didn’t really start to click with me until I studied with Tim.
Andre M
As a professional vocalist and emerging musical theatre writer, I worked with Tim for a few years looking to increase my skills as a pianist and composer. Under his tutelage, I was accepted to the Professional Studies Diploma program at Mannes School of Music as a composer while also excelling at the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre workshop in NYC. Tim’s skills as a mentor can help anyone chart their own path, from the beginner to the professional artist.
