Leo Posel – Piano Teacher

My name is Leo Posel, and I am a pianist with experience in a variety of styles and genres, primarily jazz and Black American music. I have decades of experience as a pianist, and have performed professionally around clubs in New York City and Philadelphia such as the Bitter End, the Rittenhouse Grill, and Chris’ Jazz Cafe. I am fortunate to have studied with and learned from incredible pianists and musicians such as Frank Carlberg, Andrew Hauze, and Tim Brey. 

I am a graduate of Swarthmore College with a degree in History and Music, and received High Honors for my thesis research on Louis Armstrong’s Cold War-era performances across West Africa. Additionally, I studied Jazz Performance at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and participated in the Manhattan School of Music Precollege from 2016-18. My musical interests range widely, from Thelonious Monk to Alexander Scriabin to Sly and the Family Stone.

When did you begin playing Piano, and why?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in making music with other people. As a child in school, piano was the instrument that seemed most accessible; it was the one that our teachers would play as accompaniment and I was much more interested in learning how to do that than in singing whatever song they were teaching us at the time. I’ve enjoyed spending time with other instruments since, but piano has stuck with me.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I studied clarinet in middle and high school, and have played a little guitar here and there. If I had to pick another instrument to study and learn, it would definitely be the drums.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

My primary goal is to spend as much time creating with other people as possible! I really cherish every opportunity I get to make sounds with other musicians, regardless of what kind of music we’re playing. This is a mode of connection that I think is really hard to access any other way, but each new experience teaches me something valuable about myself and the way I relate to others.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

The first time that I played odd-meter music with a group, instead of practicing it on my own, was incredibly intimidating. But after a couple minutes, I discovered that I had internalized these new rhythms without realizing it, and could play while focusing on the collective sound, rather than constantly counting beats in my head.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

Throughout all our lessons, my first piano teacher consistently supported me instead of criticizing me when I didn’t practice (which was often!) Although I sometimes wish she had been stricter, I am ultimately grateful for this approach: it allowed me to develop an intrinsic passion and a love of practicing for its own sake, rather than for fear of somebody else’s opinion. Now, the practice itself and journey towards a mastering new musical concept is something I look forward to.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

Playing with the full weight of my arms, rather than pressing my fingers on the keys to produce a sound, has been a goal of mine for years (and frankly, it’s still a challenge!)

What is your biggest musical achievement?

My undergraduate senior recital was the first opportunity that I had really gotten to put together a band, and make creative choices on my own that ranged from composing new music to arranging and orchestrating. This process forced me to trust my instincts and stretched my abilities in ways that I hadn’t anticipated; it was ultimately incredibly rewarding to perform and share that hard work with friends and family.

Favorite thing about teaching?

I feel privileged to have received so many valuable lessons, both about music and life, from mentors and teachers throughout my life. It feels important to pass these things along and share what I can with others. Furthermore, working on familiar concepts in new contexts with friends and students can crystallize ideas in exciting ways, and give me a more robust understanding than I had before.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

The joy is in making something new, not necessarily doing it well! It’s important to let go of judgment and let yourself do something you’ve never done before, even if it’s not at the level you want.