About me + my experience
Dr. Jacob De Hoyos
** change to 1st person
Dr. Jacob De Hoyos, based in New York City, is a dedicated educator with a passion for teaching students of all ages and levels. He serves as the piano department chair at Concordia Conservatory and as a professor of piano at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Dr. De Hoyos holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) and a Master of Music (M.M.) from Stony Brook University, where he was awarded both a Teaching Assistantship and a scholarship. He also earned a Pedagogy Certificate and a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from Texas Tech University.
Beginning his piano studies at the age of 15, Dr. De Hoyos understands the challenges and rewards of learning music later in life and strives to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. His mission is to inspire a lifelong love of music while encouraging growth, musical expression, and personal development in each student, whether they are beginners or advanced musicians.
Dr. De Hoyos’ students have the opportunity to explore a variety of musical styles and techniques, with each lesson tailored to individual needs and goals. His approach emphasizes building confidence, fostering creativity, and instilling a deep understanding of music theory and performance.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. De Hoyos has received numerous accolades, including second place at the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition and the MTNA New Mexico Competition, as well as first prize at the Texas Tech Concerto Competition. He has performed as a soloist with the Texas Tech Symphony and as a chamber musician at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Whether you are looking to learn the basics of piano or prepare for advanced performances, Dr. De Hoyos is committed to helping you achieve your musical goals with dedication and enthusiasm.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Dr. De Hoyos is also a passionate baker, combining his love for music and culinary arts in his “Baking With The Classics” concert series, where he pairs music with specially crafted desserts. Visit the partner website here: www.bakingwiththeclassics.com
Also visit his youtube channel, take a look at the performance library, and concerts.
What my piano studio offers
Passion + commitment
I have a deep passion for music and a strong commitment to helping students of all backgrounds and abilities reach their full potential. With experience teaching students ranging from 3-year-olds to senior citizens, and from beginners to university-level undergraduates and graduates, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where all students can thrive.
Something about welcoming all
My studio welcomes individuals with diverse needs, including students with special needs, and I am dedicated to tailoring lessons to each student’s unique learning style and goals.
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Something about learning
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Explore and start your lessons here:
Gallery + videos of my students
Testimonials from students + families
Christine Smith, New York, NY.
Student for 15 years with private lessons.
An amazing designer, manager and mentor; creative with a strong sense of direction.
Christine Smith, New York, NY.
Student for 15 years with private lessons.
An amazing designer, manager and mentor; creative with a strong sense of direction.
Christine Smith, New York, NY.
Student for 15 years with private lessons.
An amazing designer, manager and mentor; creative with a strong sense of direction.
Christine Smith, New York, NY.
Student for 15 years with private lessons.
An amazing designer, manager and mentor; creative with a strong sense of direction.
Christine Smith, New York, NY.
Student for 15 years with private lessons.
An amazing designer, manager and mentor; creative with a strong sense of direction.
Christine Smith, New York, NY.
Student for 15 years with private lessons.
An amazing designer, manager and mentor; creative with a strong sense of direction.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! In order to make the most of private lessons, it’s important that students have access to a piano at home. While an acoustic piano is ideal, a good-quality digital piano with 88 weighted keys can also be a suitable option.
There are now many great rental and purchase options available, whether you’re buying your first piano or upgrading your current one. If you need help navigating the options, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help!
I work with students of all ages, from young children to adults. For younger students, I recommend they have a solid understanding of the alphabet, numbers, and basic reading skills. Most children are ready to begin lessons around ages 5 or 6.
If you're considering lessons for your child, feel free to schedule a consultation with me to discuss the best approach for their age and development.
Before starting lessons, I offer a free consultation for all new students. This is a chance to discuss your musical goals, answer any questions you may have, and go over my studio policies.
I encourage students to be present for part of the consultation to help assess their current skills and goals. If you're a transfer student, performing a recent piece can be a great way to begin. Beginners will engage in a short warm-up exercise.
At the end of the consultation, if we both agree that it’s a good fit, we can move forward with setting up regular lessons!
The amount of practice needed will depend on each student’s age and level. I provide personalized practice recommendations, which can range anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes per day, depending on the student’s goals and schedule.
Consistency is key—practicing a little bit each day is far more effective than trying to cram in practice right before lessons.
Parental involvement is key to a student’s success, even if you can’t attend lessons in person. I provide detailed notes in each student’s notebook, which outline what we worked on in the lesson, as well as any assignments and practice tips.
I also offer demonstration videos and am available for questions via email or text. I aim to respond within 24 hours, as I may be teaching when you reach out.