Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Baquero.
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began teaching when I was 13 years old, giving piano lessons to a neighbor. What started as a simple opportunity quickly became a lifelong vocation, and I never stopped teaching.
Over the past three decades, my work has evolved far beyond piano instruction. As both a professional musician and educator, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people connect with music in meaningful ways—whether through piano, voice, sound, or mindful listening. Along the way, I’ve expanded my studies into yoga, sound healing, and contemplative traditions, allowing me to integrate music with wellbeing and personal growth.
Today, at 45, I run a private music studio in New York City, where I teach students of all ages and backgrounds. Whether working with young beginners, aspiring musicians, or adults rediscovering music later in life, my goal remains the same as it was when I taught my very first lesson: to help each student develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong relationship with music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been rebuilding my studio every time I’ve relocated. I’ve lived and taught in both Michigan and New York, and each move meant starting over—building relationships, earning trust within a new community, and growing a student base from scratch.
Like many educators, the years following COVID also brought significant changes. Families’ schedules shifted, priorities changed, and the way people approached music education evolved. My teaching is also quite specialized. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, I create a highly personalized learning experience tailored to each student’s goals, interests, and way of learning. While that approach is incredibly rewarding, it also means finding students and families who are looking for something beyond a traditional, cookie-cutter music education.
That challenge has also become one of my greatest strengths. I’ve learned that it’s better to work with students who truly value an individualized, thoughtful approach than to try to appeal to everyone. Those are the relationships that lead to the most meaningful growth, both musically and personally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the heart of my work is the belief that music is much more than a technical skill. Music is a way of cultivating presence, creativity, emotional awareness, and connection. While I teach piano and voice through my private studio in New York City, my work extends into the broader world of contemplative arts, including yoga, sound meditation, Tibetan Buddhist meditation, and mindful listening. These practices and ancient teachings deeply inform the way I teach and You can find a few Sound bath recordings and sound meditations under my name on Spotify, YouTube and all major streaming platforms.
Returning to the core of my teaching, Every student learns differently, so rather than following a rigid curriculum, I design lessons around each individual’s interests, goals, and learning style. Technical proficiency is certainly important, but I also encourage curiosity, creativity, active listening, and a genuine relationship with music. Which ultimately leads to a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. Whether a student is preparing for conservatory auditions, learning their favorite songs, or taking lessons simply for personal enrichment, my goal is to help them experience music as something meaningful and alive.
As an artist, I also facilitate sound baths, lead workshops in Nada Yoga (the yoga of sound), and explore the therapeutic and contemplative dimensions of music. I don’t see these disciplines as separate from music education—they enrich one another. Breath awareness, focused attention, mindful listening, and the ability to be fully present are qualities that benefit both musicianship and everyday life.
I’m also committed to continuing my own education. Most recently, I participated in the Carnegie Hall Summer Music Educators Workshop, where I had the opportunity to learn from world-class educators and explore current research and innovative approaches to music teaching. I believe that remaining a lifelong student allows me to offer my own students an education that is both grounded in tradition and informed by the latest developments in music pedagogy.
What I’m most proud of is creating a learning environment where students feel seen, challenged, and inspired. Many come to me because they’re looking for something more personal than a conventional music lesson. I strive to create a space where artistic excellence and human connection exist side by side, helping students develop not only as musicians but also as confident, thoughtful, and creative individuals.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is helping people develop a meaningful relationship with music. Not just as something they perform, but as something they experience. I believe music has the power to cultivate presence, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen our connection with both our inner world and the people and sentient beings around us.
The contemplative practices I study and teach, including yoga, breathwork, mantra, and mindful listening, have profoundly shaped my approach as an educator. They remind me that learning is most transformative when students feel safe, curious, and genuinely seen. Whether I’m teaching a child their very first notes or guiding an adult returning to music after many years, my goal is to create an environment where students can grow with confidence, creativity, and joy.
One principle that is especially important to me is helping students move away from constant comparison. I encourage them to find inspiration in great musicians and in one another, but not to measure their worth against someone else’s progress. Every student has a unique voice, pace, and path, and I believe real artistic growth comes from nurturing that individuality rather than competing for external validation. Interestingly, many of my students have gone on to pursue music professionally—not because that was ever the goal, but because they developed a genuine love for learning and a strong foundation rooted in curiosity, discipline, and self-confidence.
As an educator, I hope my students leave with more than musical skills. I hope they become better listeners—not only to music, but also to themselves and to others. In a world that often moves very quickly, I believe these qualities are invaluable.
I also deeply value lifelong learning. Continuing to study, perform, and refine my craft allows me to keep growing alongside my students. And, as many artists know, it can sometimes be challenging for creative work and years of experience to be fully recognized. That’s why it’s especially meaningful when students and families place their trust in my work. Their willingness to invest in a thoughtful, individualized learning experience is something I never take for granted, and it inspires me to keep giving my very best every day.
Pricing:
- Private in-home lessons in New York City. 30 minutes starting at $100 Customized lessons for children, teens, adults and senior citizens
- Vibroacoustic (Sound) Therapy Individual sessions starting at $200 for a 60 minute session in my wellness studio in Manhattan (Union Square)
- Sound Baths / Workshops Private and corporate bookings available Pricing available upon request (since these vary by venue and group size)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nycpianoschool.com/
- Instagram: @soundandvibe
