Piano Lessons in Longmont, CO
Miranda Schreiber and Jacob Rothstein teach piano at Mojo's, from a student's first five-finger scale to playing pieces that are genuinely their own.
Why Learn Piano at Mojo's
Miranda Schreiber is a composer and pianist who brings a creative, expressive approach to every lesson, and Jacob Rothstein pairs that same instrument with fiddle, bringing an empathetic, enthusiastic teaching style. Between the two of them, lessons flex to match a student's own musical interests, classical, pop, or something in between.
Miranda Schreiber
A composer and pianist passionate about using music to paint pictures of the human experience and imagination. She brings that same creative, expressive approach into every piano lesson.
Jacob Rothstein
Believes deeply in the transformative power of music, and brings a unique combination of empathy and enthusiasm to every fiddle and piano lesson.
A Piano Program for Every Age, Ability and Style
| Musical Style | Core Techniques |
|---|---|
| Classical | Finger independence, dynamic touch variation (pianissimo to fortissimo), rubato phrasing, contrapuntal playing, and scalar velocity |
| Pop / Modern Rock | Rhythmic comping patterns, octave bass pulses, slash chords, hook-driven arpeggios, and lead-sheet interpretation |
| Jazz / Fusion | Rootless chord voicings, swing articulation, II-V-I harmonic progressions, modal improvisation, and rhythmic comping |
| Singer-Songwriter / Accompaniment | Broken-chord (arpeggiated) accompaniment, dynamic vocal support, transitional fills, and intuitive keyboard harmonization |
| Gospel / R&B / Neo-Soul | Extended harmony (9ths, 11ths, 13ths), pentatonic runs, grace-note hammer slips, two-handed spread chords, and locked groove timing |
| Blues / Boogie-Woogie | Left-hand walking/shuffle bass ostinatos, blue-note trills, crushed grace notes, and call-and-response phrasing |
Regardless of whether a student starts with classical concertos or modern pop charts, building these physical and mechanical foundations ensures progress is natural, expressive, and strain-free:
- Ergonomics & Arm-Weight Tone Production: Setting the correct bench height and distance to let the natural weight of the arms and shoulders drop through relaxed wrists into the keys, producing a rich, singing tone without finger strain or shoulder tension.
- Natural Hand Framing & Curved Fingertips: Resting the hands in an effortless, relaxed dome (like holding a tennis ball), striking keys on the firm pads of curved fingers to build rapid agility without collapsing knuckles.
- Two-Hand Independence: Decoupling the left and right hands through coordination exercises, training the brain to hold down a steady bass pulse or chord groove in one hand while the other phrases melodies freely.
- Damper Pedal Articulation (Syncopated Pedaling): Mastering foot coordination to change the sustain pedal just after a chord is played, creating seamlessly connected phrases (legato) without blurring harmonies into a muddy wash.
- Dynamic Touch Sensitivity: Cultivating micro-control over key velocity, learning how to whisper delicate background accompaniments while making melodic lines sing boldly on top.
- Keyboard Geography & Chord Architecture: Internalizing the black-and-white topography through shapes, intervals, and movable chord structures, allowing students to navigate the full 88-key range by feel rather than hunting for individual letters.
"My son and I both took piano lessons from Jacob at Mojo's. He is so encouraging and skilled at meeting us right where we are and helping us progress! He and my son even collaborated on some amazing original compositions! The facility is very comfortable and everyone there is friendly and welcoming. Couldn't recommend it more!"
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