“...empathic and generous…combines intellectual resources with an inborn instinct for teaching.” (Robert Cuckson)
“My studies with him were truly illuminating…immense knowledge…invaluable lessons…” (Nailah Nombeko)
“…his patient support has worked wonders…” (Oom Saruda)
“His approach helped me develop into a well-rounded musician.” (Larissa Lakner)
“…gives his students the rare gift of being fully present…I learned how to listen to my own creativity.” (Katya Chavchavadze Redpath)
Favorite topics include:
Sight-Singing
Keyboard Harmony
and Schenkerian Analysis
All levels welcome!
$50/hr; package deals. Free trial lesson.
Contact me at: ishmael.wallace@gmail.com
“Over the past year I’ve been studying fugue writing and analysis with Ishmael. My studies with him were truly illuminating for me. He had a way of delving into layers in the music that were not obvious to me. This opened my mind to looking at the score from a new perspective. In addition to his immense knowledge of the musical nuances in the scores that we were studying, he was generous with sharing information. Since studying with him I walked away with invaluable lessons that I will carry with me as a musician.” (Nailah Nombeko, composer)
“My mom has found great joy in piano lessons with Ishmael. Since a stroke, she’s been forgetful — as she puts it, her mind is not good — but his patient support has worked wonders!” (Oom Saruda)
“When I was 8 years old, I studied piano, composition, and figured bass with Ishmael Wallace. His approach helped me develop into a well-rounded musician. Ishmael introduced me to a variety of composers, including Mompou, as well as showing me how to listen to familiar music. He talked to me about the styles of different composers and their trademarks, teaching me to analyze their music and apply elements to my own. Story telling and literature were vital parts of the hours I spent in his company.” (Larissa Lakner, ‘cellist and composer)
“Ishmael is a polymath and a gifted teacher. Spending time with him is educational in itself. That said, I was privileged to have known him in my neighborhood in New York City, and I spent some months working with him in private on musical compositions. I thought I was having music lessons, maybe to learn how best to apply music theory or new techniques to my songwriting. What I received was something much greater and much deeper. I learned how to listen to my own creativity. Although Ishmael has vast knowledge in music, he is never impatient or presumptive. Instead, he gives his students the rare gift of being fully present, able to listen and observe and choose just the right way to help them find their own way to understanding.” (Katya Chavchavadze Redpath, writer and recording artist)
I offer poetry and song in a free weekly letter:
Ishmael Wallace 