Reuben Allen Music
5.0
(7)
From
Van Nuys, CA
SinceNovember, 2021
About
Based in New York City and Los Angeles, I am a jazz pianist, composer, and music educator originally from Chicago with over fourteen years of teaching experience. Currently, I teach Jazz Piano and Jazz Arranging courses at Juilliard Evening Division, where I have been for the past three years. My approach as an educator is to meet my students wherever they are at in their musical journey and give them the necessary tools to create and explore music in a deeper and more joyous manner from their very first lesson. I am a firm believer in teaching by ear and helping my students understand how music works rather than simply having them read notes. This philosophy applies whether we are examining a piece by Mozart, Duke Ellington, or Stevie Wonder. Therefore, I make sure to incorporate theory, harmony, ear training, and improvisation into most of my lessons.I hold a degree from the prestigious Juilliard School (Artist Diploma, Jazz Studies) and the Eastman School of Music (M.M., Jazz Composition/Arranging + B.M, Jazz Piano). With a strong classical background in piano, I can help classical pianists discover jazz for the first time. I have created numerous original handouts, exercises, and transcriptions of jazz instrumental solos and compositions/arrangements that I share with my students to illustrate concepts with the most clarity and excitement. My own teaching and playing have been heavily influenced by renowned jazz musicians like Kenny Barron, Frank Kimbrough, Harold Danko, and Bill Dobbins whom I have had the privilege to study under.
Profile isn't claimed yet
Reviews
SR
Stephanie R.
I would have picked all five things if it were possible! Reuben provided us with an amazing Jazz Piano lesson. He evidently dedicated a considerable amount of time scrutinizing our entries and providing us with constructive criticism.
February 6, 2023
JB
Joseph B.
Reuben possesses extensive knowledge and exhibits exceptional commitment towards guiding his students through the learning process. Simultaneously, he provides precise feedback on the areas that require improvement. Whenever I approached him with inquiries via email or text, he promptly responded with elaborate and beneficial solutions. Additionally, his enthusiasm is infectious!
November 14, 2022
RT
Robert T.
Reuben is an exceptional instructor who excels both in-person and during virtual lessons. He possesses impressive skills and is relatively young, in addition to being affable and proficient. His in-person classes are exceptional as he is willing to carry out improv at your request. Furthermore, given that he teaches at Juilliard, you are assured of only getting top-quality jazz piano training!
June 23, 2022
LJ
Lauren J.
During a semester at the Evening Division of Juilliard School, Reuben instructed me in beginner jazz piano. My time with Reuben was phenomenal. He comes highly recommended to anyone looking to learn jazz piano, especially those struggling to find their footing in the jazz world. Prior to studying with Reuben, I had taken numerous beginner jazz piano and improvisation courses in various settings, such as in-person, in-class, and MOOCs. However, these courses only left me feeling bewildered about how I should approach practicing jazz music. I lacked confidence in my improvisation abilities. Reuben's methodology, on the other hand, was comprehensive and methodical, involving listening, mimicking masters, developing small ideas one by one, incorporating theory without going overboard, and even touching upon some history. Throughout the semester, I had many a-ha moments and achieved a newfound understanding of keyboard techniques and how to enhance them. Reuben, thank you for everything!
April 22, 2022
AA
Ashley A.
For four incredible semesters at Juilliard, I had the privilege of studying jazz piano under the guidance of Reuben Allen. Reuben's instruction was consistently clear and knowledgeable, with a focus on never-ending positivity and motivation through frequent demonstrations on the piano. He continuously displays passion for the music and stands out not only as an exceptional musician, but also an outstanding music educator.
December 30, 2021