Pleased to Meet You!

My name is Zane Hrynewich and I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with thousands of the most amazing families for over fifty years!

My teaching is based on a deep educational philosophy, involving a close collaboration between myself, parents and students, based on the educational philosophies of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

Introduced to North America in the mid Twentieth Century, Dr. Suzuki's Mother Tongue Method of musical education has proven extremely effective in the study of classical music. My goal has been to apply these principles towards the nurturing of versatile Contemporary Practical Pianists.

The Miracle of Mother Tongue Learning

Before Birth

Even before a child enters this world it, the learning has begun. Studies show that when in the womb, the sounds of everyday life stimulate the child.

After Birth

The learning continues in earnest. The child looks at the world with wide-eyed wonder, touching it, tasting it and hearing it. It gurgles and burbles in an attempt to imitate the language around it.

The Toddler

The gurgles and burbles evolve into broken words, then short phrases, then sentences, and finally, fluid, spontaneous conversation.

Well before formal education has begun, the child has learned much through the Miracle of Mother Tongue Learning.

Mother Tongue Learning & Music

The Language of Sound

Many years ago, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki marveled at the ability of young children to learn complicated languages through Mother Tongue Learning.

Music is the language of sound. When Dr. Suzuki applied Mother Tongue techniques to teaching music to preschoolers, the results were fantastic.

The rest is history!

A Close Collaboration

Unlike traditional piano lessons, Mother Tongue Learning requires a close collaboration between the student, parents and teacher.

Parental involvement is key both at the lesson, and in the in-home practice. Parents do not need to know how to play the piano. Understanding the teacher's assignments, overseeing practice, and providing a strong, positive learning environment is their role.

Learning to Truly Speak Piano

Dr. Suzuki utilized Mother Tongue techniques to apply to the study of classical music. I recognize the value of studying the standard classical repertoire. It develops intellect, technique, and strong reading skills.

However, the ability to truly "Speak Piano" involves the creation of music, as well as fluent improvisation, just as the ability to speak a language involves turning words into spontaneous conversations.