My name is Rachel Jimenez, a Cuban-American pianist and teacher. I began taking piano lessons at the age of five, and today, in addition to being a committed pianist, I am also very passionate about teaching the piano to others. I’ve found that teaching requires more than just the ability to play well; it requires the ability to hear the potential in each individual student and then to use my skill and instinct to help them bring out the best in themselves. I have devoted many years to this effort, and I have developed an original piano method called “Fundamental Keys”. I find genuine enjoyment in teaching the valuable concepts that I have learned and also in finding new ways to communicate them. Besides teaching the art of piano playing, I have also thoroughly enjoyed other aspects of music making such as recording, editing, transcribing, using new technologies, helping people to purchase instruments, and much more.

I’m fortunate to have been taught by some great artists. Stephen Drury of the New England Conservatory is one person who shaped my playing immensely. After graduating from NEC with two piano performance degrees, both with distinction, I went on to get a master’s degree in piano performance at Yale University School of Music. Boris Berman was my principal instructor there, and I am a better pianist today because of the time I spent at Yale. Berman’s proficiency at teaching helped me to focus and capitalize on my distinctive strengths.

I had some great teachers before I went off to college too, though. I must mention Bernice Silk, my teacher from ages 10 to 17. She was a remarkable musician who nurtured my deep love for music during a very formative period. I looked up to her so much during my teens, and she remained my mentor until her passing in January 2011. My very first significant piano teacher was my own mother. She played very well and very often when I was little and taught me from ages six to eight. I am sure that it was her influence that first sparked my interest in and love for the piano. Between studying with my mom and Bernice Silk, I studied with Charlotte Smurthwaite. She was also a great influence on me as well as a fantastic voice teacher, and I really thank her for getting me into good enough shape to be able to move on to study with Bernice.

Currently, I am in my fifties, and I have a wonderful son and a marvelous life partner. We live in New York state with our kids and pets, and life is good.

I grow in my career every day. I am passionate about the piano, music-making, and sharing my abilities and knowledge with my students and listeners. Please continue to explore the other pages here. I have shared some of my playing, and I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Thanks for visiting! Please reach out if you are interested in my help!