Testimonials from parents and students

My music students playing “Miss Elena”

“Last week, Deandra wanted to play “Miss Elena” with me. She sat at the piano, and I was her student. First, she played “sad” music and wanted me to walk in a circle looking sad. The music was slow and on low keys. Then she played “happy” music and wanted me to smile and skip in the circle. Again the music was appropriate—fast and on higher keys. Next, she played “Tin Soldier” music. Rhythmic and strong. She looked just like you, sitting at the piano, turning her head to watch me and correct me to do it right! It was really something. My husband could not believe it and videotaped her being “Miss Elena”! – Debbie Knox

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“Hello, Miss Elena, I was listening to my five-year-old daughter Savanah the other day, giving “music class” to her little sister Cassady. It made me smile—so I had to share it with you. Does this remind you of anyone???

Savanah is speaking: “Say—Hello Treble Clef. Again, please. Say—Hello Bass Clef. One more time, please. We just finished Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. Now, we are moving to Mozart, to a song called “March of the Band” (Miss Elena’s remark: actually, they learned “March” and “Song of the Bells” by Mozart). It goes like this (percussion sounds). We don’t have any drums. These can be our drums (I have no clue what Savanah picked up since I was listening from the next room). Hold them like this and tap. Cassady will be the line leader. The line leader plays and marches. Now, are you ready to play our little game? Stand up in front of your chair and throw the beanie bag. We need something a little bigger for our Bass Clef and Treble Clef (Savanah gets a sofa pillow…, they continue). Stickers? Not until after the class. Get back in your chair. Class! Let’s play some music… O.K. Who is our composer today?… Mmmmmmmmmm (prompting her little sister to say the correct composer). Mozart! Say—Goodbye Mozart. Don’t forget to say thank you when you get your sticker.” (End of the class)

So, Elena—does this mean she has been paying attention? Warm regards.” – Gina Hyland

Testimonials

*  No one will work harder to teach you or your child. Our son has taken piano lessons from Elena for over three years, and I never would have thought he would progress as quickly with such technique and depth of knowledge as he did. As a professional musician, I recommend Ms. Elena to anyone who wants the highest quality of teaching paired with a genuine heart for the student. I have even learned a few things along the way which have helped me in my playing and teaching.”
— William S.

*  My 2nd grader started virtual lessons with Elena this spring and I’ve been blown away by how much he has learned: he went from being completely new to the piano to comfortably reading music and preparing for his first recital in just 6 months! Elena is an organized, patient, and exacting (in the best of ways!) teacher. She tailors lessons to my son’s needs and interests and provides clear direction for us as parents to ensure he’s on track with practice during the week. We can’t recommend her more highly! — Emily S.

* Miss Elena’s school in Boca Raton was definitively the best music school in the area. We are so glad we found her because thanks to this school our kids had an excellent music education. Our older son has been with Miss Elena since he was four, attending the music workshops classes. And he was Elena’s piano student for four years until she sold the school and moved to Sarasota. The methodology used, the dynamic of the lessons and the introduction of new pieces in every class, have kept him interested, motivated, and eager to learn. We highly recommend music classes with Miss Elena. – Tomas and Monica Hablich

* Dear Miss Elena, I gave you my three children to hold and to love. The gift of music you planted in their hearts will be forever with them!   Thank you so much for everything you do! There are no words to thank you enough. All my love. – Marcela Schneider

*  I have had the pleasure to work with Miss Elena for almost two years now. I am in my 50s and always dreamed about learning how to play the piano – and I wanted to learn how to do it the ‘right way.’ Miss Elena has been so wonderful to work with. She has not only exercised tremendous patience (I imagine teaching a 54-year-old newbie is a little more challenging than a young child, but in any event, she always made me feel very comfortable, and we made fantastic progress, both teaching initially in person and then later via Skype. Miss Elena is not only an exceptional teacher, but she is also passionate about music and the piano. I cannot recommend her highly enough! 
—Thomas Heimann

* Thank you for a year full of beautiful and inspiring music! You are the best music teacher in the world, and I love you very much!  – Arielita Morer

* Thank you for creating and teaching the most incredible music program. Laura Sky is so fortunate to have been introduced to classical music and composers so early in her life. Everything you have taught has been amazing. – Kelly Herman

* Dear Elena! Boy, do we miss you! After we moved to Texas, I have searched high and low, but there are no music lessons, even “similar” to yours, here in this area! Kindermusic is all I can find, and I’m not excited about it thus far. We wish YOU were HERE though! Love, – Emily, Sarah, Kathy Sciacca.

* Kyle and Colleen truly enjoy coming to your classes, and it is their favorite activity after school. We are grateful they are learning so much about music and music history. Thank you for being so well prepared and caring, yet disciplined with the children.  – The Raymonds

* Dear Elena! Just a note to tell you how enjoyable your class was the other day. Kaitlynn has enjoyed each week, and she has absorbed so much. Learning to appreciate music has been FUN for her, and I can understand why after sitting in on your class! You make learning music both easy and fun. – Joan Reyell

* As always, I am thankful for all you do for the children—a treasure for life. I feel truly blessed to have met you… Ilana cried yesterday after we missed your Wednesday lesson:  “Mommy I want to go to Miss Elena!” – Susanna Nutovitz

* You can never imagine how grateful I am for everything you have done for Trevor. I have seen such wonderful transformation in the development of his musical abilities as well as his listening skills and love for music.” – Lynn Buck

* Dear Miss Elena, We had a wonderful time in your class this year. Jessie always sings the songs, and I think your excellent teaching style has aided her ability to focus and follow directions. Sincerely, – Mrs. Garfinkle

* Thank you for the CD! Nick has listened to it every day since you gave it to him. We even played it on our trip. Well done!!  – The Ziegler Family

* Miss Elena is truly one-of-a-kind! She instills confidence and evokes participation in even the shyest of students. Under Miss Elena’s professional expertise and careful attention to each student’s stage of development, our son has blossomed remarkably over these past few months. Miss Elena is a living wonder, and we are, all of us, indeed blessed to have her right here in Boca Raton. Fondly, – Renee and Mitchell K. Rauch, M.D.

* Dear Miss Elena, What a joy it has been watching Ava learn and grow in her first music appreciation class. Thank you so much for exposing her to composers, instruments, and music. She really looks forward to Saturday mornings! We can’t wait for both Ava and Liza to start up again in September. – The Goldstones 

* Dear Miss Elena. Just wanted to say “Thank you” for your patience and for making the kids classes so creative and fun. I am so happy they are interested in music, and that you are a special part of it. – Ana Garcia

* Thank you for bringing the joy of music into our lives. Logan loves listening to your CD every night before he goes to sleep. – Freindlich’s family

* Hi Elena! I have just spent a few minutes looking at your wonderful website.  It is really great, and I especially enjoyed reading your story about life in the United States with the contribution by Dasha.  Although I have heard you tell of your experiences, it is great to read the details of your life. It is nice to have so much information about music classes right at my fingertips, and it is presented in such a crisp manner. Congratulations to you on such a beautiful website!  – Cindy Raymond

* Hi Ms. Elena: I’m writing primarily to let you know how happy we are that Emily is taking your class. We appreciate your patience in guiding and teaching Emily, and helping us with mini homework assignments when needed. Being part of a mainstream class, and better yet, YOUR class is of great importance in her development. A developmental specialist we saw in November in Bethesda, Maryland specifically asked us to introduce a music class as part of her weekly therapies. THANK YOU for your efforts and smiles!  Sincerely, – Sylvia Granet

* Dear Miss Elena, Thank you for your wonderful introduction to music which Emma seems to be absorbing with great pleasure. Best wishes, – Zabeth Teelucksingh

* Dear Miss Elena, Thank you very much for teaching Natasha music. She enjoys her music class very much and already knows the names of many famous composers. You play a very important role in her life, and I want you to know I appreciate all your efforts. Have a wonderful vacation. You deserve the best! – Semira Kashi

* Dear Miss Elena, Thank you for sharing your gift with my son. You are a treasure! – Love and hugs, – Lisa Browne

* Dear Miss Elena, I can’t believe I am graduating from the Music Workshop. I have learned so much from you over the years and have really enjoyed the program. I will be back to visit with my brother Logan. Take good care of him and make him smart like me! Thank you for everything.  I love classical music! – Love, Matthew Freindlich 

* Dear Miss Elena, We can not thank you enough for the love of music that you gave Matthew. He truly loved your class and will miss you very much. – Beth & Russell Coogan

* I came to Sugar Sand Park to register for your music classes on the first day of registration at 7:20 a.m. Can you believe it: there were two men in front of me, eating bagels and drinking coffee! Another mother, Claudia, told me: Looks like soon to sign up for Miss Elena’s classes we’ll have to line up at night as if buying tickets for a rock star concert. I came to Boca Raton Community Center at 7:30 a.m., and there was a line in front of me. – Lynn

* Thank you so very much for making Kristin’s senior year special. She loves your lessons and thinks so highly of you!” – Marianne Ungerland.

* Dear Elena, Kathryn has thoroughly enjoyed your class the past few weeks. I am so glad we found you! She is very excited about the “Nutcracker” and constantly asks to listen to the music and read the story. I’m looking forward to getting my younger daughter, Julia, in the “Music, Mommy & Me class. Thank you for opening up a new world for Kathryn. – Betsy Levy.

* Dear Miss Elena, We’d like to thank you for all the music you have given us. There are no words to tell you all the good it has done to our hearts! We love you. – Stephan, Andre, Antoine Schneider.

* Dear Miss Elena, I remember the day that Evan and I started your “Music, Mommy and Me” classes. It seems like yesterday. Not only were you organized, you always seemed to manage to keep those two-year-olds interested and enthusiastic about what they were learning. Now that takes talent!!
I enjoyed sharing those musical moments with Evan and was a bit saddened when he turned three and was to start taking your classes without me. He separated beautifully and although I couldn’t be in the classroom with him, I loved seeing his face light up as he talked about which composer he had learned about that week.
Not only was he learning about composers, rhythm, notes and instruments, he was starting to get an appreciation for classical music. Nothing made me happier than seeing the delight on his face as he would hear various classical pieces either on T.V. or on the radio and hearing him say that he recognized the piece or composer.
Miss Elena, my husband and I want to thank you for enriching Evan’s life with music and for being such a dedicated and wonderful teacher. You have laid a solid foundation musically for him and for that, we are most grateful.
We wish you a peaceful and a very relaxing summer. Our youngest, Blake and I are looking forward to seeing you in the fall. Fondly, – Tina Naar

* Dear Miss Elena! We have so thoroughly enjoyed our Saturday morning music experience. Thank you so much for teaching us about the classical composers.  From Bach and Prokofiev, we have loved learning with you. We look forward to seeing you in the fall. Summertime is going to fly by. Take care. – Stacy, Jayson, Ava, Luiza, The Goldstone family and Grandpa Gary too!

* Dear Miss Elena, Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher! If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to play the piano at all. Your student, – Elena Schucke

* Dear Miss Elena, Our many thanks for sharing your wonderful talents with Cole these past two years! It is great to hear him say “I know who composed that.” – Dian Delehanty

* Dear Miss Elena, Enclosed is my check for Connor’s tuition for the fall. Thank you so much. He LOVES your classes, and he has learned so much. It’s fun to be out somewhere and here a piece of music that he recognizes from class. It’s even better when he announces the composer and tells the story. We appreciate having the opportunity to learn so much music at such a young age. – Beth O’Rourke