Once At Rubicon Theatre, 2024

Maddie E.

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Teaches in English

Maddie is an NYC-based singer, songwriter, and actor. A Cincinnati native, she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. Maddie’s theatre career has taken her all over the world, including a two-year global tour of the Sound of Music. You can find her original music, including her debut pop/folk EP, Places, on all major streaming platforms.

With her background in theatre and songwriting, Maddie encourages students to share stories through music. She takes pride in tailoring her lessons to fit the goals of each student, whether she’s teaching voice, piano, guitar, or songwriting.

While she has experience teaching all ages and experience levels, her passion is helping young people find confidence through music-making. Most of all, she believes that learning should be joyful. She works to make a positive and comfortable environment where students feel safe to experiment and grow.

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I believe learning music should be joyful, empowering students to tell their stories and grow in confidence through creativity.

Testimonies From The Soyulla Community

We highly recommend Soyulla Artists. Our two sons (9 and 5 years old) have been taking violin lessons with Soyulla Artists for over a year. They were matched with an awesome teacher, enjoy the lessons, and have made great progress. We are also pleased with the convenience of having in-home lessons at a reasonable price, receiving monthly progress reports, and having the opportunity for the kids to perform in recitals three times a year. Finally, the staff are exceedingly professional and responsive, making the entire experience pleasant and hassle-free.

Andrew Rouillard

SOYULLA PARENT

My kids (now 7 & 9) have both been studying with Soyulla teachers for several years, and we could not be more thrilled. My son looks forward to his piano lessons and my daughter is very excited to branch out from piano into voice with a new teacher this fall! Their teachers are very talented at teaching music theory and mechanics, but are also warm and kind and make lessons fun. They tailor the lessons to the kids’ interests and abilities, and bring out the kids’ love for music. I highly recommend Soyulla to any family who loves having music in their home!

Lucy Lang

SOYULLA PARENT

Soyulla is excellent for helping students develop their voice. Kate is patient and knowledgeable—working with her, I’ve genuinely experienced growth over time. As a beginner in the vocal field, I’m learning techniques to protect and preserve my voice, from breathing exercises to jaw placement, that I’ll use for life.

Chauncey Davis

SOYULLA PARENT

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Anneliesa T. (piano) Vertical Photo

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Ryan B. (piano) Vertical Photo

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Kevin O. (saxophone Clarinet Flute) Profile Photo

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Helen J. (piano) Profile Photo

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Shane S. (piano) Profile Photo

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Sara G. (cello) Profile Photo

Sara G.

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Martina L. (guitar) Vertical Photo

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Vivek M. (violin Viola Guitar) Profile Photo

Vivek M.

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Audra B. (voice) Profile Photo

Audra B.

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Cory S. (guitar) Profile Photo

Cory S.

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Alistair J. (saxophone Clarinet) Profile Photo

Alistair J.

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Price M. (piano Saxophone Drums) Vertical Photo

Price M.

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Devlin T. (guitar) Profile Photo

Devlin T.

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Daniel B. (voice Piano) Profile Photo

Daniel B.

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Eric B. (guitar Electric Bass) Profile Photo

Eric B.

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Felicia B. (voice) Profile Photo

Felicia B.

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Drew S. (guitar Electric Bass) Profile Photo

Drew S.

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Mira G. (piano) Vertical Photo

Mira G.

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Lee M. (guitar Electric Bass Banjo Ukulele) Profile Photo

Lee M.

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Christy C. (piano) Profile Photo

Christy C.

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Maria L. (piano) Vertical Photo

Maria L.

Kate T. (voice) Profile Photo

Kate T.

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Yejin L. (voice Piano) Profile Photo

Yejin L.

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Julia S. (voice) Profile Photo

Julia S.

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Hector M. (guitar Electric Bass) Vertical Photo

Hector M.

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Sebastian K. (piano) Profile Photo

Sebastian K.

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Tate C. (voice) Profile Photo

Tate C.

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Lee M. (guitar Electric Bass Banjo Ukulele) Profile Photo

Grant R.

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Julia H. (violin Piano Guitar Voice) Vertical Photo (needs Cropping)

Julia H.

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Ross L. (piano) Vertical Photo

Ross L.

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Elle P. (guitar Voice) Vertical Photo

Elle P.

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Pat B. (guitar Electric Guitar Electric Bass Ukulele) Vertical Photo

Pat B.

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Liam F. (voice Guitar Drums) Vertical Photo

Liam F.

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Miranda A. (trumpet) Vertical Photo

Miranda A.

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John U. (piano) Profile Photo

John U.

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Jarrett 2

Jarrett S.

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Hattie (violin) Vertical Photo

Hattie A.

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Travis L. (voice Guitar) Profile Photo

Travis L.

Matthew J. (trombone Tuba Euphonium) Vertical Photo

Matthew J.

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Adam M. (guitar) Profile Photo

Adam M.

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Andrew W. (piano) Profile Photo

Andrew W.

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Yurina S. (piano) Profile Photo

Yurina S.

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Jessica Z. (piano) Profile Photo

Jessica Z.

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Music Lessons Built Around You

Soyulla delivers premium, in-home music lessons across New York City through a highly personalized, relationship-driven approach. Every student is meticulously matched with a world-class teaching artist aligned to their personality, learning style, and goals.

Soyulla Brass Woodwind

Clarinet Lessons

Brass/Woodwinds

Build tone, agility, and musical expression on clarinet.

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Soyulla Guitar

Classical Guitar Lessons

Guitar/Bass/Ukulele

Develop technique and artistry in the classical guitar tradition.

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Soyulla Guitar

Guitar Lessons

Guitar/Bass/Ukulele

Build strong fundamentals and a deep love for guitar.

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Soyulla Drums

Drums Lessons

Drums/Percussion

Build rhythm, coordination, and musical confidence through dynamic drum instruction.

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Soyulla Piano

Piano Lessons

Piano/Keyboards

Build strong fundamentals, expression, and musical confidence on piano.

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Soyulla Brass Woodwind

Saxophone Lessons

Brass/Woodwinds

Develop tone, technique, and musicality on the saxophone.

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Soyulla Violin

Violin Lessons

Violin/Cello/Strings

Build intonation, bow technique, and expressive violin musicianship.

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Soyulla Early Childhood

Mommy & Me Music Lessons

Early Childhood/Classroom

Build musical bonds through joyful parent-child music exploration.

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Soyulla Brass Woodwind

Flute & Piccolo Lessons

Brass/Woodwinds

Build beautiful tone, breath control, and flute artistry.

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Soyulla Brass Woodwind

Trumpet Lessons

Brass/Woodwinds

Develop embouchure, range, and expressive musicianship on trumpet.

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Soyulla Singing

Voice Lessons

VOICE/VOCALS

Build confidence, technique, and vocal artistry through personalized instruction.

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Soyulla Violin

Viola Lessons

Violin/Cello/Strings

Develop rich tone, technique, and artistry on the viola.

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Soyulla Guitar

Electric Guitar Lessons

Guitar/Bass/Ukulele

Build tone, technique, and creative expression on electric guitar.

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Soyulla Violin

Cello Lessons

Violin/Cello/Strings

Develop rich tone, technique, and musicality on the cello.

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Soyulla Singing

Broadway Voice Lessons

Voice/Vocals

Build stage-ready vocal technique for musical theatre performance.

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Get Expertly Matched Intentional Pairings, No Algorithms

Every student learns differently and teacher selection isn’t left to chance.

We meticulously assess your goals, learning style, and schedule when pairing you with a teacher who’s the right fit from day one—and with a 99% success rate, our matching process delivers.

Get Matched
1

You Share

Your goals, learning style, and schedule—through a thoughtful questionnaire.

2

We Match

Teachers hand-selected for your unique profile, every pairing intentional.

3

You Begin

Lessons with a mentor aligned with who you are, not just what you want to learn.

Stay Connected Music Insights

Receive thoughtful insights on music education, practice tips, and updates from Soyulla’s teaching artists-delivered occasionally and always with intention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guitar

Can adults learn guitar from scratch?

Yes. Adults are some of our most successful guitar students. Most adult beginners can strum through real songs within 6 to 8 weeks and play multiple full pieces by the 3-month mark. Adults bring focus and motivation that often accelerate progress beyond what younger beginners experience.

Can classical guitar skills transfer to pop or rock guitar later?

Absolutely. Classical training builds fingerstyle technique, ear, sight-reading, and tone control that make any other style easier to pick up. Many of our adult classical guitar students also play pop, jazz, and folk casually. The fingerstyle foundation is one of the strongest starting points in guitar.

Can my child learn pop, rock, indie, or country guitar, not just classical?

Yes. Most Soyulla guitar students aren’t classical. They want to play pop, rock, indie, country, blues, R&B, soundtracks, or singer-songwriter material. Our roster includes guitar teachers across every one of those styles, and we match your kid to a teacher who genuinely loves the music they’re drawn to.

Do I need a classical guitar before starting lessons?

Yes, students bring their own classical guitar to every lesson. We recommend a real classical guitar with nylon strings, not a steel-string acoustic, since the technique and finger placement are different. Visit a trusted NYC guitar shop where staff can size the guitar to your child’s body and recommend a serviced beginner model. Your matched teacher will confirm the choice during the first lesson.

Do I need to buy a guitar before starting lessons?

Yes, students bring their own guitar to every lesson. We recommend visiting a trusted NYC guitar shop where staff can size the guitar to your kid’s body and pick a serviced beginner model. Avoid the cheapest unbranded guitars from big online stores, since they often go out of tune within minutes and make practice frustrating. Your matched teacher will confirm the choice during the first lesson.

Do I need to read sheet music for classical guitar?

Yes, classical guitar is taught primarily from sheet music, not chord charts or tabs. Reading is part of what gives classical guitarists such strong musicianship. Beginners learn to read alongside playing, usually within 4 to 8 weeks of weekly lessons. We match students with teachers who teach reading patiently and well.

Do Soyulla classical guitar teachers come to our home?

Yes. In-home classical guitar lessons are widely available across NYC. Your matched teaching artist comes directly to your home each week. Studio classical guitar lessons are also available at our Manhattan studio.

Do Soyulla guitar teachers come to our home?

Yes. In-home guitar lessons are widely available across NYC. Your matched teaching artist comes directly to your home each week. We work across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and parts of New Jersey, and studio guitar lessons are also available at our Manhattan studio.

How does Soyulla match families with classical guitar teachers?

We start with a 20-minute conversation about your goals, your experience, and your favorite music in the classical guitar tradition. From there, we identify the teaching artist who genuinely fits, make the introduction, and watch the first lessons closely. Our 99% teacher-student fit rate is the result of this care.

How does Soyulla match families with guitar teachers in NYC?

We start with a 20-minute conversation about your child’s age, the styles they love, their goals, and your family schedule. From there, we identify the guitar teaching artist who genuinely fits and make the introduction. Our 99% teacher-student fit rate is the result of how seriously we take this matching process.

How long until I can play a real classical guitar piece?

Most beginners can play a simple classical piece all the way through within 8 to 12 weeks of weekly lessons and 15 to 20 minutes of daily practice. Within 6 to 12 months, students typically have a small repertoire of recognizable classical pieces. Progress depends on consistency more than natural talent.

How long until I can play a real song on guitar?

Most beginners play a recognizable simple song within 4 to 8 weeks of weekly lessons and 15 to 20 minutes of daily practice. Within 3 to 6 months, students typically know basic chords, can strum through several songs, and have a clear sense of their taste. Progress depends far more on consistency than on natural talent.

How much do classical guitar lessons in NYC cost?

Classical guitar lesson pricing varies based on the teacher, lesson length, and frequency. Rather than quote a number out of context, we’d rather have a quick conversation about your goals and walk you through a clear, fixed price before anything begins. Most NYC classical guitar students choose 45 or 60-minute weekly lessons.

How much do guitar lessons in NYC cost?

Guitar lesson pricing varies based on the teacher, lesson length, and frequency. Rather than quote a number out of context, we’d rather have a quick conversation about your goals and walk you through a clear, fixed price before anything begins. Most NYC guitar students choose 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly lessons.

Should my child start on acoustic or electric guitar?

Most beginners start on acoustic guitar because the strings build finger strength and the technique transfers cleanly to electric later. That said, plenty of kids who love rock or pop start on electric and thrive. The right choice depends on the music your kid loves. Your matched teacher will guide the decision during the first lesson.

What age can a child start classical guitar lessons?

Classical guitar typically begins around age 6 or 7 with a kid-sized nylon-string guitar. Some 5-year-olds do well with the right teacher and a small instrument. Teens and adults are some of our fastest-progressing classical guitar students because they bring patience and focus to fingerstyle technique.

What age can a child start guitar lessons?

Guitar lessons typically begin around age 6 or 7, when fingers are big enough to fret notes cleanly on a kid-sized guitar. Some 5-year-olds do well, especially those who start on ukulele first. Teens and adults are some of our fastest-progressing guitar students. Every age has an entry point.

What if the first classical guitar teacher is not the right fit?

We adjust. The whole point of our matching process is to get the fit right, and if something is not clicking after 3 or 4 weeks, we re-match without making it complicated. Our 99% fit rate is the result of taking re-matching seriously when needed.

What if the first guitar teacher is not the right fit?

We adjust. The whole point of how we work is to get the match right, and if something isn’t clicking after 3 or 4 weeks, we re-match without making it complicated. After 25 years, we know that even great teachers aren’t right for every student.

What is the difference between classical guitar and acoustic guitar?

Classical guitar uses nylon strings, has a wider neck, and is played with the fingers, not a pick. Acoustic guitar typically has steel strings and is played with a pick or fingers across pop, rock, country, and folk styles. Classical technique builds strong fingerpicking, sight-reading, and tone control, all of which transfer beautifully if a student later wants to play other styles.

What NYC neighborhoods does Soyulla serve for classical guitar lessons?

We provide in-home classical guitar lessons across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and parts of New Jersey. Common neighborhoods include the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, West Village, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Astoria, and many more.

What NYC neighborhoods does Soyulla serve for guitar lessons?

We provide in-home guitar lessons across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and parts of New Jersey. Common neighborhoods include the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, West Village, Chelsea, SoHo, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Astoria, Long Island City, Riverdale, and many more.

Will classical guitar hurt my fingers?

Classical guitar tends to be gentler on fingertips than steel-string acoustic because nylon strings are softer. Most beginners feel mild soreness for the first 1 to 2 weeks, then it settles. Adults sometimes notice nail-side discomfort as they build fingerpicking technique, which a teacher can correct quickly.

Will guitar hurt my fingers when I’m starting?

Yes, the first 2 to 3 weeks of guitar are usually uncomfortable. Fingertips need to build calluses, and fretting clean notes takes effort early on. Most students stop noticing the soreness within 3 to 4 weeks. A teacher can also adjust the way you press to reduce pain in the meantime.

Piano

Are piano lessons better in person or online?

For most students, in person is significantly better. A real teacher in the same room can make small posture and hand-position adjustments, hear tone and pedaling clearly, and read your child’s mood in real time. Soyulla focuses on in-person piano lessons, either in-home or at our Manhattan studio, because in-person delivers faster progress and a deeper student-teacher relationship.

Can my child take piano lessons in pop, Broadway, or jazz, not just classical?

Yes. The vast majority of Soyulla students aren’t classical kids. They want pop, Broadway, jazz, rock, R&B, soundtracks, and more. Our roster of 69+ teaching artists covers almost every style, and we match your child to a teacher who genuinely loves the music your kid is drawn to.

Do Soyulla piano teachers come to our home?

Yes. In-home piano lessons across NYC are our core offering. Your matched teaching artist comes directly to your home each week on a consistent day and time. We work across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and parts of New Jersey.

Do we need our own piano at home for in-home piano lessons?

For in-home lessons, yes. Your child or you will play on your own piano or keyboard. The instrument doesn’t need to be a Steinway. A well-tuned upright works beautifully. We’re happy to recommend trusted NYC piano shops for purchase or rental, and families without a piano at home can start with studio piano lessons at our Manhattan studio location, where we provide the pianos.

How does Soyulla match families with piano teachers in NYC?

We start with a 20-minute conversation about your child’s personality, learning style, musical taste, and your family’s schedule. From there, we identify the teaching artist on our roster who genuinely fits, make the introduction, and watch the first lessons closely. Our 99% teacher-student fit rate is the result of this care.

How long does it take to see progress on piano?

Most kids and adult beginners can play a real, recognizable piece within 8 to 12 weeks of weekly lessons and 10 to 20 minutes of daily practice. Within the first 3 to 6 months, students typically read simple sheet music, play multiple pieces hands together, and have a clear sense of their own taste. Progress depends on consistency, not natural talent.

How much do piano lessons in NYC cost?

Piano lesson pricing varies based on the teacher’s experience, the lesson length, and the frequency. Rather than quote a number out of context, we’d rather have a quick conversation about your family and walk you through a clear, fixed price before anything begins. Most NYC families choose 30, 45, or 60-minute weekly lessons, and we send the price in writing after the matching call.

How much should my child practice piano each week?

Most young piano students practice 10 to 20 minutes a day, six days a week. Adult students do well with 20 to 40 minutes a day. Short, daily practice beats a weekend marathon every time. Your matched teacher will design a practice plan that fits your kid’s age and your family’s actual rhythm.

Is piano hard to learn for adults?

Piano is one of the most forgiving instruments for adult beginners. The notes are already there, you just press them. Most adults can play simple, recognizable songs within 3 to 6 months of consistent weekly lessons. Adults often progress faster than younger beginners because they bring focus and real motivation.

What age should a child start piano lessons?

Piano lessons can start as young as age 4 with the right teacher and a play-based approach. Most NYC kids start between ages 4 and 7, but plenty begin later. Older beginners and adults absolutely thrive too. Every age has an entry point, and we match teachers to whatever stage your child or you are starting from.

What if the first piano teacher is not the right fit?

We adjust. The whole point of how we work is to get the match right, and if something isn’t clicking after 3 or 4 weeks, we re-match without making it a big deal. After 25 years, we know that even great teachers aren’t right for every student. Our job is to keep finding the fit until it’s right.

What NYC neighborhoods does Soyulla serve for piano lessons?

We provide in-home piano lessons across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and parts of New Jersey. Common neighborhoods include the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, West Village, Chelsea, SoHo, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Astoria, Long Island City, Riverdale, and many more. If you’re wondering whether we cover your area, the answer is almost always yes.