CHRISTOPHER DROBNY

Piano Instructor & Vocal Coach

Welcome to my website! I moved to the Hudson Valley in 2024 having spent forty years in Manhattan working as a musician and educator. It's hard to select a handful of events from four decades, but for the sake of introduction, some of my favorite and most formative collaborations include:

Pianist/Conductor: Recitals at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institution and American Center of Paris; Productions at the Public Theatre, Sundance Theatre Lab, Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Educator (College level): In addition to my ten years teaching undergraduates
at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, I served as a guest lecturer at Syracuse University, Pace University and the Juilliard School.

Educator (K-12): I especially treasure my time teaching music to K-12 students through the Metropolitan Opera Guild (residencies at public schools throughout
the five boroughs), Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Long Island (ten summers!), and most recently as choral accompanist at the Manhattan Country School.

Why Music? Why Now?

In these challenging times, I believe music is more essential than ever to our mental health and well-being.
Our ability to make music and share it with others enriches our individual lives and builds a stronger community.

How does music affect our lives? Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us.
Music has the power to connect with people in a way that feels fundamentally different from other forms of communication. Humans often feel that “no one understands them” or knows how they “truly feel.” Through music many find connections with others to express themselves or find a sense of understanding among peers.
Music improves group cohesion. Singing in choruses or playing in a band can bring people together as a community. Music-related activities encourage the formation of bigger social networks and provide a safe way for individuals to interact and share experiences. We are happier when we participate in the music-making.

I’d be glad to accompany you on your journey of musical self-discovery, helping you develop your talents and finding ways you can share them with your family, friends and community.

Piano Instructor

I teach introductory to mid-level classical technique and repertoire (Bach to Beethoven, Chopin to Debussy); jazz styles and concepts (chords, voicing, melodic improvisation); and American pop music genres from the last 125 years (Scott Joplin to Billy Joel to Lady Gaga.)

I’ve taught students of all ages and skill levels - those who read music, those who play by ear, and those wish to be fluent in both. If you’re a beginner, we’ll start with where to place your hands on the keyboard and take it from there. If you already have some musical study under your belt, we’ll dive into keyboard literature appropriate to your skill and comfort levels.

Vocal Coach

A Vocal Coach is a pianist/accompanist who helps singers develop their vocal instrument and assists in their selection and preparation of song repertoire. My areas of interest and expertise are wide-ranging: the Great American Songbook (George Gershwin, Cole Porter, etc.), musical theatre, folk, jazz, pop-rock, and light classical.

I work with singers of all ages and skill levels: high school students preparing to audition for university music or theatre programs; non-professionals wishing to reinvigorate their vocal instrument and audition for a local choir or community theatre; and aspiring professionals looking for vocal repertoire that will showcase their personality and voice type.

Let's Talk!

I teach in person at my home studio on Main Street in Kingston and also online. I’m happy to offer prospective students a complimentary 20-minute phone or FaceTime consultation to better understand your musical goals and discuss how I might help you achieve them. Please complete the form at the bottom of this page and I’ll get back to you promptly. (Photo: Studio Manager Bruno hard at work - waiting to greet next client and escort them to Music Room.)