Nat Lawrence Leichtman

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

Jazz, Pop and Classical piano teacher in New Orleans

I have 10 years teaching experience and am especially suited to teach jazz, rock, funk, pop, blues and salsa. I am incredibly student focused, striving to help my students achieve their specific goals, and committed to working one on one to help you get what you want out of every lesson. Friendly, relaxed and affable, I have significant experience with adult and teenage students, students with special needs, and students looking for instruction in rock, pop, or blues.

I also have experience with songwriting and electronic music making.

My Musical Education Background

From Denver Colorado, but now living in New Orleanms, I am a university educated pianist comfortable in any Jazz, Rock, or Classical setting but find my first love is the bluesy rollicking piano reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr. John, or Ray Charles. You might have seen me around town in my Top 40 group, Jazz trio, Funk band, Gospel choir, Burlesque band, or as accompaniment to any of the extremely talented singers I have worked with. I'm also a composer and songwriter with a sardonic songwriting style compared to Mose Allison and Dave Frishberg.

I attended the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music and graduated with a B.M. in Jazz and Commercial Piano. Not only have I studied intensely with local fixture Eric Gunnison, but also with internationally touring artist Gerri Allen and even with jazz legend Billy Taylor at a summer music institute in Amherst, Mass. In Highschool I won the Clarke Terry award for outstanding musicianship. In college I won the Lamont Made composition contest two years in a row, my band The Orchid Room won the Lamont Jazz Chamber contest and I was a recipient of the Cherrington Global Scholarship, a grant that allowed me to spend a year performing and studying in Australia.

Since graduating college I have worked as the pianist on a cruise ship and have performed in Mexico, Hawaii, South America, French Polynesia, and Australia. In 2016 I moved to New Orleans Louisiana where I perform in several groups all over the city. I have performed at House of Blues and have been featured on local telivision. I also tour internationally with Reggae artists Peter Lloyd and Stephanie Hana.

Genres and Subjects Taught

I stand out from other piano teachers because my lessons are specifically tailored to your needs. While most Teachers in New Orleans are trained to take young children through a piano workbook and develop them into classical musicians, I teach based on what the student wants to play. I have significant experience in Jazz, Blues, and R&B piano as well as songwriting, and have worked professionally in rock, funk, salsa, jazz, standards, gospel, top 40, burlesque, and solo piano acts. My approach is not designed for young children but for adults and teenagers of all experience levels who have an interest in learning more about music.

I specialize most heavily in Jazz, Blues, R&B, Rock, and Pop, but also have significant experience with Salsa, Gospel, Klezmer, and Classical

Lesson Rates

Half Hour in my studio $30

45 minutes in my studio $40

Hour in my studio $50

Half Hour in your home $50

45 minutes in your home $60

Hour in your home $70

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I mainly teach adult and teenage students of any ability level. My typical students are adults who are looking to get back into playing after lots of time off.

My Certifications and Awards

BM Piano Performance in Jazz and Commercial Music from Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.



Special Citation for Outstanding Musicianship at the Clarke Terry Jazz Festival.



winner of Cherrington Scholarship for Study Abroad in Australia



Performance Based Scholarship to the University of Denver



winner Lamont Made Jazz Composition Contest two years consecutively



Recorded with the late Ikey Owens (keyboardist for Sublime, The Mars Volta, and Jack White)



winner Lamont Jazz chamber contest

 

Colorado's "30 under 30" award by radio station KUVO/KVJZ

My Musical Influences

Herbie Hancock
Nina Simone
Duke Ellington
Dr. John
Robert Glasper
J Dilla
Debussy
Esperanza Spalding
Chucho Valdes
The Allman Brothers
Mose Allison

Service Area

Jacki M
Denver, CO

Nate Leichtman has been my 14 year old daughter's private piano teacher for over a year. Nate has an exemplary work ethic and the patience needed to be a successful instructor. My daughter enjoys his teaching method and has grown immensely as a student. He is a professional at his work yet keeps the learning fun.