Dr. Stryjniak’s Studio
Study with concert pianist Dr. Jerzy Stryjniak
Private lessons in New York City for committed pianists of every age, from the intermediate level up, with a Carnegie Hall pianist from the great Polish piano tradition.
The teacher
Concert pianist and teacher
Dr. Stryjniak has performed for more than four decades, from Warsaw to Carnegie Hall, where he made his debut in 1990. He holds a Ph.D. and a habilitation from the Academy of Music in Poznań, where he has been a visiting professor, and he has given master classes across Europe and the United States.
His teaching comes from the Polish piano tradition, known for its musicality and strong technique. Lessons look closely at sound, phrasing, pedaling, and practice, and at how to bring a program to the stage.
At the Conservatory he teaches a select group of pianists.
At a glance
- Lessons
- 45 or 60 minutes, weekly in a Semester, 16-week or 8-week package, or individual consultation lessons.
- Where
- Our studios at 321 East 69th Street on the Upper East Side.
- Tuition
- Packages from $145 a lesson (45 minutes) or $170 (60 minutes); consultation lessons $175 and $210. Package totals are on the admissions page.
- Start
- A free 30-minute trial lesson ($50 refundable deposit).
Who studies with him
For pianists ready for more
You don’t need to be advanced. If you read music, have some intermediate experience, and are ready to work hard and trust the process, Dr. Stryjniak will build from where you are.
Gifted children
Young pianists with exceptional ability, who are ready early for demanding repertoire such as Chopin and Moszkowski études, and for their first competitions.
Teens aiming high
Competitions, conservatory and college auditions, and the recordings they ask for. Dr. Stryjniak personally supervises preparation for major competitions, including the Van Cliburn and Chopin Competitions.
College-bound musicians in other fields
Students heading into medicine, science, or other careers who keep playing at a high level, with a polished program to record for their college applications.
Adults with serious repertoire
Returning and lifelong pianists ready for the great Romantic repertoire, from Chopin to Liszt, studied in depth and at their own pace.
Pianists preparing a performance
A recital, an audition, or a competition program, shaped with a concert artist who knows the stage, from Warsaw to Carnegie Hall.
His students
Recent prizes
Dr. Stryjniak has taught at NYCM since 1998, and many of his students have won competitions. As a visiting professor at the Academy of Music in Poznań, he also taught professional pianists who went on to win prizes.
Jim Chou
- First Prize, Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition, inaugural Amateur Edition (October 2026)
- First Prize, Washington International Piano Artists Competition (August 2026)
- First Prize, Gold Stream, Boston International Piano Competition for amateur pianists (May 2026)
Anzhen Tang
- First Prize, Pacific Stars International Piano Competition (2026)
- First Place, Piano, Swiss International Online Music Competition (2026)
Philip Zhou
- Second Place, Piano Solo, Musical Life Competition (2026), with a winners’ recital at Merkin Concert Hall
In the press
What critics and pianists say
“Compelling… dazzling… impressive.”
“Mr. Stryjniak is first virtuoso, a subtle musician; a colorist; and a player who takes daredevil chances.”
“I find him to be a pianist and teacher of outstanding ability.”
“Stryjniak has no technical limitations.”
Watch and listen
Dr. Stryjniak in performance
Concert films from his YouTube channel. More performances, and excerpts from his Chopin and Liszt albums, are on his channel and website.
Career
Highlights
- Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall in 1990, as a winner of Artists International
- Participant in the International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, 1985
- First prizes at the Polish Piano Festival in Słupsk and the Frederic Chopin Scholarship Competition in Warsaw, 1983
- Ph.D. and habilitation from the Academy of Music in Poznań, where he has been a visiting professor
- Fulbright Scholar
- Gloria Artis Medal and the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- Concerts at Zankel Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Steinway Hall, and in thirteen countries in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
- Chopin and Liszt albums, and recordings for Polish Radio, Radio Free Europe, and Voice of America
- Judge at New York piano competitions since 1994
- Founder of the Chopin Society of New York
Not sure yet?
Hear him teach first
Observe one of Dr. Stryjniak’s master classes and watch him coach other pianists before you sign up for lessons.
The piano faculty
Part of a whole faculty
Dr. Stryjniak and Joanna Stryjniak head the Conservatory’s piano faculty, accomplished performing artists and experienced educators who teach pianists at every level. Every NYCM pianist is welcome to sign up for our recitals and his master classes.
Play for Dr. Stryjniak
Book a free 30-minute trial lesson ($50 refundable deposit), or call the office to talk about your goals and repertoire.