By Sara Humphries
Alex Wasserman
Alex Wasserman, assistant professor of music, utilizes Reinhardt’s student-to-faculty ratio to offer the optimal experience during piano lessons.
With nearly 20 years of experience teaching piano, Wasserman – who continues to perform in concerts – personally understands the time and devotion his students apply to the art form.
Wasserman believes that small class sizes are effective when teaching, allowing him to give every student the attention needed to reap the highest reward of learning to play piano.
“The piano division at Reinhardt offers more one-on-one student to teacher contact than any other university that I can think of,” said Wasserman “I am not just a piano teacher to my students, but a mentor, and hopefully a source of inspiration. Larger departments simply do not allow for that kind of focused relationship between teacher and student.”
Wasserman has his teachers and parents to thank for his success in his music career and works to support his students in much of the same capacity.
“My very supportive parents, as well as excellent teachers when I was growing up, were crucial. Two of the most influential were Yong Hi Moon at the Peabody Conservatory and Sergei Babayan at the Cleveland Institute of music, both world-class pianists and teachers. Most of my teaching style comes from their immeasurable influence.”
Wasserman’s mentors taught him how to teach with intensity and focus in a way that allows his students to become the musicians they always hoped to become.
“Students are often not aware of the extent of their capabilities, and I try to push them as hard as I can. They are usually shocked at what they are able to accomplish.”
Wasserman devotes a lot of his time developing his student’s skills and challenging them to be the best pianist that they can be.
“If a student is accepted into my piano studio, they can expect total devotion to their development from me. I am there for them during the ups and downs of their journey as a pianist. I, like all other pianists, have encountered the myriad of emotions that come with pursuing a high-precision craft. I look forward to guiding them through the journey.”
Wasserman’s hobbies include anything aviation related, including flying lessons, and built a two-seater flight simulation at his home.
