frank ponzio

Frank has a vibrant private teaching studio on the upper west side of  New York City for students at any level who want to expand their musical vocabulary, get basic vocal coaching, music direction and charts.  Subjects taught are music theory, including rhythm, melody, harmony, form and counterpoint. The Studio includes a high quality recording setup for piano, voice and other instruments.  

 "I enjoy unlocking the talent of musicians (yes, that includes vocalists ! )”

 "Often players come to me knowing there’s more that they are capable of, but need to find out what makes those talents, all the hidden music, heard on the piano. I often find that they need support to move beyond where the talent took them. The need is often a deeper understanding of rhythm, melody and theory”

A book, with accompanying videos, on jazz piano voicings is due to be released in September 2022. Here’s an example of a teaching video. Many videos are currently being produced.
A book with several Jazz piano arrangements for classical pianists, to enjoy and use to perform, is currently being edited for release.

As an educator, Frank has been especially active in the community, bringing music to both young audiences and senior citizens, as well as to groups with special needs. He has enjoyed a fifteen year-long association with the National Dance Institute, an innovative organization founded by Jacques d’Amboise that brings the benefits of the arts to children from all social and economic backgrounds.  He was their full-time music director from 1991 to 1994. and has become very active in special projects.  From 1989 to 1996 Frank performed regularly at a homeless shelter in New York, St. Francis School for the Deaf and The Lighthouse (a center for the blind in New York).  From 1997 to 2005 he was the music teacher and dance accompanist for an innovative program for wheelchair-bound students and non-disabled students at PS 199 in New York.

"The gentle, easy kindness that you showed all of the children was a gift.   I thank you for everything."
   —Agnes McConologue, Senior Physical Therapist at PS199, wheelchair class

He was a vocal coach/ pianist for 3 years at Jim Lipton's MFA program at the New School’s Actors Studio with Jan Prokop (teacher and performer) as well as the William Riley Studio whose students include Celine Dion, Faith Hill, and Stevie Wonder.

Contributions to videos and books include The Singing Book published by W.W. Norton & Company and Jazz Rhythms Master Class Advanced Instruction Video by Mike Longo.

      "I consider him to be an artist of rare quality . . . who is on the brink of a major career."
            —William Riley, Vocal coach to Teresa Stratas, Celine Dion, Faith Hill

Thank you for an absolutely magical night. Frank is extraordinary. He is a musician that achieves the seemingly impossible: he brings his own beautiful spirit into music. We loved hearing him play and loved also hearing him speak - with such knowledge, depth, but also with kindness, generosity and humility
from a presenter - audience member in Paris, France 2018.