Lessons & Coaching
Piano Studio
A place where music becomes a lifelong companion — for the youngest beginner, the devoted amateur, and the aspiring professional alike.
Work with Luba
Lessons, Coaching & MoreAvailable Now
Schedule a Private Lesson
Luba welcomes new students year-round for private piano lessons, coaching, and mentorship in New York City. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced musician, reach out to discuss your goals.
The first lesson is complimentary — a chance for Luba and the student to meet and explore the musical journey ahead.
Please review the Studio Policy before your first lesson.
Summer 2026 Programs
In addition to private lessons, Luba will be joining the faculty of two distinguished summer programs in 2026 — a wonderful opportunity to work with her in an intensive group setting.
Studio Recitals
Performances by Luba's StudentsUpcoming
Upcoming
Young Artists Piano Recital
Date & Time
June 11, 2026 · 5:00 PM
Who I Teach
Students of All Ages & LevelsLuba's studio welcomes students at every stage of their musical journey — from a child's very first lesson to professional-level coaching.
Young Musicians
Ages 5 and up
Luba has a special gift for introducing young children to the piano — building a love of music from the very first lesson.
Adult Amateurs
Beginners to advanced
It is never too late to begin or return to the piano. Luba works with adult students at all levels, tailoring lessons to their goals.
Pre-College & Conservatory Students
Serious young musicians
For students preparing for conservatory auditions, competitions, or recitals, Luba offers rigorous and inspiring preparation.
Professional Musicians
Soloists & chamber musicians
Luba coaches soloists and chamber ensembles at the professional level, with deep expertise in the standard repertoire.
Teaching Philosophy
Music as a JourneyFor Luba Poliak, music is not a destination — it is a lifelong journey, and one of the deepest sources of joy available to us as human beings. Her teaching begins from this conviction: that every student, regardless of age or level, deserves to experience music as something alive, personal, and endlessly rewarding.
Technique is a means, never an end. Luba builds technical fluency in her students with care and patience, always in service of expression — so that the hands are free to speak what the heart intends.
She believes that listening is the foundation of all musicianship. Students in Luba's studio are taught to hear themselves, to hear the music deeply, and to trust their own artistic instincts.
Above all, Luba's studio is a place where curiosity is celebrated, effort is honored, and music becomes a companion for life.
Luba studied under Gilbert Kalish at Stony Brook University and holds degrees from the Rubin Academy in Tel Aviv and the New England Conservatory in Boston.
Professional Associations
Memberships & AffiliationsRoyal Conservatory of Music
One of the world's most respected music education institutions. Luba prepares her students for RCM examinations, providing a structured, internationally recognized pathway for musical development.
Piano Teachers Congress of New York
The Piano Teachers Congress of New York supports piano teachers across the New York metropolitan area through professional development events and performance opportunities for students.
The Leschetizky Association
Founded in New York in 1942 by pupils of Theodor Leschetizky, the Association has been devoted to uplifting live classical piano performance for over 80 years, preserving a lineage reaching back to Beethoven.
Luba is an active participant in New York's vibrant piano community, regularly attending masterclasses, concerts, and professional development events.
Adjudication
Piano CompetitionsLuba is a sought-after adjudicator in piano competitions, bringing decades of performance experience, rigorous musical training, and a deep sensitivity to the evaluation process. She approaches adjudication with the same values that guide her teaching: fairness, discernment, and a genuine commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Luba has served as a judge in competitions for students at all levels — from young beginners to pre-college and conservatory-level pianists — and brings both warmth and rigorous musical standards to every panel she joins.
Invite Luba to Judge
If you are organizing a piano competition and would like to invite Luba to serve on the jury, please get in touch with details about your event.
Get in Touch ↗Selected Competitions
MMTA Bay State Piano Competition
Massachusetts
MTNA Piano Competition
Connecticut
Shepherd School of Music Piano Concerto Competition Finals, Rice University
Houston, TX
TMTA Piano Competition
Texas
Associated Music Teachers League (AMTL)
New York, NY
WMTA Collegiate-Level Piano Competition
Wisconsin
Schoolwide Concerto Competition, Lawrence University
Appleton, WI
Past Teaching Engagements
Selected History92nd Street Y School of Music
New York, NY
Piano & Chamber Music Faculty
Bard College Conservatory of Music
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Piano Faculty
Bard Pre-College Summer Music Academy
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Piano Faculty
Moores School of Music, University of Houston
Houston, TX
Visiting Faculty
Bard College Summer Music Camp
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Guest Faculty
Lawrence University
Appleton, WI
Visiting Faculty
Texas Music Festival, University of Houston
Houston, TX
Guest Faculty
Heifetz International Music Institute
Wolfeboro, NH
Chamber Music Coach & Collaborative Pianist
Suffolk Community College
Selden, NY
Adjunct Faculty
Full teaching history available upon request. Please get in touch.