About Us
At Key Steps Music, we offer expert music lessons in a supportive, creative environment, helping students of all ages and levels grow their skills and passion for music.
We want to
Help You Achieve Your Musical Goals
Target Oriented
We set clear goals to help students achieve their musical aspirations, ensuring focused progress and ensuring steady progress and success.
Expert Instructor
Our experienced instructors provide high-quality, personalized lessons to guide students in reaching their full musical potential.
Positive Environment
We are committed to helping every student reach their musical goals with tailored lessons and unwavering support and success.
Music Director Quinton Nennig
Quinton Nennig is a pianist, composer, and educator based in New York City. Originally from Sherwood, Wisconsin, Quinton has performed across the United States and internationally, with notable appearances in Italy, South Africa, and China. His performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, National Bohemian Hall, and Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall are among his most memorable. He has also performed with the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra, premiering a piece by Ashley Fure that was later nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
A passionate educator and Steinway Educational Partner, Quinton has been a member of the Piano Teachers Congress of New York, Music Teachers National Association, and the Leschetizky Association. He has traveled the globe to participate in renowned music festivals, including the Montecito International Music Festival, Miami Music Festival, Beijing International Keyboard Festival, Brevard Music Festival, Jacobs School of Music Summer Academy, and the International Keyboard Institute in Manhattan. Additionally, he has premiered his original compositions at the Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Italy.
Quinton’s musical journey began at age fourteen when he left home to pursue piano performance at Interlochen Arts Academy. He later earned both his bachelor’s degree with honors and a master’s degree on a significant scholarship from Mannes School of Music. Throughout his academic career, Quinton has studied under world-renowned pianists from leading institutions, including Eastman School of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and the Shanghai Conservatory. His studies have provided him with a deep understanding of Russian, Asian, and European pianistic traditions, as well as pedagogical approaches.
In addition to his performance career, Quinton is an accomplished composer. His opera for solo piano and dance, La Tarantella, premiered in the summer of 2024, receiving widespread acclaim. The work has been praised by Dance Enthusiast Magazine as “masterfully composed” and called a “brilliant composition” by London Young Musician. Quinton’s compositions have earned him six international awards, including a Gold Prize and Creative Innovation Award from the Lebrun International Competition. WOMCO (World Online Music Competition Organization), described him as ‘a rising star in the classical music world’.
Artistic Statement
During our private lessons, I believe in taking a personalized approach to each student, tailoring lessons to their unique goals, needs, and learning styles. Whether working with a beginner or an advanced player, I aim to deconstruct musical concepts in ways that are age-appropriate and accessible, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace.
I strive to create a nurturing, supportive atmosphere where students feel motivated to challenge themselves while enjoying the learning process. One of my key priorities as a teacher is to empower students with the tools and knowledge they need to practice effectively and independently. I focus on teaching students how to problem-solve and troubleshoot on their own, fostering a lifelong ability to learn and grow, both as musicians and as individuals.
Since our time together in lessons is limited, I place great emphasis on helping students understand how to practice outside of our sessions. By setting clear, achievable goals and providing structured practice guidelines, I help students make the most of their time between lessons, ensuring they continue to develop and improve at the fastest rate possible.
Ultimately, my goal is not just to teach students how to play the piano, but to equip them with the skills and confidence to continue learning on their own, long after our lessons have ended.
Our Client Testimonials
"My son, Jake, had the wonderful opportunity of taking piano lessons from Quin. Not only is Quin masterful on the piano, his interactions with Jake quickly promoted a comfortable first learning experience with the piano. Quin was easily able to adjust his lessons to Jake's needs and progress throughout the summer months, and in-turn, Jake had a very positive experience taking lessons. Quin was a fun, responsive piano instructor who used Jake's interests to make decisions about song choices. I believe that Jake continues to be interested in piano due to his time with Quin."
When our piano teacher was moving to the west coast (we live in NYC), we needed to find a new teacher to our kids, 7 and 10 years old and we we’re recommended Quinton. Already at the first lesson, it was clear we’ve found a great teacher! Quinton connected great with our boys creating the perfect atmosphere with a mix of playful fun and more challenging tasks! We’re grateful having Quinton introducing our kids to the piano, and give our sincere recommendations.