Brittany Anjou

Trained on piano and vibraphone, Brittany Anjou earned a degree in jazz piano performance and philosophy at New York University. She studied under the great Stefon Harris (vibraphone/composition), George Garzone (sax/composition), Tony Moreno (drums), Gil Goldstein (piano/arranging), Don Friedman (piano), and Joel Weiskopf (piano). While working toward her degree, she also studied classical composition in Prague with Milan Slavicky (Czech Philharmonic—Requiem, 2000/01; per soli, chorus, and orchestra) and piano with Czech jazz great Emil Viklicky. In 2006, Brittany studied traditional Ghanaian xylophone repertoire at the Dagara Music Center in Medie, Ghana, mentored by master xylophonist Bernard Woma.

AS A PERFORMER

Brittany has performed with many artists in a variety of styles, including rock, hip hop, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and afro-beat. Brittany has worked with classical and pop vocalists, including coloratura soprano Rebecca Duren, americana singer-songwriter Mary Bragg, and Soul-pop singer Mansingh. She also writes original jazz and improv-based music for piano and idiophones, has worked as a ghostwriter and accompanist/arranger, and has recorded commercial works. She enjoys touring, performing, composing, and recording.

AS A TEACHER

With piano as her main instrument, Brittany has a decade of experience teaching students of all ages, including international touring artists, fellow NYC musicians, students at schools in the U.S. and Ghana, and youths in group sessions for ensemble, piano, percussion, improving music literacy, and improvisation. A highlight of Brittany’s teaching experience was writing a course syllabus for music instruction at the Fresh Air Fund in the summer of 2006, tailoring 30 classes per week to 400 young women aged seven to 14.

In a lot of ways, music is like athletics - it is physical, and you must exercise and practice your skills in order to perform and improve

While teaching, I draw from a broad range of experience to enhance the musical development of my students. I tailor my lessons toward realizing and improving each student's strengths and weaknesses, pinpointing techniques to encourage good habits and correct bad habits, alleviate difficulties and optimize practice time. I focus on theory and ear training with all students and believe that it is integral to individual musicality. I believe in reinforcing focused and optimal practice time for both the beginning and experienced musician. I value the basics and give the student tools to develop reading, playing, and writing music for his or her enjoyment. I maintain emphasis on technique, relaxation, and stretching exercises for correct pianist posture, as well as wrist and muscle health. I understand the physical risks for pianists and take injury prevention seriously. I am full of musical exercises, tips, tools, resources and recommendations. I maintain a lesson hour that enhances the student's development through exposure, variety and hands-on repetition.

I enjoy helping each individual find their energy allowing them to embrace and develop their unique musical self. Students will benefit most if they can bring a sense of clear goals, and ideas of what they might like to do. I am here to help students reach their goals and push beyond with health, devotion, energy, experience, and knowledge.

Get Started with BML to set up a lesson with Brittany.