“The piano keys are black and white, but they sound like a million colors in your mind.”
— Maria Cristina Mena, Author
Program Events
We host a series of discussions, lectures, and master classes throughout the year. All events are free for members and members are encouraged to bring a guest.
Member Directory
Whether you are looking to find your next piano teacher or find a local colleague, our Member Directory is the perfect place to learn about our roster of professional piano educators.
Become a Member
Join our community of piano educators to enhance your career through skill acquisition and commraderie. Piano teachers and music educators are invited to apply for membership.
Welcome to APTLI’s 2025-2026 Season!
Dear APTLI Members,
We hope you had a wonderful summer! As we begin APTLI’s 59th year, we are filled with gratitude for this remarkable community of piano teachers. Last year was both busy and rewarding, with our students reaching new learning milestones and outstanding results in competitions and beyond.
Together at APTLI, we nurture students of every age and stage—whether young beginners or seasoned adults—helping them grow not just musically but in mind, body, and spirit. Through teaching piano, we contribute not only to individual lives but to the lasting legacy of this profound instrument.
Most of all, we celebrate each other’s joys, from new grandchildren to amazing travels, and care for one another through life’s challenges. APTLI is more than an organization—it is a family of dedicated musicians, educators, and friends.
We are excited for the year ahead, eager to share inspiring programs, teach our amazing students to play beautiful music, and continue building wonderful memories together. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
Sincerely,
Ruth Pleines & Patricia Chen Jones
Co-Presidents, APTLI
APTLI Member Showcase
RESOURCE FOR PARENTS
AND BEGINNERS OF ALL AGES
The Profound Power of Learning to Play Piano
Our Mission
Promoting the development of the next generation of young musicians
Raising the standards of piano teaching
Continuing professional growth through lectures, discussions, and master classes
Our History
The Association of Piano Teachers of Long Island or APTLI (pronounced Apt-Lee) was founded in 1966, when 21 piano teachers banded together for professional growth and friendship. Bert Konowitz and Hadassah Sahr were two of the association’s first lecturers and performers. Many renowned musicians have since been guest speakers at APTLI meetings, including Walter Aparicio, Lisa Bastien, Jeffrey Biegel, Raj Bhimani, Michael Brown, Marcia Eckert, Lee Evans, Birgit Matzerath, Carol Montparker, Nelson Ojeda, Lynn Freeman Olson, Paul Sheftel, Alexander Wu and Yu Zhang.
Additional Resources for Piano Teachers
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National Guild of Piano Teachers
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Music Teachers National Association
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Associated Music Teachers League
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New York State School Music Association
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Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation
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New York State Music Teachers Association
A Special Thank You
A special thank you to Camille Scheidemann of Frank and Camille's Pianos in Carle Place (introduced to us by APTLI member Joe Graziose) for graciously providing us with meeting space, plus coffee and delicious treats.
Thank you to Rocco Del Greco, CEO of The New York Group, an advertising/marketing agency, for developing and launching a brand new APTLI website. This updated, fantastic website provides our organization with a professional online presence and makes us more reachable.