About Us
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.
Founder and 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
Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to study with some of the world’s finest musicians and teachers. Their passion, dedication, and ability to inspire shaped not only my development as a pianist but also my philosophy as an educator. Those experiences showed me the profound impact that an exceptional teacher can have, and they inspired me to create Key Steps Music School so that more students could experience that same level of guidance, encouragement, and artistic excellence.
At the same time, I remember spending countless hours practicing the piano on my own. While those hours were essential to my growth, learning an instrument often felt like a very independent journey. I wanted to create something different, a school where students feel connected to a vibrant musical community. Through performances, group classes, masterclasses, competitions, concerts, and outreach opportunities, Key Steps brings students together to form friendships, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s successes. I believe music is at its most powerful when it is shared, and my goal is to create an environment where students not only become better musicians but also inspire one another to reach their fullest potential.
During our private lessons, I believe in taking a highly personalized approach to every student, tailoring instruction to their individual goals, learning style, interests, and pace of development. Whether working with a young beginner or an advanced musician preparing for auditions and competitions, I strive to present musical concepts in ways that are engaging, accessible, and age appropriate.
More than simply teaching students what to practice, I focus on teaching them how to practice. One of my highest priorities is helping students become thoughtful, independent musicians who can solve problems, evaluate their own playing, and develop effective practice habits. Since our time together each week is limited, I place great emphasis on giving students clear goals and practical strategies that allow them to continue making meaningful progress between lessons.
Above all, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable challenging themselves, asking questions, and discovering the joy of learning music. My hope is that every student leaves each lesson feeling inspired, not only to become a better musician, but also to develop the confidence, discipline, creativity, and perseverance that music can teach for a lifetime.
Ultimately, my goal extends beyond helping students learn an instrument. I hope to cultivate a lifelong love of music while giving each student the skills, confidence, and curiosity to continue growing long after our lessons have ended.
The key steps difference
Every Key Steps instructor is carefully selected through a rigorous hiring process to ensure exceptional musicianship, professionalism, and a genuine passion for teaching. Our experienced teachers personalize every lesson to help students of all ages and skill levels build confidence, develop strong musical foundations, and enjoy the learning process.
We believe quality music education should be transparent and flexible. Unlike many music schools, we don't require expensive lesson packages or long-term contracts. Students simply pay monthly for lessons they've already completed, making it easy to learn without unnecessary commitments or hidden fees.
Key Steps Music School is one of the few music schools in New York City to offer instrument rentals directly to our students. With flexible month-to-month and rent-to-own options, quality instruments, easy size upgrades, and convenient monthly billing, getting started has never been easier.
Learning music should be about more than practicing alone. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to perform in recitals, attend masterclasses, participate in group classes, prepare for NYSSMA and competitions, and become part of a welcoming musical community that inspires long-term growth.
We believe music education should last far beyond weekly lessons. Our goal is to give every student the knowledge, confidence, and practice habits to continue learning independently for years to come. By developing strong technique, musical understanding, and problem-solving skills, we provide lifelong tools that students can carry with them wherever their musical journey leads.