Biography

SCROLL DOWN

Biography

Lourenço César Finatti

I was born in a São Paulo, Brazil, where I studied piano, organ and composition with some of the leading teachers in the country. I was an assistant organist at the age of fifteen and the principal organist in a main church at eighteen. During that time, I gained extensive experience as a chamber musician, vocal coach and choir conductor.

When I left school I went to Business School but continued all my musical activities. Although I had already been teaching for some time, it was during this period that I discovered my passion for passing on what I had learned.

I went to the Music University in Vienna to study piano and musical pedagogy properly and after only three years graduated with distinction. After that I remained in Vienna for private studies and teaching.

There followed many years in Northern Germany, where I worked as a pianist, organist, independent piano teacher and church musician. I was a lecturer for piano and piano pedagogy in Hamburg and I pursued my organ studies at the Academy of Ancient Music in Bremen, working on the most marvellous historical organs in Germany.

In 2001 my family and I moved back to Austria. Since 2005 I am teaching in Vienna again. My pupils have come from all over the world; from China, USA, Brazil, Korea, Canada, and from various European countries. I have also taught master courses in Austria, Germany, South Korea and Brazil.

For me, teaching is a fascinating experience. Many of my students have been busy professionals, doctors, lawyers and scientists, seeking a break to renew their piano skills or to learn piano for the first time. Some are music students seeking special orientation concerning their learning methods and interpretational approach. Many remain with me for a long time, extending their musical studies.

Method

Over the past twenty years I have developed different teaching methods, centred on a natural and rational development of every student's abilities and on the teaching experience of the many master teachers of the past centuries.

My students learn to understand music and their instrument, its repertoire and its technique. I aim to develop the whole person, not only the "playing abilities". Everyone is able to understand principles of Harmony and Improvisation within a short time period. I teach technique in the same way as the great masters of past generations have done, by improvising and playing with the instrument's possibilities. So music transforms into a kind of language, a language in which you can communicate your feelings and thoughts.

The repertoire is mainly classical, but what you learn will be your own choice, whether Early Music, Classical, Romantic, Modern, song accompaniment, improvisation.

Through my holistic method you will learn how to better concentrate, work more efficiently, relax your body, achieve your goals. Your playing will develop naturally and without problems. I teach at all levels from beginners to advanced students and even professionals because I love the whole of the pianistic possibilities. That is also why I continue practising and playing in public, because Music is not only my profession, but also my passion.

Adults

Would you like to begin learning the piano, work on your repertoire, develop your playing, play and sing with your children or organise your learning schedule? Come for a introductory lesson where I can give you feedback on your playing, learn about your wishes and then propose a work programme so that you may achieve your objectives. You can then decide whether we are suited to learn together as a team.

My students are invited to gather for concerts, group meetings where we perform what we have been working on, opera evenings, museum visits, etc. We also have regular concerts, some of them as studio concerts in a more domestic atmosphere. If you are interested, get in touch and we will start straight away!

FAQ

Do you teach online?

Yes, I teach online since 2017.

How long is a lesson?

45 minutes for a normal private lesson. They take place once a week.

Where do you work?

My studio is at home in the beautiful “Servitenviertel” in the 9th district, close to Schottenring, Alte Börse and Palais Liechtenstein. I teach on a new grand piano in a well-kept and quiet ambience..

How can I come to you?

Best by public transport: U4 (Rossauer Laende), U2 (Schottentor); tram lines D (Schlickplatz,the best connection) and 1; buses 3A and 40A.

Am I too old to learn?

There are no age limits for learning the piano. My youngest students were one (my own children), my oldest was an almost 80 year-old beginner. We all learn in very different ways depending on our personality, age and experience, but we all can learn and enjoy it.

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching piano since I was a school boy and organ and Theory since I was at university. That means thirty years experience in teaching and performing.

What are your formal qualifications?

Business Management at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo. Piano and Theory at the Municipal Music School in São Paulo. Piano (with distinction) at the Music University in Vienna. Organ at the Academy for Ancient Music in Bremen. Courses for piano, organ and music pedagogy; further in music history, organ and clavichord building, historical teaching, dance and infant psychology.

What is your teaching style like?

I am patient and encouraging. Lessons happen in a relaxed and concentrated atmosphere. Sometimes there is dancing, often singing and we laugh a good deal.

What makes your lessons different?

Piano teaching means almost everywhere “playing some pieces”. I’d like to open a new world to my students, a fascinating musical world. As a teacher you need lots of knowledge and experience to cope with that. And you have to know how to teach it for a three year old, for a busy manager, for a teenager, for a pensioner, for a music student and for a professional pianist. There is a sensible difference between showing how to play a pair of pieces and unleash the wealth of music hidden within you.

How much are your lessons?

€240 a month, which includes an average of 36 lessons a year (i.e. weekly except during holidays etc), a personalised learning plan, as well as support on achieving specific musical goals (e.g. improving your sight reading).

Consistency is key both for learners and for my ability to dedicate sufficient time to your lesson plan, so the learning journey needs to be a committed one on both sides.

Your first introductory lesson is free, with no commitment, so the best way to find out if we’re a good fit for your piano learning and whether you feel the investment is worth it, is to give it a go!