Lessons Offered
Composition, Keyboard, Music Theory, Piano
Where are Lessons Offered
In Student Home
Virtual / Online
About Me
Master the Lydian Chromatic Concept with One of the World's Only Certified Instructors
Andy Wasserman is widely regarded as a consummate instructor of George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization (LCCOTO) for several compelling reasons:
Direct Certification and Protege Relationship: Andy Wasserman was directly certified by George Russell himself to teach the LCCOTO in its entirety. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition as a protégé of Mr. Russell in 1982. This direct lineage and mentorship are crucial, as they indicate a deep, authentic understanding of Russell's work, as intended by the creator. He even served as a substitute instructor for Russell's classes at the New England Conservatory when Russell was on tour.
Decades of Experience, Dedication and Preservation: Wasserman has been continuously active as a teacher of "The Concept" since 1982. This extensive experience, spanning over four decades, has allowed him to refine his teaching methods and gain a profound insight into the nuances of the LCCOTO. He is described as dedicated to maintaining the integrity, authenticity, and purity of Russell's life's work.
Comprehensive Understanding and Application: Wasserman's background as a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, arranger, recording artist, and educator demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of music in various contexts. He applies the LCCOTO in his own musical artistry, including his compositions and improvisations, showcasing a practical mastery of the theory.
Global Reach through Online Instruction: Since 2010, Wasserman has been offering online private one-on-one lessons in the LCCOTO via video chat to students worldwide. This accessibility allows a broader range of students to benefit from his expertise, and recent accounts from students highlight his ability to communicate complex ideas with energy and clarity, fostering deep connections with the material and the philosophy behind it.
Philosophical and Holistic Approach: Wasserman's teaching goes beyond just the technical aspects of the LCCOTO. He brings to light the philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical ideas embedded within Russell's work, which aim to cultivate artistic evolution and innovation. This holistic approach helps students not just learn the theory, but truly understand its deeper implications for music and life.
A "Teacher of Teachers": His expertise is sought out by other professional musicians who aim to master The Concept. For example, Norwegian jazz pianist Helge Lien details his multi-year, in-depth study with Wasserman. Lien describes Wasserman as "expertly leading me through the intricacies of the book and every facet of The Concept" and says "my study with Andy Wasserman has been the slowest, deepest, and most rewarding learning process of my life." This demonstrates that Wasserman is not just teaching The Concept, but is a key figure in ensuring its authentic lineage continues for future students.
Why You Should Consider Lessons with Andy Wasserman
Given his background, here are the essential reasons to study the Lydian Chromatic Concept with Andy Wasserman:
Proven Authenticity and Integrity: You would be learning from someone who received the knowledge directly from the source. The LCC is often superficially viewed as being dense and complex, resulting in an overlooked and misunderstood theoretical work. Studying with Wasserman eliminates the risk of learning a diluted or misinterpreted version of Russell's ideas. You get the "what" and, crucially, the "why" behind every principle.
Deep Insight Beyond the Page: Because he worked as an editorial assistant for 20 years on the fourth and final edition of the LCC itself, Wasserman can provide context and clarification that you simply cannot get from reading the text alone. He can explain the evolution of certain ideas and illuminate passages that can be dense or confusing for the self-learner.
Practical Application: As a prolific performing and recording artist in numerous genres, Wasserman can bridge the gap between the LCC's advanced theory and its practical application in improvisation, composition, and analysis. He can help you integrate the ideas and structure into your own playing and musical thinking, regardless of your primary instrument, level of expertise or style.
A Structured, Mentored Approach: The LCC is not a "quick fix" or a simple set of scales; it's a fundamental rethinking of tonal gravity in music. A mentor like Wasserman, who has guided students through it for decades, can provide a structured path through the material, ensuring you build a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced concepts.
Andy Wasserman is considered by many who have worked with him as a beneficial mentor because of his unique ability to combine deep musical expertise, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to nurturing the whole person, not just technical skills.
Students and colleagues consistently praise his teaching for its clarity, depth, and the way he makes complex concepts accessible. He is recognized for fostering a positive mental attitude and a strong work ethic, serving as a role model who demonstrates that loving your work transforms effort into joy. Testimonials highlight that Wasserman’s mentorship extends beyond music instruction—he provides valuable life lessons, emotional support, and guidance, helping students grow both as musicians and as individuals.
Wasserman’s own philosophy of mentorship is shaped by his experience with four influential mentors, especially George Russell, creator of the Lydian Chromatic Concept, and jazz piano virtuoso Dwike Mitchell. He emphasizes that a true mentor helps you discover who you are, not just what to do, and empowers you to realize your own potential.
With over 40 years as an educator, performer, and composer, Wasserman’s teaching is informed by a broad and deep understanding of music, as well as a commitment to passing on the wisdom and inspiration he has received throughout his career. His students describe him as a constant, supportive presence who listens, encourages, and helps them stay true to themselves.
Andy Wasserman’s gift as a mentor comes from his holistic, student-centered approach, his deep musical knowledge, and his dedication to helping others grow both artistically and personally.
Students often report that Andy opens The Concept to your ears and instrument immediately—so you internalize the connection to tonal gravity, well beyond the external technical side. Due to his very practical teaching style, meaningful benefits show up quickly in terms of improvisation (clear melodic targets, motivic development, outside/inside control), composition (harmonic palette expansion, modal interchange with intent, polychordal colors), arranging (controlling "psychomodal" tension arcs), and richer voicings with vibrant bass lines, all being fully applicable to all music genres.
Following Russell’s example, Wasserman guides each artist’s intention and aim as central: WHY you sound matters as much as WHAT you sound. Students are motivated to align their aesthetic judgement with an undeniable authenticity that fosters beauty and truth, embracing their musical journey as a discipline that elevates the level of your character - your being - beyond a focus on only technical virtuosity.
A Labor of Love: Andy's sustained efforts to preserve, teach, and promote the LCCOTO are a true labor of love. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that Russell's groundbreaking work is not forgotten, and that it continues to inspire and educate future generations of musicians. This selfless dedication is a powerful expression of deep respect for his mentor, for the idea of tonal gravity, and for the transcendent truths that the music itself reveals about its own self-organized unity.
Gain useful and meaningful tools to transcend your understanding of scales and chords into a unified theory of tonal organization.
Turn tonal gravity into real-time creative choices for improvisation, composition, and arranging!
"For me, music is far more than sound; it is a vibrant way of life that makes us feel alive and awake, connects us, heals us, and empowers us to discover our deepest inner creative essence. My life's work is dedicated to sharing this transformative power, fostering affinity, and establishing our humanitarian community through the shared journey of unity through musical exploration and expression."
— Andy Wasserman
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION WRITTEN BY GEORGE RUSSELL ON WASSERMAN'S COLLABORATION IN THE LYDIAN CHROMATIC CONCEPT
On March 1, 1995, George Russell wrote the following text regarding his endorsement of Andy Wasserman:
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to recommend Andy Wasserman as a most extraordinary musician, educator, performer, innovator and thoroughly dedicated artist.
I have known Mr. Wasserman since 1978, when he was a student of mine at the New England Conservatory of Music. The level of his musical and intellectual ability was so high that he very soon began to work with me on editing and researching my second and third theoretical books, the further expansion of my first publication, “George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization.” Mr. Wasserman brought new insights to the work as well as lending his very substantial abilities in organization and writing. He is still assisting me with this work, and displays a deep dedication to it, as to all things he does. At the Conservatory, he also took over my classes when I was on tour with my orchestra and assisted me in preparing and conducting seminars, both at the Conservatory and privately. He is one of very few people qualified to teach the Lydian Chromatic Concept in its entirety.
As an educator, his knowledge and experience belie his age. His work on CD-ROM on world music is encyclopedic in scope, while being enormously engaging and imaginative. His 16 years of conducting concerts, clinics, workshops, teacher-training seminars and master class residencies for Young Audiences have honed his craft, while his experiences as a solo pianist and composer/arranger have added dimension and encouraged continued artistic evolution.
Mr. Wasserman is unique in a time which does not encourage individuality. He is persistent in his insistence on quality and excellence. I feel that any Institution or enterprise would be wise to have him in its employ, and I ask that you give him your most serious consideration.
Most sincerely,
George Russell - Jazz faculty of New England Conservatory, MacArthur fellow , Guggenheim fellow , NEA American Jazz master. Signed and dated on March 1, 1995
Wasserman has developed a structured curriculum that breaks down the complexities of the LCCOTO into manageable lessons, making it easier for students to grasp the framework of ideas. His teaching emphasizes time-tested practical exercises that allow students to apply the theory in real musical contexts applicable to any genre and any level, enhancing improvisational and compositional skills. Students often report significant improvements in their craftsmanship and overall musicianship after studying with Wasserman because his supportive teaching style helps build confidence, encouraging students to explore their own creativity and express themselves as artists with a high degree of musicality.
Andy Wasserman's unparalleled qualifications, decades of experience, and dedication to George Russell's legacy make him one of the most authoritative and effective teachers of the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization. If you are serious about exploring this revolutionary framework and its potential to transform your musical understanding, lessons with Andy Wasserman would be an excellent choice.
In summary, Andy Wasserman’s direct lineage to George Russell, decades of teaching and performing experience, academic credentials, and inexhaustible commitment to preserving the totality of the Lydian Chromatic Concept make him uniquely and supremely qualified to teach this profound system of tonal organization. While many institutions and individuals may touch upon the Lydian Chromatic Concept, if you're looking for someone who has dedicated his life to sharing the beauty and truth of this epic masterwork, Andy Wasserman stands out as a highly recommended teacher."
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Professional musical artist and devoted educator Andy Wasserman brings over 40 years of teaching experience! He designs and achieves an exciting, engaging and enjoyable course of study to meet each student's individual requirements. You study YOUR favorite songs and preferred styles, and receive customized sheet music arrangements along with video and audio practice tools best suited for your age and level. You learn quickly and get the results you're looking for from a qualified and experienced piano teacher.
August, 2025 begins Andy Wasserman's 46th year as a professional music educator providing superlative one-on-one ONLINE LESSONS in real-time to students via video-chat around the world since 2010 using the most advanced and high-tech audio, video and software online teaching tools in his state-of-the-art studio.
Specializing in Jazz, Classical and Pop styles and the connections between them, including Jazz improvisation, Song Writing and Classical Repertoire interpretation.
Beginner to advanced PIANO: all styles - Pop, Classical, Jazz, Beginner Piano Lessons, Beginning To Intermediate Piano, Piano Lessons for Adults, Music Theory, Jazz Theory, Jazz Improvisation and Music Arranging, Music Harmony and Chords, Music Composition and Songwriting, Using Keyboards and Computers in Music Technology Production, The LCCOTO: George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization.
Experienced in providing lessons tailored specifically for students with special needs.
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Andy Wasserman has had nine CDs of his compositions, arrangements and performances released in the USA over the last 10 years on different labels. Titles include KINDRED SPIRITS (High Harmony Records), BEFORE WE ASK (Z-Pen Records), COOL JAZZ, UNIVERSAL BEAT (Alternate Mode Records), TONAL GRAVITY POEMS, ANDY WASSERMAN PLAYS THE BLUES Volumes One and Two, and BEAD SONGS (TransMedia Sound & Music).
Additionally, his unique and sophisticated thematic solo piano work has been produced on special edition TV/Film Music Library CDs as composer, arranger and instrumentalist, distributed around the world by both the Pyramid Music Library (SOLO PIANO, Vol. 1) and the TWI North American Library (SOLO PIANO, Vol. 2) through licensing deals with Premier Radio Network.
Wasserman's publishing company Andrew Roy Music has a current catalog of 35 of his original compositions that have been recorded and released for worldwide distribution. BMI maintains a catalog of 73 published works with Wasserman as songwriter & composer. Wasserman entered into Digital Distribution beginning in June 2007 with licensing to Apple iTunes, E-Music, (contact me), Spotify, BeatsMusic, GreatIndieMusic, PayPlay, CD Baby, Tradebit, BuyMusic, and SNOCAP.
Wasserman's production studio and Indie record label TransMedia Sound & Music is his main vehicle for production assignments, from in-house scores and digital editing & mastering to multimedia content development. Corporate clients since 1987 have included AT&T, IBM, Panasonic, Mastercard, Sanofi-Winthrop Pharmaceuticals, Atlantic Mutual Insurance, Prentice-Hall, The Mayo Clinic, Castrol Motor Oil, Altered Image, Time-Life Music, Digital Cable Radio, New York Communications and Prime Productions. He is co-creator of the world music Beat of the Blue Planet interactive CD-ROM, a ground-breaking 1995 disc produced for the music software company Opcode Interactive, and has been working with the therapeutic and healing modalities of music in private and public forums since 1974.
Highly interactive, customized and personalized programs of study in piano, music theory, composition, arranging, improvisation, percussion and rhythmic training, and George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization.
Pianist and native New Yorker Andy Wasserman draws on an astonishingly diverse range of experiences in the music industry. His original compositions, arrangements and instrumental performances on many recordings and soundtracks for TV, Radio and Film productions have appeared on the NBC, CBS and ABC networks, as well as Cable TV stations that include A & E, The Lifetime Network, The History Channel, The Travel Channel, TBS, Nickelodeon, The Turner Network, QVC and The Learning Channel. Internationally, his work has been heard on TV, film and radio produced around the world in countries that include Japan, Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and France.
My Musical Education Background
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND SUMMARY
Bachelor of Music degree from New England Conservatory of Music, Boston.
Studied abroad at University and L'Academie des Musique in Sion, Switzerland.
Graduate studies in Music Therapy at New York University.
Attended The High School of Music and Art and The Metropolitan Music School in Manhattan.
Mentored through intensive, long-term private study by:
Dwike Mitchell (Mitchell-Ruff Duo) - piano
George Russell - The LCCOTO : Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization (Theory/Composition)
Jeannette Giguere - classical piano
Anne Bacon Dodge - classical and jazz piano
Papa Ladji Camara - jembe (West African drumming)
Genres and Subjects Taught
In-depth, detailed information, photos, music tracks to listen to and videos to watch of my work can be viewed by visiting my professional music website at (contact me), and my ONLINE MUSIC LESSON VIA VIDEO CHAT website (contact me)
MUSIC STYLES AND GENRES
American Songbook, Big Band, Bossa Nova, Broadway, Classical Repertoire, Adult Contemporary, Disney, Film Music, TV Music, Video Game Music, Fusion, Jazz, Musical Theater, New Age, Oldies, Pop, Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, R&B, Show Tunes, Soul, World Music, Worship Music
CHOOSE WHICH PIANO SUBJECTS YOU WANT TO WORK ON: Beginner to advanced PIANO: all styles - Pop, Classical, Jazz, Beginner Piano Lessons, Beginning To Intermediate Piano, Piano Lessons for Adults, Music Theory, Jazz Theory, Jazz Improvisation and Music Arranging, Music Harmony and Chords, Music Composition and Songwriting, Using Keyboards and Computers in Music Technology Production, George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization: The LCCOTO.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Private Lessons in your home and for homeschool populations
Composing
Performing
Special Events
Recording
Video & Online Lessons
Lesson Rates
Please contact me to set up a no-obligation, free-of-charge "meet and greet" interview via webcam for ONLINE STUDENTS, or sample lesson in person for my IN HOME and HOMESCHOOL lessons. At that time we can discuss the many options for tuition rates such as: your location, one student or multiple students in the family, lesson time length, etc. Some scholarship discounts are awarded for highly motivated and dedicated students with need for financial aid.
Ages / Skill Levels Taught
All Ages - children through adult, All Skill Levels, Young first-time student, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced-Intermediate, Advanced; Homeschoolers, as well as students with whom music lessons help as a form of music therapy (holistic music healing) for learning disabled, ADHD, Asperger Syndrome and Autism.
My Certifications and Awards
TEACHING BACKGROUND SUMMARY
Private music teacher and mentor for 35 years; 2016 roster of 20 - 30 students per week in person and online SKYPE lessons.
Visiting artist giving master classes at Universities, Colleges and Festivals throughout the United States.
Presenting master classes, workshops, teacher-training and performing concerts as an arts-in-education curriculum specialist in over 2000 schools, working with K-12 grade students and teachers since 1979.
Certified Instructor of George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization; providing lessons and seminars since 1982.
Visiting artist teacher and guest performing artist at Berklee College of Music, North Texas State University, Delmar College - Corpus Cristi, TX, New England Conservatory of Music, University of Georgia, Jersey City State College, and at the Percussive Arts Society International annual conferences in Nashville (1996) and Los Angeles (1997).
My Musical Influences
CLASSICAL COMPOSERS: J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev
JAZZ PIANO INNOVATORS: Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, McCoy Tyner, Dwike Mitchell, Ahmad Jamal, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, George Russell, Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller, Earl Hines, Nat "King" Cole, George Shearing, Monte Alexander
JAZZ ORGANISTS: Shirley Scott, Larry Goldings
JAZZ LEGENDS: John Coltrane, Miles Davis
POP and R&B ARTISTS: Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Vince Guaraldi, Take 6
BLUES and BOOGIE WOOGIE LEGENDS: Memphis Slim, Otis Spann, Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis
BROADWAY COMPOSERS: Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin
CLASSICAL PIANISTS: Olga Kern, Angela Hewitt, Idil Biret, Vladimir Horowitz, Alicia de Larrocha, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Krystian Zimerman, Ivan Moravec, Glenn Gould,
JAZZ ROCK FUSION: Tribal Tech, Dirty Loops, YellowJackets
THE 21st CENTURY NEW GENERATION: Jacob Collier, Eddie Brown, Quennel Gaskin, Doobie Powell, Cory Henry, Bubby Fann
DRUMMERS: Papa Ladji Camara, Elvin Jones, Idris Muhammad, Tony Williams, Bill Stewart
Service Area
Student Reviews
Fabrizio C
Miami, FL
Andy is simply amazing! Our son Leonardo made more progress with him in 3 months than with the previous teacher in 1 year always with 1 lesson/week. He is extremely professional and polyedric knowing not only the magic language of the 7 notes but mostly how to engage his students creating a strong connection and motivating them. Our son was so happy that he is continuing to have classes with Andy also from his vacation place in Italy...
Chris H
Glen Gardner, NJ
I began studying piano with Andy Wasserman a little more than a year ago, as a beginning (56-year-old) student. Learning the piano as an adult is a special challenge, yet Andy has shown unending patience and flexibility in his teaching. He crafts his lessons around my musical interests and enables me to progress at my own pace, always encouraging but never placing undue demands or expectations on me. As a teacher he invokes his long musical career and his own virtuosity on the piano in ways that enhance my understanding of piano history, styles, and technique. He also weaves in plenty of music theory, tying theory to practice in a way that makes his lessons more holistic and accessible. Andy is a wonderful conversationalist and storyteller, and our discussions have ranged far and wide, and often far beyond music. He's a consummate artist, dedicated both to his craft and to his students, and his passion for the piano is infectious. Andy is always punctual for our lessons and he's always flexible whenever I need to reschedule a lesson due to work or travel obligations. I highly recommend Andy as a piano teacher, and I'd be happy to talk further about Andy's teaching style with any prospective student or parent.
Ana C
Chester, NJ
Mr. Wasserman is an outstanding piano teacher and role model. I have been journeying through the music world for about 5 years, and all I can say are good things! He always carries with him a smile planted on his face, and a joyous attitude that has made a difference in each and every one of my lessons. His never-ending patience never ceases to amaze me, and his passion and talent for the piano and other instruments definitely inspire me. He finds a way to explain every little thing that I may be uncertain about, no matter what. He provides a wide variety of options for me, which makes the lesson more enjoyable and personalized. He can make anyone laugh with his great jokes, and takes our minds off of the troubles of reality. I always look forward to my lesson after a long day at school, or just a normal day. He is able to allow student's to just relax and enjoy the lesson and learn something from it, something that is very much needed sometimes. He is simply a master musician, and a wonderful teacher!
Valerie S
Chester, NJ
Andy Wasserman is not only a consummate musician, but an intuitive individual who possesses a variety of wisdoms that combine for an exceptional learning experience for each of his music students. Our 15 year-old, Emily, has been studying piano with Mr. Wasserman for 15 months. Emily had studied piano from age 6 to 8 with a different instructor, but did not want to continue with piano lessons. At the age of 14, Emily wished to return to piano study. We were very fortunate to learn about Andy’s holistic and individualized instructional talents through mutual friends. The growth in Emily’s piano ability and her love to spend time at the piano over the last 15 months has been very significant, very remarkable. Emily is playing complex classical pieces by Beethoven and Chopin, experimenting with jazz chord progressions and melodies, and composing pieces of her own. Mr. Wasserman is very generous in locating and providing given pop or Broadway sheet music for Emily so that she is able to explore pieces within her own personal interests. Everyday we observe and marvel at the joy that Emily derives from “her music,” across many genres, as a result of Andy’s influence in her piano study. The accelerated progression in piano ability and personal growth that Emily has enjoyed is attributable to Andy’s unique and effective approach to music instruction and his love for his calling in life, to awaken within individuals the mindful and soulful benefits that music brings to each of us, its qualities that unite us. I studied piano formally for 17 years and continue to play actively. Day to day, I’m amazed at how far Emily progresses with her confidence and desire to learn more and enjoy more within music. Week to week, I hear the amazing connections that Andy makes between music genres (classical, jazz, pop, Broadway). We are grateful for the way he customizes his instruction to each student’s interest and ability, and we’re thankful for the mentorship that he extends to his students through his personal philosophy and music pedagogy. It’s wonderful to hear Emily play solo, but an added blessing to hear her play duets with her instructor. I’m grateful to share in Emily’s study and play duets with her in between lessons. As an in-home instructor, we appreciate Andy’s timeliness, his reliability, and his flexibility when schedules “collide”. We feel that we receive a tremendous value for our tuition in that Andy provides customized music materials which have created a wonderful repertoire of musical pieces that a student can visit as much as he or she wishes. It’s an honor for us to esteem and endorse Mr. Wasserman as a truly unique and beloved music instructor.
Maria M
Chester, NJ
For about six years now I have daily devoted my time to initially learning, now understanding the piano and by far, my last three years with this instrument have best due to the caring and patient teacher I have had- Mr. Wasserman. Every lesson always puts a smile on my face and allows me to distract my mind from the burdens of daily life and completely submerge myself in the music. The constant jokes that are shared have come to encompass my 45 minutes of lesson and have made it one of the parts of my days that I eagerly look forward to. During my lessons, I am able to not only continue in my study of music but I am also able to share my current academic or social endeavors, as Mr. Wasserman not only enriches the musical aspect of my mind but also the personal aspect. My favorite thing about taking lessons with Mr. Wasserman is his patience and lenience in allowing me and other students to construct a unique learning structure through being able to choose from any classical, jazz, pop, etc, and also having the privilege to incorporate other instruments and means of technology to enhance the pieces. Ultimately allowing me to possess genuine pride and pleasure in learning the piano.