Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Academic & Music Tutoring in NYC | Take Note Lessons
Take Note Lessons was founded in 2012 by Michelle Maves and James Delgenio, combining their extensive teaching experience from New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. We specialize in personalized academic coaching, music instruction, and test preparation for students of all ages. Our team of highly qualified instructors is dedicated to creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that foster confidence and long-term success.With both in-home and online lesson options, we serve families in the New York City area and globally. Our approach emphasizes skill development, individualized attention, and measurable results, as evidenced by our students' acceptance to top-tier educational institutions and significant academic improvements. We maintain rigorous instructor screening standards to ensure every student receives exceptional, tailored education support.
Services
Academic Coaching
Music Lessons
Test Preparation
College Application Counseling
Subject Tutoring
Online Coaching
Piano Lessons
Voice Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Violin Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Experienced instructors with proven track records in academic success
- Personalized lesson plans tailored to individual learning styles
- Flexible in-home and online lesson options available globally
- Proven results with college admissions and standardized test improvements
- Comprehensive support from elementary through college-level education
What people say
Improved test scores
Engaging instructors
Successful college admissions
Flexible scheduling
Personalized approach
Services
Academic Coaching
Our academic coaching develops foundational skills and confidence through personalized instruction. Certified educators create tailored learning plans for K-12 students and college applicants. We focus on subject mastery, test strategies, and lifelong learning habits that produce measurable improvements in grades and standardized test scores.
Music Lessons
Professional musicians provide engaging instruction in piano, voice, guitar, and 15+ instruments. Our curriculum builds technical skill while fostering artistic expression. Students gain performance experience through annual recitals and develop discipline that positively impacts academic achievement and personal growth.
Test Preparation
Specialized SAT/ACT preparation delivers proven score improvements through strategic instruction. Our experts teach test-specific techniques while reinforcing core academic skills. Students receive personalized study plans and practice materials, with average ACT score increases of 5-10 points and significant SAT score gains documented annually.
College Application Counseling
We provide comprehensive support for college applications including essay editing, interview preparation, and resume building. Our counselors help students showcase their strengths through personalized strategies that have secured admissions to every Ivy League school and top performing arts programs nationwide.
Online Coaching
Interactive remote sessions connect students with expert instructors globally. Using common platforms like FaceTime and Skype, we deliver the same personalized instruction as in-person lessons. This flexible option maintains rigorous academic standards while accommodating travel, scheduling challenges, and international access to our teaching expertise.
People
Michelle Maves
Co-Founder & Director
Valedictorian from North Central College with dual degrees in musical theater and communication. Professional performer with Broadway experience and 10+ years teaching students of all ages. Manages daily operations while maintaining an active teaching schedule.
James Delgenio
Co-Founder & Academic Director
Master of Fine Arts from American Film Institute with perfect SAT II math scores. Expert in standardized test preparation who has helped students gain admission to top universities. Oversees academic program development and instructor training.
Ariel H.
Academic Specialist
Mount Holyoke College graduate with Magna Cum Laude distinction in anthropology and music. Experienced in Common Core curriculum instruction and test preparation for K-12 students. Specializes in personalized tutoring approaches that accommodate diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
Aaron H.
Music Instructor
Jazz musician and educator with international teaching experience at institutions in Chile, Panama, and Greece. Berklee College of Music graduate who focuses on developing musical creativity at all life stages. Maintains an active performance career while teaching piano, bass, and guitar.
Rebecca R.
Music Educator
Singer-pianist with 15+ years teaching experience. Trained at Hartt Conservatory of Music and active Off-Broadway performer. Helps students prepare for professional performance while creating nurturing learning environments that emphasize technical mastery and artistic expression.
Questions
What age should my child start music lessons?
We accept students as young as four for piano and ukulele. Most students begin 30-minute weekly lessons at age five or six, depending on attention span and maturity.
How often should lessons occur?
Weekly lessons are most effective for consistent progress. Academic coaching frequency may increase before exams, with sessions typically lasting 60-90 minutes.
Do online lessons work as well as in-person?
Our remote lessons achieve comparable success rates to in-person sessions, using FaceTime/Skype with students in 9th grade and above worldwide.
SAT vs ACT - which test should my student take?
Both tests are accepted by all colleges. The ACT has become more popular recently, but we'll help determine the best fit based on your student's strengths and preferences.
How long should test preparation last?
Optimal score improvements occur with 3-6 months of consistent preparation. We've helped students achieve significant gains even with shorter timelines when needed.
Are you hiring instructors?
We're always seeking talented educators with teaching experience and passion for student development. All applicants must pass thorough background checks and demonstrate teaching excellence.
