Testimonials
"My daughter started learning violin with Ms Carol since she was 4 and a half. It was honestly the best experience! She absolutely loved going to violin class and the spring recital, the end of the year gala performance was such a grand experience for little kids to break out of their shell and learn from their peers! I cannot recommend MILI enough! Proud of being in the MILI family!" - April Liu, mother of Emma (Violin)
"My son has been taking violin lessons at MILI for the past 4 ½ years with Carol Kushner. She has helped him immensely. She has taken the time to work with him and make him a better musician. His goal is to become a music teacher and she tirelessly worked with him to prepare for his college music auditions. She even loaned him her personal bow to practice and use at auditions. She is truly invested in his success and has gone above and beyond as his instructor and mentor." - Amy Borgia, mother of Stephen (Violin)
Stephen will be attending the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, majoring in Music Education.
Stephen will be attending the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, majoring in Music Education.
"My daughter took lessons at another school and I felt that basics were not being taught correctly. Ms. Carol started from the beginning and taught the proper stance, finger positions and how to hold the bow properly. She has a great assessment of how each child is and caters to their individual personalities. Ms. Carol has spunky personality and I think part of it is to engage the younger children to have fun in class. Sometimes she can be strict but I think that discipline is necessary to produce a great student of anything and especially a difficult instrument like violin. I studied music as a child and I can deeply appreciate different methods she uses to improve certain techniques. Producing a great musician takes discipline of parents also and I appreciate that honesty from Ms. Carol. MILI has produced great musicians in the past and I hope my child comes to appreciate and love music like Ms. Carol and Ms. Geri." - Donna Lee, mother of Karis & Ellia (Violin)
"There are no coincidences in life. Whenever people are brought together it's because it was meant to be. It was just such a furtuitous meeting during a sumer music workshop that brought my saon and Carol together. Within two days of meeting Carol, I heard an amazing improvement in his playing, and couldn't wait to meet this artist/teacher who was responsible for coaxing these incredible sounds from him. It was the beginning of a very special relationship for both of us. Carol has helped my son come so far in a short period of time. her artistic and pedagogic talents are only surpassed by her warm, witty, and wonderful personality. We feel as if we found long lost family members with both Carol and Geri along with the entire Kushner, Grossman, and Ripka families. Thank you for all that you've done for Neil, and for welcoming us into the MILI family. We wish you many, many more happy and healthy years of music-making." - Marcia Miller, mother of Neil (Violin)
Neil graduated from the Eastern School of Music, and is now a member of the Rochester Philharmonic.
Neil graduated from the Eastern School of Music, and is now a member of the Rochester Philharmonic.
"I started going to MILI when I was just a few months old for kindermusik. I continued to study violin and chamber music at MILI until I graduated high school. I earned a Bachelors of Music and I could not be more happy with how much MILI has prepared me for it. Each instructor truly cares about the student, and adjusts their teaching style to help the student progress more effectively. Carol and Geri are very passionate directors who are compassionate and funny people that truly make MILI a family. 🎶❤️" - Michele Ripka (Violin)
Michele graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance with a B.M. in Music Performance and a Masters of Management from the Ross School of Business.
Michele graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance with a B.M. in Music Performance and a Masters of Management from the Ross School of Business.
"[I] Have studied cello at MILI since before I can remember. The faculty has become like a second family to me. It's been a wonderful experience and I have gotten many opportunities to perform at places like Carnegie Hall and have even played a solo with an orchestra. Through the teachers dedication I have decided to go on and minor in cello performance in college. I cannot thank everyone at MILI for years of dedication and love to my musical education." - Ilana Grossman
Ilana graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a B.A. in Political Science.
Ilana graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a B.A. in Political Science.
"As I reflect back on my life and think of people that have impacted me most, Carol Kushner is one of my heroes. Coming to the Music Institute of Long Island as a young middle schooler, I had no idea how my life would change. I remember her rambunctious, fiery spirit that drew me to take lessons with her instead of the teacher I was currently with in Queens at the time. After a few lessons with Carol, I quickly came to realize I was learning more than just the violin with her. Carol taught me about music and so much more. It wasn't just about playing notes on a page and plowing through a piece, but about life, love passion, and communicating beauty to people through the gift of music. She showed me how to reach into my soul, grab a hold of what was there, and give that away to others. I had never been able to do that in my life and I'll never forget that gift she gave me. Beyond that, Carol believed in me as a violinist. She believed in my talent, she believed in my potential, and she especially believed in me as a person. Carol always pushed me to my highest potential even when I didn't think I could do it. Through countless competitions, auditions, and performances, I achieved the highest level of musicianship I believe I was capable of and I could've never been able to do that without her. Carol does not just teach her students the violin. She pours out her life into each person and values them like they're the most important human being on the planet. You can find many teachers that teach, but you can't find many teachers that can give that to your children. You can also find many teacheres that will teach the latest techniques or the most grueling regiment, but you can't find that many teachers that will truly teach you the essence of music and give you that passion for a lifetime. Coming to the Music Institute of Long Island, I know that your children's lives will be changed and they will receive so much more than just music lessons." - Christopher Wu (Violin)
"My daughter Madeline has been going to MILI for almost 3 years. She takes piano lessons with Ms. Elena and violin lessons with Ms. Dorothy. Both teachers are amazing! They show an immense amount of patience and encouragement to help Madeline achieve her potential. She not only improved her musical instrument skills, but also slowly overcome her anxiety of performing on stage. Thank you MILI!" - Mandy Huang, mother of Madeline (Violin & Piano)
"I have missed coming to MILI for my daughters' lessons! I thank God for leading us to MILI. It had been a treat sitting in at their lessons. I learned a lot about the beauty each instrument is capable of. It always impressed me how the teachers could verbalize then demonstrate on the instrument what the intended sound should be. Thank you for taking such great care in hiringg the best teachers possible! I really appreciate your hard work as well as May's capable help in scheduling all our lessons and rehearsals." - Miranda Cheng, mother of Daniela (Flute), Kara (Cello), and Jensine (Violin)
"With three sons each playing two instruments, and plenty of choices of music schools within reach, we chose MILI. We continued there for over a decade because of the tremendous passion and dedication the instructors brought to teaching, their emphasis on mastering technical precision, and the special mix of levity, seriousness, goofiness and joy that Geri brought to the lessons. Lessons were never boring or intimidating as Geri had an intuitive talent for keeping my sons, even at very young ages, engaged and eager to excel." - Stacey McGlynn, mother of John (Violin & Piano), Owen (Violin & Piano), and Jamie (Violin & Piano)
"Wish we’d found this school sooner. My son has special needs and started taking cello lessons elsewhere almost 2 years ago. We just started with Patrick S. this summer at MIlI and we love the school and the teacher so far. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. Patrick is patient, encouraging and is an excellent teacher. I find him to be very professional and experienced." - Punja Lee, mother of Jacen (Cello)
"I'm going to Eastman because of you! You've taught me so much in the past 3 years!!! You're the BEST teacher I've ever had, and I just want to thank you for teaching me an incredible amount of amazing things... More people need to know about you, Carol! Everyone who wants to learn how to play well needs to have you as their teacher!!." - Neil Miller (Violin)
"Christian Li (15 years old) and Jessica Li (13 years old) has had Ms Elena as their piano teacher since 3.5 years old. Ms Elena is an outstanding teacher who focuses on excellence and is truly passionate and caring. She teaches creativity, dynamics and also helps students prepare for competitions, community service events, recitals and Nysmma exams. Both Christian & Jessica has been Grand Prix winners of NY Concert Festival Music International competitions multiple times and performed at Carnegie Hall. When we left Manhasset to move to HK in 2019, we were so sad to lose Ms Elena as a teacher but after moving back in 2022 from HK, we went back to her and it’s like we never left. She continues to be amazing and focused on providing exceptional teaching. She is excellent with all students at all ages. I have recommended her to my family, friends and coworkers and we all love her. She is truly the best piano teacher anyone can have!" - Sophia Lee, mother of Christian (Piano) and Jessica (Viola & Piano)
"My sons, Stephen and Robert, have been going to MILI for over three years now. Both take private lessons with Geri. Since their very first lessons, they have enjoyed going to MILI. Geri has a great way of working with the students, and it is evident that she cares about them greatly. She has helped the boys improve their technique and appreciate music. They have improved a lot over the years. My boys have also taken chamber and group lessons with Carol. Carol is very passionate and full of energy. She teaches the boys to put their heart into the music and express themselves through music with enthusiasm. Both my boys find music a great addition to enrich their daily life. They enjoy listening to music, playing music, and sharing music with the community. We are very happy to have found MILI and the boys will continue to learn, play and enjoy music at MILI." - Yan Zhu, mother of Stephen (Violin) and Robert (Violin)
"Jessica Li (13 years old) has been with MILI since 3.5 years old. Jessica not only has been taking piano lessons from Ms Elena since 3.5 years old but she also takes viola lessons from Geri Kushner, Director of MILI. Geri is an outstanding teacher who focuses on technique and excellence. She has great interpersonal skills and teaches with passion. Students including Jessica loves her! Geri also prepares students for all state competitions, Nysmma exams, chamber music performances, community service events and recitals for viola and violin. Geri is amazing and focused on providing exceptional teaching. Geri is responsible for hosting the annual gala concerts at MILI and semester recitals. Her love for music, care for students, and beautiful directing and teaching style has allowed all students to deliver beautiful and exceptional performances. She is a wonderful teacher for all students at all ages. I have recommended her to my family, friends and coworkers and we all love her. She is truly the best viola teacher anyone can have!
MILI is the best music school. I have referred all my family, friends and coworkers to MILI. MILI is our family!!"- Sophia Lee, mother of Christian (Piano) and Jessica (Viola & Piano)
MILI is the best music school. I have referred all my family, friends and coworkers to MILI. MILI is our family!!"- Sophia Lee, mother of Christian (Piano) and Jessica (Viola & Piano)