Music study is a child’s most important extra-curricular activity because it helps a young person in many areas of life. Piano training builds physical skills, develops mental focus, and uplifts the spirit at the same time. Music lessons help to improve math scores, organizational and social skills, even typing on computer. There is nothing better than playing music to build wholesome, well-rounded and healthy human being.
A part of my responsibility as a music teacher is to develop musical taste, which is impossible without traditional classical repertoire. That is why I don’t assign easy and entertaining repertoire for the sole reason of the students to continue taking lessons. My students work hard on classical or jazz music which develops their technique, artistry and taste.
Curriculum and requirements
In my studio I offer one or two individual piano lessons per week, group piano lessons and repertoire classes.
Repertoire class provides a great experience in playing for others, learning to critique other’s performances and learning to apply those critiques to one’s own practice. For students who play in a repertoire class on a regular basis, performing in public is a natural part of learning and sharing music with joy.
Individual piano lessons (30, 45 or 60 min.) include theory training, technical exercises and scale work, sight reading and working on performance program. Individual lesson presents a priceless opportunity to know the student in a personal way, to pick up on special strengths and further develop them, to create a program for the student’s individual technical development, guiding him or her to musical sensitivity and expression.
I teach the theory in each lesson for 10 – 15 min. Every student in my studio should have a book Concepts of Piano Theory by Ron Sadler, ReSa Publications. There are 7 levels in this book and I assign the levels according to the student’s ability.
In Group Lessons we repeat and confirm the material studied.
For Scale work I require: The complete book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios and Cadences. W.A. Palmer, M. Manus, A.V. Lethco. Alfred’s Basic Piano Library.
Practice expectations
Music making is rewarding, but it’s not always FUN in the popular sense of the word. The fun is the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from practice, hard work and improved musical skills.
I expect my students to practice diligently during the week and to review the concepts and suggestions made during the lesson. While the quantity of practice time is important, the quality of practice time is even more critical.
I want students to come to each lesson ready to learn something new that will make them better musicians. “Lessons should not be a repeat of the same concepts and suggestions week after week, which leaves teachers feeling like expensive babysitters” (Dale Wheller).
I prefer not to teach students who are too busy to practice. While participation in a variety of extra–curricular activities is an important aspect of growing up, music takes the discipline of regular and consistent attention.
FOR PARENTS
Parent support of music study is vital. Piano lessons represent a significant time and financial commitment for families. For beginners, I would appreciate if a parent is participating in our work during the lessons and helping with home practice. It’s important for parents and teacher to keep each other appraised of progress or problems. Parents are responsible for providing an appropriate practice area, a tuned, well–maintained keyboard instrument and a metronome. Promptness in drop-off and pick-up is crucial to keep my schedule on time. The practice area at home should be conducive to concentration, and there should be regularly scheduled times for practice every day. The length of the practice time should be sufficient to go through the assignment and complete each task well. As a teacher I hope parents will trust my decisions and I welcome their questions about lessons, recitals, competitions and this studio policy.
Etiquette for the lessons
Be kind and supportive of other studio members! Don’t be late. Clean your hands, cut your nails and don’t chew gum.
Make–up Policy
I offer make-up lessons so the student will receive all lessons which were paid for. Make-up lessons will NOT be given for the lessons missed by the students without reasons (“no-shows”) or calling in advance. Students and parents should understand that regardless of whether they show up, I have reserved a specific time in my schedule for them.
Please come on time to keep the daily schedule. Parents are welcome to attend the lessons. With students under 10 I would like parents to be in during the lessons.
I am teaching summer classes from June-August. I charge the same rate for the summer classes, even though as a self-employed professional I don’t receive paid vacations like salaried employees.
I look forward to having an exciting new school year with you!