Piano Lessons

 

For the young beginner (4-6)

Mainly we will play games and do activities that help them relate musical concepts to things they know and understand. We will work through simple music that acquaints them with the keyboard, rhythmic values, and dynamics, as well as simple technical skills.

Expected practice: At least 10 min. daily or 1 hr and 10 min. weekly

For the average age beginner

We will incorporate games and activities into our lessons to help grasp and retain certain principles. We will learn fundamental techniques so as to form good habits in the hands, wrists, arms, etc. We will work on learning fundamental rhythms and pitches and how to read them on a staff. We will work on theory, aural training, sight reading, and improvisation. These activities will be spread out and introduced in layers so as not to overwhelm the student. We will work on supplementary material as well to add variety to the music they’re learning.

Expected practice: At least 15 min. daily or 1 hr and 45 min. weekly

For the adult beginner

I am interested in hearing what you are wanting to learn. In general I think it would be good to work on scales and chords. We would work on learning to read notes and rhythms, apply technique, execute varying articulations, as well as dynamics. We would work on a variety of modern and classical repertoire. Different skills like reading lead sheet, improvisation, composition, and aural training may be incorporated depending on your personal goals concerning lessons.

Expected Practice: At least 15 min. daily or 1 hr and 45 min. weekly

 

Intermediate Student

If the student in question is an intermediate student then they will have already studied under someone else’s instruction for an extended period of time. I must first ascertain what skills have been focused on with them to know how to proceed. In general, we won’t work in a method book series and will instead focus on individual pieces of a classical and contemporary nature. We will work on honing technical skills, music theory (at a level appropriate to the student), scales and chords (if not yet mastered), aural training, sight reading, improvisation, harmonization, and more. These concepts will be layered and spread out so as not to overwhelm the student.

Expected Practice: At least 30 minutes daily or 3 hours and 30 minutes weekly.

 

Advanced Student

This will be a case by case situation. I will gladly help you grow your skills and expand your repertoire, but if you’re entering into my studio at an already advanced level, it may be in your best interest to seek lessons from a collegiate professor.

Recitals and Events

We will have a recital every spring and students will also have the opportunity to participate in other events such as Federation Festival, STAC, IMTA, and Festival of the Trees.