PIANO LESSONS

Lessons

Lessons are once a week for 25-30 min.* Parents can leave or can stay and wait in the living room.

Practicing

Students are expected to practice at least 4 days a week. Students will have a notebook in which I write the current week’s lesson. I list everything in the order they are to practice along with how many times to go through each exercise or piece.

Music Theory

Students in the first two to three years cover the equivalent of a college level Intro to Music Theory class. This includes Major and Minor scales (natural, harmonies, melodic), arpeggios, chromatic scale, chord progressions, intervals, time signatures and rhythm, note values, etc.

Material

Students have a well rounded and inclusive approach to music. My main focus is sight reading and all my students are excellent readers. Students also learn to read chord charts and improvise, as well learn to play by ear. I integrate multiple styles and eras into the curriculum; from classical to rock, ragtime, jazz, movie and musical theatre, video game music, and more.

Recitals

Students will have the opportunity to perform in two recitals a year. Performing is an important part of playing an instrument. It builds confidence, helps the student understand and navigate how they react under pressure and in front of an audience, and inspires others. Recitals are done in a warm, supportive environment where there is lots of encouragement. My philosophy is that students are learning to perform as opposed to learning to perform a piece perfectly. They continue to learn and grow as a performer so they know how best to prepare their piece and themselves to perform for and connect with their audience.