PIANO LESSONS
Philosophy
It is amazing how far-reaching the benefits of piano study can be for young people. Studying music helps bolster a child’s math, reading, and critical thinking skills while developing creativity and discipline. Because every student’s needs and interests are different, every lesson will be individually tailored. The curriculum is delivered and discussed with candor and humor. Students are treated with respect and encouraged to push themselves. Piano study should increase a child’s confidence, creativity, and love of music.
Curriculum
Piano curriculum is based on the Bastien Piano Basics program. At every lesson, students learn to read music and develop musicality by working on theory exercises. Using first the Bastien Piano books and then supplementary “fun” books from Faber and other publishers, students put their skills to work, playing songs appropriate to their level of accomplishment. Many pieces include an optional teacher duet, giving students an opportunity to play with another musician – an important skill for any pianist.
Practice
The single most valuable work any piano student can do to excel is PRACTICE. Each student will be given a practice record, which includes room to note their assignments, as well as a place to record the days and amount of time devoted to practice each week. While each student’s needs differ, the key to successful practice is consistency. Ideally, a beginning student should practice twenty to thirty minutes a day, five or more days a week. Parents can best help young students by encouraging this consistency and setting up a routine. Once a student has taken a seat at the piano, however, parents are encouraged to allow practice to be relatively independent.