Weekly Lessons
Lessons are offered in 45 or 60 minute time slots, with 15 minutes of that time overlapping with another student. This allows for the student to have their regular private lesson, but also some additional time to work with me on the supplemental material that I feel is just as important as the repertoire they are learning to play. The majority of that overlapping time will be spent working on their music theory. This gives them an opportunity to be close by and be able to ask me questions as they arise, but also to ensure that the theory gets done and isn't forgotten, as it often is when sent home as a homework assignment. We may also use this time to work on music history, composition, ear training, sight reading, and other activities that I see fit. If the situation allows, based on age and levels, we can also use this overlapping time to work on duets with the other student who is here.
Group Classes
One of the reasons I feel it is difficult for students to keep their interest in piano lessons is because it is an activity they do on their own, unlike team sports, dance, or school clubs where they are consistently interacting with others. I have found group classes to be a wonderful way to help continue to teach concepts in theory, music history, composition, ear-training, and more, while giving the students a chance to interact and be motivated by other students who are close in age and level. These group classes are held throughout the school year and the take the place of their private lesson held that week. This helps the student have something different to look forward to and gives me the ability to help ensure they are being taught a comprehensive curriculum. Group classes are always a fun time with activities, games, and treats!
Summer Program
I feel it is very important to continue lessons throughout the summer so that our work during the school year is not lost, which is why all students are required to participate in the studio's summer program. While it is difficult to make huge strides and progress over the summer, I feel that having some consistency in lessons helps to keep them moving forward when school starts again. I also know that summer is a very busy and fun time for all of us, which is why I run lessons differently during the months of June-August. Students are required to come to Piano Camp which is always taught the 2nd or 3rd week of August. Students come for one hour each morning for four days full of lots of information, activities, games, and treats. Depending on the theme of the camp, we focus our learning on music history, composers, composition, theory, rhythm, and ear-training. This is always a really fun week for the students! The cost for Piano Camp is equal to one month's tuition, as well as a materials fee. Students are also required to sign up for four (or more if possible) private lessons over the three summer months. As summer gets closer, I send out registration information and the calendar of when I will be in town to teach, and you can pick any four weeks that work best for you. The four private lessons are also equal to a month's tuition, and any additional lessons will be prorated by the week. If it is absolutely not possible for the student to attend Piano Camp (family reunion, girls/scout camp, ect....) then they need to sign up for eight private lessons, to ensure their two months of lessons are still being met.
Lessons are offered in 45 or 60 minute time slots, with 15 minutes of that time overlapping with another student. This allows for the student to have their regular private lesson, but also some additional time to work with me on the supplemental material that I feel is just as important as the repertoire they are learning to play. The majority of that overlapping time will be spent working on their music theory. This gives them an opportunity to be close by and be able to ask me questions as they arise, but also to ensure that the theory gets done and isn't forgotten, as it often is when sent home as a homework assignment. We may also use this time to work on music history, composition, ear training, sight reading, and other activities that I see fit. If the situation allows, based on age and levels, we can also use this overlapping time to work on duets with the other student who is here.
Group Classes
One of the reasons I feel it is difficult for students to keep their interest in piano lessons is because it is an activity they do on their own, unlike team sports, dance, or school clubs where they are consistently interacting with others. I have found group classes to be a wonderful way to help continue to teach concepts in theory, music history, composition, ear-training, and more, while giving the students a chance to interact and be motivated by other students who are close in age and level. These group classes are held throughout the school year and the take the place of their private lesson held that week. This helps the student have something different to look forward to and gives me the ability to help ensure they are being taught a comprehensive curriculum. Group classes are always a fun time with activities, games, and treats!
Summer Program
I feel it is very important to continue lessons throughout the summer so that our work during the school year is not lost, which is why all students are required to participate in the studio's summer program. While it is difficult to make huge strides and progress over the summer, I feel that having some consistency in lessons helps to keep them moving forward when school starts again. I also know that summer is a very busy and fun time for all of us, which is why I run lessons differently during the months of June-August. Students are required to come to Piano Camp which is always taught the 2nd or 3rd week of August. Students come for one hour each morning for four days full of lots of information, activities, games, and treats. Depending on the theme of the camp, we focus our learning on music history, composers, composition, theory, rhythm, and ear-training. This is always a really fun week for the students! The cost for Piano Camp is equal to one month's tuition, as well as a materials fee. Students are also required to sign up for four (or more if possible) private lessons over the three summer months. As summer gets closer, I send out registration information and the calendar of when I will be in town to teach, and you can pick any four weeks that work best for you. The four private lessons are also equal to a month's tuition, and any additional lessons will be prorated by the week. If it is absolutely not possible for the student to attend Piano Camp (family reunion, girls/scout camp, ect....) then they need to sign up for eight private lessons, to ensure their two months of lessons are still being met.