Lessons |

Curriculum & Lesson Content

Tailored to the interest and lifestyle of each student, always with the intention of playing for pleasure
Traditional classical piano repertoire, technic and performance
Pop, basic Blues and/or basic improvisation if there is an interest
Reading and/or playing by ear (yes, one can learn to play by ear – we use the Suzuki method for classical music and the Laughlin method for pop). Playing by ear is fun and helps all aspects of playing in any style. The Suzuki approach can be used to double the rate of progress for beginners and open doors for those already playing traditional piano. Please ask for more info.
Keyboard-based written Music Theory to support learning, understanding and memorizing music
Everyone is encouraged and no one is forced to perform in Group Lessons, Recitals and Contests ranging from casual to professional.
Listening frequently to music, especially recordings of one’s own pieces, is fun, facilitates development of musicianship, affords understanding of different historical styles and nourishes physical health. Enlivening for all students of piano throughout life, and for their families!
Recording and listening to one’s own playing – invaluable to hearing one’s own playing objectively.

Equal in importance to Solo Lessons. Please be sure your child arrives on time, brings their notebook and all music, and stays for the entire lesson – up to an hour. Friends and family members are welcome to attend as well!

Preparation

Its ideal for students to cover the entire lesson assignment 6 days per week, in 1-2 daily practice session(s).
Ideal length of daily practice time is that of lessons – e.g. 45 minutes daily practice for a 45-minute lesson.
Numerous other approaches work as well. Lets talk!
Thoroughness and quality attention are most important & most fun, whatever the length of your practice session.
Practicing as early in the day as possible is most beneficial. Please put practicing at the same priority level as homework. Practicing right after school, as a break from the books before doing homework, is refreshing and helps homework go more efficiently.
On lesson days, its ideal (not required) to practice briefly before the lesson to warm up, and briefly after the lesson to reinforce lesson ideas.
A “day off” from practice is not necessary, but if taken the best time is midway between lessons. It can ease a too-busy day.
I’ll help students with time management if/as it comes up.
Regular, persistent daily practice develops competence and confidence, and brings accomplishment and satisfaction.
Thank you for your support in keeping things clear, organized and reasonably scheduled for the kids!

Communication

Our assignment notebook is pivotal. Thank you for your attention to this important tool!

Please make sure your child brings it to all lessons.
Please read lesson comments soon after each lesson.
Please keep me informed about your child’s (changing?) interests and life experiences. It helps me give them the best support I can.
I encourage my students to let me know honestly how their day went and what’s up for them. Its important to me that they feel “seen” and “heard” before we begin the lesson. I value developing a warm connection with each student – it allows them to influence their piano experience, and me to create the best “fit” for each student in my approach.

Home/Parental Support (& for adult students, Strategy):

Environment is powerful. Accomplishment feeds the inspiration that sustains and motivates us in long-term pursuits. I appreciate parental support more than words can express. Here are some prime ways you can give your valued support:

Please read lessons comments right after each lesson, and encourage your child to follow them closely in each practice session. This keeps us all on the same page and your child on track. I welcome phone calls if questions arise at home.
Help your child design a balanced life, with a reasonable extracurricular activity schedule.
Arrange a fairly standard daily practice time that’s equal in importance to homework time, and provide a quiet environment for it. Losing oneself in the solitude of exploring music is deeply satisfying and profoundly rejuvenating. It allows us to let music feed our souls in a unique and powerful way. Please help your child create space in their day to get lost in their practice time.
Play classical music recordings at home – sit down and listen together or use it as background. It enlivens any household and the hearts and lives of listeners.
Attend concerts regularly. Live classical concerts are the most fun and relevant demonstration of potential realized. Hearing live playing gives pivotal benefits to students – something transformational happens that enhances piano skills and musical understanding.
If/when your child performs, please, both parents, go, hear them, praise them and celebrate afterwards. Receiving acknowledgement for a performance for which one has worked so diligently is a wonderful feeling.
Provide a reasonably good-quality, well-maintained piano for the greatest success and enjoyment. Please ask me for more information and/or piano tuner/technician contact info.