Playing music is like learning to speak a new language. In order to become fluent we need to study technique, theory and performance skills including:
Playing written music on the keyboard, improvising and sight reading
Producing a beautiful tone
Writing musical notation
Following rhythmic patterns
Understanding musical terms
Developing listening skills in different musical styles and historical periods
Composing music and arranging accompaniments
Learning to play the piano develops skills of:
Musical Expression
Logical thinking
Concentration
Hand/eye Coordination
Poise
Patience and Perseverance
I believe in creating a relationship of trust and positive reinforcement. ! take each student at their current level and ability and encourage them to do their personal best. Learning to play an instrument as a child is the beginning of a life-long relationship with music. Even a one or two year introduction to music will lay a foundation for further musical study at later stages in life.
Remember – It’s called “playing” the piano because it’s supposed to be fun!
Practice makes progress (we don’t necessarily strive for perfection). At the beginning level we require 15 minutes a day. Later levels increase the amount of time. It is important to make music every day even if it’s just for a few minutes. Only through practice do you make enough progress to make it fun.
Lessons are scheduled for ½ hour. The year begins with the first week in September through the last week of May. The cost is $675 per year payable in monthly installments of $75, which are due at the first lesson of each month. If you need monthly receipts, please let me know. I do not teach the week between Christmas and New Year and I take two weeks of paid vacation.
Each family will be billed $50 in September for music books and method materials. I will keep a list of the music that I purchase and let you know when the $50 has been used.
In June, July and August lessons are scheduled on a flexible basis. Lessons will be $18 each. I encourage all my students to stay involved in piano over the summer and to schedule as many lessons as possible!
Call me as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change a lesson time. I will try to reschedule within the week, if possible. There are no refunds for missed lessons.
Lesson Assignment sheets must be signed by the student and parent each week and students must bring all their books to each lesson.
Fall Schedule 2009/2010
*Please note that each year I take two weeks of paid vacation. The dates are not set yet.
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September
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Beginning week is 9/7. Because 9/7 is Labor Day, Monday students may either come to their regular lesson or schedule a lesson on Friday 9/11 or during the week of 8/30.
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October
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November
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Thanksgiving week (11/23 to 11/26)
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Mon, Tues and Wed lessons can be on regular day or rescheduled,
Thurs students may reschedule.
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December
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Sunday 12/7 3:00 p.m.
No lessons the week of 12/28 to 12/31)
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Recital - Christ Church Woodbury
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Winter Schedule 2010
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January
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Lessons resume on 1/4
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February
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March
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April
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May
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Sunday 5/ 16 3:00 p.m.
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Recital Christ Church Woodbury
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