Curriculum
Introductory Curriculum
We offer two pre-keyboard classes for young children followed by beginning piano classes. Pre-school age children will enjoy the "Cycles of Seasons" preschool class. Kindergarten students will enjoy the "Music Makers" class. Both classes are preparatory courses which lay a solid foundation for piano study. These classes are followed by beginning piano study. If a child is seven years old or older, we will start him directly in a piano class. Brief descriptions of the three introductory classes follow.
Cycle of Seasons (ages 3-4)
This class celebrates children's love of nature and growing independence through activities which focus on the seasons of the year. Classes are designed to build attention and self-expression and include singing, chanting, moving, focused listening, musical games, exploring musical instruments, creative movement, and storytelling. I encourage mothers to participate in this class with their children.
Music Makers (5 years old/Kindergarten)
Music Makers includes singing, creative and structured movement, playing instruments and ensemble work, ear training and guided listening, as well as developmentally sound approach to music literacy that builds symbolic thinking, concentration, memory, and self-expression. Mothers are encouraged to attend the last fifteen minutes of each week's class.
Beginning Piano (ages 6-8)
We atart children on the piano at seven years old. This is the peak time for the child to progress--where we see the greatest success in children in learning to read music as well as to master the skills of playing the piano. Developmentally, this is the age children are becoming successful readers--and they naturally adapt to reading music. We use digital recordings to enhance their enjoyment of the begining piano materials and to establish a sense of rhythm. We also regularly record each student's playing, making his music study goal-oriented from the very start. Games and group activities accelerate note recognition. In the first two years I teach the children to play in all twelve keys on the piano, to understand basic harmony, and to be fluent readers. Daily practice is a must! Students learn the rewards of hard work and self discipline, and receive recognition for their progress toward goals.
Intermediate/Advanced Group Piano
Students come to us with a variety of backgrounds. We look for the "holes" in their training, and teach principles and practices to fill in the gaps. We work on chord theory, improvisation, how to approach learning new pieces, ensemble playing, and composition projects. Bring us the skills you currently have and we'll help you add on.
Adult Recreational Piano
Our approach is to teach adult beginners to play piano in a relaxing, non-threatening environment. We use recorded accompaniments to fill the room with beautiful music then teach simple patterns that allow students to join in music making from the very first lesson. The classes are designed to be recreational--but all along we are teaching solid musical skills. Learning to play piano was never this fun!