Private Piano Lessons
Private lessons are geared for each students’ level of knowledge and skill, learning styles and musical preferences. All private lessons include 40 minutes of private instruction and 20 minutes of computer lab time.
Private instruction includes method books or selected repertoire, technique (scales, chords, hand shape, body weight), and theory. Sightreading, improvising and harmonizing may also be included.
The computer lab time is for listening to piano music (classical or jazz), keeping a listening journal, and reinforcing theory concepts we’ve learned in the private instruction.
Occasional group lessons are a part of the private lesson curriculum. This allows the students to meet others who play piano and gives them valuable performance experience that will help them feel more comfortable playing at home for friends or in a recital. All group lessons include 45-60 minutes of classroom instruction and musical activity
In private lessons, we also prepare for optional piano performances outside of the Studio—WMTA District Auditions, WSMA Solo/Ensemble, MMTA Festival, Piano Guild and others. (Registration fees and additional rehearsals are extra).
Method books, solo sheets and interesting “classical” pieces are used in
lessons. The methods I currently use are:
- Faber’s Piano Adventure series
- Hal Leonard’s Piano Lessons
- FJ Harris Celebrate Piano! (younger)
- FJ Harris Celebration Series (older)
- ABRSM Jazz Piano
- The “Piano Guy” Fake Book
- Alfred Adult Method
- . . . and others as I discover them and they fit a student in the studio.
Solo sheets are usually from the Faber, Alfred, Hal Leonard or Kjos offerings. I attend a summer workshop each year to hear about the newest offerings by the publishers.
From the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th to 21st Century composers – I have resources and music available from all of these periods. These pieces are used to enhance a students’ skill and understanding of music, for competitions and because the pieces are just great!
