Lesson Guidelines and Syllabus for Piano Students
Guidelines for piano students:
1. Student is expected to practice on his/her own during the week.
2. Lessons will be 30 minutes unless otherwise agreed upon.
3. Student is expected to bring all music and assignments, as well as a notebook (for writing the week’s assignments) and pencil to every lesson.
4. Student is responsible for purchasing required music.
5. Student is expected to make an effort to be respectful and attentive during the lesson.
6. Payment is expected at the first lesson of the month for the full month’s amount, unless other arrangements have been made.
7. Lessons are $15 per session, with one 30 minute lesson per week.
8. At least 24 hours notice (unless an emergency) must be given if student cannot make a given lesson. The price of the lesson will then be credited to the next month. I will do the same if I am unable to make the lesson, and likewise credit the price of the lesson to the following month, or reschedule for a makeup lesson.
Elements that will be taught, discussed, and utilized in piano instruction will include:
Theory
Music theory is an integral part of every music student's instruction, regardless of instrument. Theory is the rules, foundation, and building blocks for music. Theory will mostly be taught in the context of the pieces that the student will study over the course of his or her lessons. Some examples of theoretical concepts that will be discussed include key signatures, the circle of fifths, scales, chords, modulation, analyzation, and musical form and content.
Exercises
Finger exercises are extremely important for the amateur and professional musician alike. Just as an athlete trains and conditions his muscles, so too must the pianist. These exercises help to strengthen the fingers, improve fine muscle skills, and increase agility. Various “finger gymnastics”, patterns, and scales will be taught and utilized over the course of the lessons.
Music-reading
By learning to read and understand all the various elements of which music is comprised, options for repertoire are virtually limitless. In lessons we will focus on learning to read music fluently, as opposed to learning songs by ear or by “rote”. Some ear training will be applied in lessons, but only in addition to music reading. Students will learn to read, comprehend, and apply elements such as notes, note values, rhythms, keys, time signatures, dynamics, and expression markings.
Repertoire
The student’s repertoire will include skills, technical exercises, and pieces learned over the course of the lessons. Various styles and techniques will be covered in the lessons, however the foundation of the will be comprised mostly of classical repertoire. The student’s preferences for repertoire will be taken into consideration.
Performance and Musicianship
As students learn new repertoire, and advance in musical ability, it is exciting for them to share their progress with friends and family. Performance is a key element for developing musicianship. Performance techniques, as well as etiquette will be discussed and practiced over the course of lessons. In addition, students will be encouraged to participate in recitals and/or other performances to help develop performance skills.
Guidelines for piano students:
1. Student is expected to practice on his/her own during the week.
2. Lessons will be 30 minutes unless otherwise agreed upon.
3. Student is expected to bring all music and assignments, as well as a notebook (for writing the week’s assignments) and pencil to every lesson.
4. Student is responsible for purchasing required music.
5. Student is expected to make an effort to be respectful and attentive during the lesson.
6. Payment is expected at the first lesson of the month for the full month’s amount, unless other arrangements have been made.
7. Lessons are $15 per session, with one 30 minute lesson per week.
8. At least 24 hours notice (unless an emergency) must be given if student cannot make a given lesson. The price of the lesson will then be credited to the next month. I will do the same if I am unable to make the lesson, and likewise credit the price of the lesson to the following month, or reschedule for a makeup lesson.
Elements that will be taught, discussed, and utilized in piano instruction will include:
Theory
Music theory is an integral part of every music student's instruction, regardless of instrument. Theory is the rules, foundation, and building blocks for music. Theory will mostly be taught in the context of the pieces that the student will study over the course of his or her lessons. Some examples of theoretical concepts that will be discussed include key signatures, the circle of fifths, scales, chords, modulation, analyzation, and musical form and content.
Exercises
Finger exercises are extremely important for the amateur and professional musician alike. Just as an athlete trains and conditions his muscles, so too must the pianist. These exercises help to strengthen the fingers, improve fine muscle skills, and increase agility. Various “finger gymnastics”, patterns, and scales will be taught and utilized over the course of the lessons.
Music-reading
By learning to read and understand all the various elements of which music is comprised, options for repertoire are virtually limitless. In lessons we will focus on learning to read music fluently, as opposed to learning songs by ear or by “rote”. Some ear training will be applied in lessons, but only in addition to music reading. Students will learn to read, comprehend, and apply elements such as notes, note values, rhythms, keys, time signatures, dynamics, and expression markings.
Repertoire
The student’s repertoire will include skills, technical exercises, and pieces learned over the course of the lessons. Various styles and techniques will be covered in the lessons, however the foundation of the will be comprised mostly of classical repertoire. The student’s preferences for repertoire will be taken into consideration.
Performance and Musicianship
As students learn new repertoire, and advance in musical ability, it is exciting for them to share their progress with friends and family. Performance is a key element for developing musicianship. Performance techniques, as well as etiquette will be discussed and practiced over the course of lessons. In addition, students will be encouraged to participate in recitals and/or other performances to help develop performance skills.