PIANO
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
EARLY CHILDHOOD
VOICE
Studio Philosophy
Student Commitment and Parental Involvement
Successful music study requires a significant commitment from all parties. I am delighted to teach students of all ages and abilities who are truly enthusiastic about learning, and are willing to invest the necessary time and effort. Parental involvement is critical, particularly in the first year of study. As students develop, they often take great pride in their ability to direct their own progress at home. Until they reach a certain level of maturity and ability, they need their parents to provide reinforcement and encouragement. At a minimum, you should be willing to:· Help the child read and understand the assignment.
· Schedule and supervise practice periods. Create a motivational/reward system, if necessary.
· Check to make sure the assignment is being followed and that progress is being made. (“Practicing” is different from “playing”).
· Help with any particular difficulties (I will show you how).
· Regularly invite the child to play or sing while you listen as audience (applause is always appreciated!).
Parents are always welcome to attend and observe lessons. However, I do find that most of my students are quite territorial about their lesson and prefer Mom or Dad (not to mention other siblings!) to be relegated to the waiting area. It is generally found acceptable to invite the adult/s into the studio at the end of the lesson to demonstrate new material, at which point I review the week’s assignments and practice plan with all parties present. Any issues with practice habits, or specific learning tasks, will also be addressed as necessary.
Teacher Commitment
Each student receives a great deal of personalized attention. Materials and lesson plans are specific to individual needs, interests and strengths. My teaching style is also specific to the current musical and developmental needs, learning style and personality of each student. I am very interested in my students and genuinely enjoy my relationships with them. I try to create an inspiring learning environment with a good balance between process (how to learn) and product (performance standards). Just teaching piano or voice or music would be awfully dull. I am happy to say that I teach people.Teaching Goals
· To provide professional, quality instruction in the classical tradition, with a strong emphasis on music literacy and healthy technique.
· To promote a love of music and of music-making.
· To create inspiring and enduring student-teacher relationships.
· To nurture the full development of each student’s personal potential, musical and otherwise.
· To facilitate enthusiasm for the learning process itself and to help students become confident, self-reliant, thinking musicians.
· To successfully convey concepts and skills that can subsequently be built upon, for lifelong learning and enrichment.
