LESSON DETAILS
There is no "standard formula" to lessons. Each student has their own unique background, needs, and goals. Lessons tend to be somewhat casual but are structured in such a way as to meet the unique requirements of the student.
To accomplish your goals, there are a few requirements and basic expectations that the student and parent must meet.
The first is practice. Students are expected to practice daily for at least the length of their lesson time. This, above all else, is essential to progress. It is also expected that a parent will attend lessons for students who are too young to drive themselves here. It's important for a parent to guide the student's practice time (particularly for younger students) to ensure that the most is gained from it. This is why I ask that a parent observe lessons.
Each student or parent should bring to each lesson a notebook and pencils (with erasers). The notebook will be used to record notes about each lesson, homework, practice advice, etc. Pencils are used by composers to record their creations and performers to mark their music. Both of these essential practices are subject to changing thought and must be open to change. A flash drive (at least 1 GB) is also good to have on hand for the transfer of study materials.
• 24 hours notice is required to cancel lessons and receive a make up •
• Lessons missed with less than 24 hours notice may not be made up except in extreme circumstance such as illness or severe weather as the instructor is able.
• Any student missing three lessons in a row will automatically loose their time slot and must request to have it reinstated if it is still available.
• Any lesson canceled by the teacher will be made up.
• All make up lessons must be completed before the next scheduled lesson and may not be substituted for the next scheduled lesson.
RATES:
Lessons are purchased in advance in blocks of 5 or 10 with payment due at the first lesson.
30 minuet lessons - $40 (block of 5 - $200 / 10 - $400)
45 minute lessons - $50 (block of 5 - $250 / 10 - $500)
60 minute lessons - $60 (block of 5 - $300 / 10 - $600)
Voice: There is no specific curriculum as each student will come to lessons with their own unique skills, needs, and goals. Lessons are tailored to those specifics. It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson for beginners. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons and will be a large focus for all non-readers. Music is not learned "by ear." A certain amount of theory will be a part of every lesson just as technique and repertoire. Concerning repertoire, it will be selected (western classical, musical theatre, etc.) based on the student's learning needs and with their input. The main emphasis on performance lessons, however, will be technique and reading. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.
Piano: The main curriculum for beginners is Alfred's Basic Piano Library. There are three beginner levels (beginner, late, adult) and one will be selected after the first meeting. For non-beginning students, the course of study will be developed based on past experience, current abilities, and goals. It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson for beginners. However, learning to read is a part of subsequent lessons. Music is not learned "by ear." A certain amount of theory will be a part of every lesson just as technique and repertoire. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.
http://www.alfred.com/Products/Alfreds-Basic-Adult-Piano-Course-Lesson-Book-1--00-2236.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Course-Beginner-Complete-Lesson/dp/B000RACOGQ
http://www.alfred.com/Products/Alfreds-Basic-Piano-Course-Lesson-Book-1A--00-2104.aspx
http://www.alfred.com/Products/Alfreds-Basic-Piano-Course-Lesson-Book-2--00-2108.aspx
Composition: Just as with performers, It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons. Many young composers have great ideas but can only hear them in their heads or play them on an instrument. Lessons will allow you to obtain the skills to write them down with greater speed, accuracy, and clarity. Beginners should not be using engraving software (Finale, Sibelius, etc.). More advance studies will include exploring a wider range of harmonic languages, advanced notation, instrumentation, orchestration, and aural skills. Students should come to the first lesson with examples of their work, either notated or recorded in a digital format. They should be prepared to discuss their background and goals. Lessons are a minimum of 60 minutes once per week.
Arranging: Musical literacy (and basic composition fundamentals) are a prerequisite. Arranging lessons are for composers who have already mastered notation and have a firm grasp of basic instrumentation and orchestration. Studies involve manipulating scores to work in various mediums and genres. Use of notation software (Finale, Sibelius, Score, etc.) very useful. Lessons are a minimum of 60 minutes once per week. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study as well as bring samples (printed and recorded if possible) of their composition work.
Sight-Singing & Ear Training: Lessons involve building aural skills including interval and chord (triads and 7ths) identification, harmonic and melodic dictation, sight singing ( if Solfege is employed, movable Do will be used), and other exercises. Lessons are particularly useful in augmenting classroom study and performance projects.
Theory: Music theory lessons are usually taken in conjunction with performance lessons (an instrument or voice) so they can make practical application of what they learn in theory. Beginner students start with fundamentals of notation, and tonal harmony. Lessons for more advanced students will include form, analysis, modal, tonal, and extended tonal harmony, contemporary procedures, and more. Lessons are a minimum of 60 minutes once per week. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals. Theory lessons are particularly good as extra support for classroom work.
I M P O R T A N T N O T E :
The studio space is also inhabited by three lovely cats. Do consider this when signing up for lessons.
LESSON DETAILS
There is no "standard formula" to lessons. Each student has their own unique background, needs, and goals. Lessons tend to be somewhat casual but are structured in such a way as to meet the unique requirements of the student.
To accomplish your goals, there are a few requirements and basic expectations that the student and parent must meet.
The first is practice. Students are expected to practice daily for at least the length of their lesson time. This, above all else, is essential to progress. It is also expected that a parent will attend lessons for students who are too young to drive themselves here. It's important for a parent to guide the student's practice time (particularly for younger students) to ensure that the most is gained from it. This is why I ask that a parent observe lessons.
Each student or parent should bring to each lesson a notebook and pencils (with erasers). The notebook will be used to record notes about each lesson, homework, practice advice, etc. Pencils are used by composers to record their creations and performers to mark their music. Both of these essential practices are subject to changing thought and must be open to change. A flash drive (at least 1 GB) is also good to have on hand for the transfer of study materials.