LESSONS
Lessons are offered year-round with a flexible summer schedule. The academic calendar is reviewed and released yearly and is made available in July for the next academic year. The studio offers 42 total lessons per year, 5 of which are “flex lessons” over the summer and 2 biannual group lessons. In addition to weekly lessons, the studio hosts an annual recital. Participation in the National Piano Guild Auditions and various events offered through the Central East Ohio chapter of the Music Teachers National Association (CEOMTA) are encouraged.
Lessons incorporate piano technique, music theory, functional skills (reading music and playing by ear), expressive nuance, and performance. Materials are carefully selected to match each student’s individual learning style, skill level, and interests. If you would like to learn more about lessons, please contact me to schedule an interview/trial lesson.
BEGINNERS
Beginner students generally have a 30 or 45 minute lesson, depending on the need of each student. Beginner students generally have had little to no formal lesson time or have been studying between 1-3 years. Lessons at this level focus on building a foundation of understanding music: feeling a pulse (beat), basic rhythm, note values, posture at the piano, hand position, and more.
INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate Students generally have studied the piano for 3 or more years. Lessons at this level are 45-60 minutes and focus on expanding the fundamentals of music and a student’s repertoire of learned pieces. A strong focus is applied to growing the student’s musicality.
ADVANCED
Advanced Students generally have been studying for several years and require 60-90 minutes of lesson time each week to accommodate advanced learning and more complicated pieces of music.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
WHAT DO LESSONS INCLUDE?
Lessons include piano technique, music theory, functional skills (reading music and playing by ear), expression, and performance. Students also have the opportunity to participate in studio classes, studio recitals, and music events hosted by the Music Teachers National Association.
DO I NEED TO ATTEND MY CHILD'S LESSONS?
You should plan to attend lessons while your child is in elementary school to learn how to help them practice. Older students are capable of practicing on their own but you are encouraged to attend.
WHAT IS A GOOD AMOUNT OF TIME TO PRACTICE?
Students are expected to practice at least five days each week. The amount of practice time varies depending on the student age and level. Elementary students should plan to practice around 30-45 minutes each day, intermediate students 45-60 minutes, and advanced students 60+ minutes. Keep in mind that short, daily practice sessions are more effective than one or two long practice sessions. It is also important to practice right after each lesson, while newly learned materials is fresh in the mind (studies show that retention of new information drops significantly after 24 hours).
WHAT AGE DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TO START LESSONS?
Most children are ready to start lessons around the age of six. I will make an assessment at the initial interview to determine your child’s readiness for lessons.
WHERE DO LESSONS TAKE PLACE?
Lessons take place in my home studio on the border of Columbus and Westerville.