Piano Instruction
For 6 1/2 year-olds and up
In an innovative approach which combines the fun of group dynamics with the advantages of regular, individualized attention, each student attends a one-hour class and a half-hour private lesson each week for the first 2 years.
After the 2nd year, the private lesson time is extended, and classes meet less often, but the group/private experience is preserved for its advantages over private-only instruction. Free, no-obligation interviews for school-aged children are scheduled during June for the following fall.
Years 1 & 2
Students meet for a one hour class and a half-hour private lesson weekly. A two-year, sequential music and movement program is strongly recommended as a prerequisite. Placement interview required.
Tuition per year: $180/mo. + deposit
Beginner Class: Mondays at 4:30
Lessons preferred on Wednesdays-Sundays
Advanced Beginner Class: Thursdays at 4:30
Lessons preferred on Saturdays-Wednesdays
Years 3 & 4
Students have a 45-minute private lesson weekly, and alternate-week one-hour classes. Completion of Years 1 & 2 or placement interview required.
Tuition per year: $200/mo. + deposit
Classes: Alternate Thursdays at 5:30
Private Lessons
Students have a weekly lesson and monthly repertoire classes. Generally for advanced students. Completion of Year 4 or placement interview required.
Tuition per year:
45 minute lesson: $200/mo. + deposit
60 minute lesson: $225/mo. + deposit
Performance Class: Wednesdays at 5:30
Registration
Registration form for new piano students is available at interview. All piano fees cover 30 weeks of instruction. $50 deposit is required at registration.
FAQ
Who can join?
Young, beginning piano students (generally 2nd graders), especially those who have completed a two-year, sequential, early childhood music and movement program.
What are the advantages?
A one-hour class: peer contact, performance experience, group activities related to rhythm, note-reading, listening skills and practice techniques.
A half-hour private lesson: regular, individualized attention to follow-up on the class assignment, with attention to hand and body position, musicality and interpretation, repertoire development, reinforcement of practice skill in specific areas as needed.
When and where are the classes and lessons?
All classes and most lessons meet at our studio. The program takes place for 30 weeks (September-June) on Mondays and Thursdays. Class time is 4:30-5:30pm; lesson times vary. If the class meets on Mondays, students will have their private lesson on Thursday-Saturday. If the class meets on Thursdays, students will have their private lesson on Monday-Wednesday
Why do we have to come twice a week?
One of the biggest challenges for beginning music students is learning how to practice. In the formation of new skills and habits, seven days is too long for a child to wait for effective reinforcement. In addition to teaching excellent practice skills, this winning combination of peer group dynamics and individual attention, using a state of the art method taught by a highly trained teacher, results in the best possible first experience in formal music lessons for you and your child.
How much does it cost?
Fees work out to about $50/week. This includes both classes and lessons.
How will I know if my child is ready?
Free (no obligation) interviews will be held in June. You will receive a recommendation following the interview. Call in May for an appointment.
How can I sign up?
After being accepted into the program, pay a $50 nonrefundable deposit (+ $20 registration fee) by August 1. Sign a monthly or quarterly payment plan for the balance.
What happens after the second year?
Starting in the third year of study, students receive a 45-minute lesson each week, in addition to an alternate-week Repertoire Class, which meets Fridays at 5:30. Usually in the fifth or sixth year, after completing all four parts of the method books (The Music Tree by Frances Clark), students graduate to the monthly Performance Class, which meets on Wednesdays at 5:30.
What are the teachers' qualifications?
All teachers are highly experienced musicians, with strong backgrounds in music education. Many have graduate degrees and are active in performing as well as teaching. Bios...
Schedule
2008-09 Term: Sunday 09/14/2008 through Saturday 05/30/09.
(Monday class and lessons end on June 1, 2009.)
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |
| Lessons | Lessons | Lessons | Lessons | Lessons | Lessons | Lessons | |
| 4:30 | Beginner Class | Adv. Beginner | |||||
| 5:30 | Performance Class | Interm. / Adv. Class |
| Class | Meets |
| Beginner | Weekly beginning 9/15/08 |
| Adv. Beginner | Weekly beginning 9/18/08 |
| Intermediate | Alternate weeks beginning 9/18/08 |
| Advanced | Alternate weeks beginning 9/25/08 |
| Performance | Monthly beginning 10/8/08 |
Recitals - Sunday 6/7/09
| Parents Invited | |
| Lesson Observation | Sunday 10/12/08 - Saturday 10/18/08 |
| Beginner Open Class | Monday 12/8/08 |
| Adv. Beginner Open Class | Thursday 12/11/08 |
| Intermediate Open Class | Thursday 12/4/08 |
| Advanced Open Class | Thursday 12/11/08 |
| Performance Open Class | Wednesday 12/10/08 |
Parent Meeting
Saturday 9/13/08, 11:30-12:30pm
No Lessons or Classes
Sunday 11/23/08 - Saturday 11/29/08 (Thanksgiving)
Sunday 12/21/08 - Saturday 1/3/09 (Winter Break)
Thursday 2/12/09 - Wednesday 2/18/09 (Presidents' Weekend)
Monday 4/6/09 - Sunday 4/12/09 (Spring Break)
Makeup Weeks for Cancelled Lessons (24 hr. notice or illness with notice)
Sunday 12/14/08 - Saturday 12/20/08
Sunday 5/31/09 - Saturday 6/6/09
Makeup for Teacher Cancellation (e.g. Snow Day)
Sunday 4/5/09 and Monday 4/13/09 - Saturday 4/18/09