Beginner training plan
Your first lessonIt is important to spend the first lesson becoming acquainted with the piano keyboard, its range and the pattern of white and black keys. It is also important to become familiar with good posture at the piano, proper hand shape and how the fingers of each hand are numbered.
Lesson 11+At this stage, one has become pretty familiar with the notes of the grand staff (or how to figure them out if they’re still at the higher or lower extremities). Musical examples and pieces become more challenging in that various time signatures and other notational practices are learned.
Lesson 4-10From lessons 4-10, we begin to study and learn the grand staff, and likewise the notes of each clef, and general notation. Musical examples will gradually become more challenging, lesson by lesson. It is at this stage, too, that students begin to practice certain exercises such as scales and arpeggios.
Lesson 2-3At lessons 2-3, we begin learning the basic note values (quarter note, half note, dotted half note, whole note) and how to attack and release each one, and techniques for counting their values. We also begin to play these basic note values in musical examples.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonFor an advanced player, I always ask that he or she play a piece that they know very well for me. I also have them do some sight-reading to assess their reading abilities and to become familiar with how they work. I watch and listen to their scale exercises and arpeggio exercises. I listen to them explain their goals they hope to achieve in studying with me and/or any areas that they feel they want to improve upon or advance on.
Lesson 11+From this stage, the advanced player continues much in the same manner, but we begin to look so longer term pieces, from the body of works among sonatas, concerto, etc. Some even choose a genre aside from art music to work with, as well, be it jazz, gospel, etc.
Lesson 4-10From about the 4th lesson, the advanced player will find that the amount of pieces he or she works with at a time will increase. For example, if the first piece the student is learning is from the late Romantic, one would be introduced from the Baroque (or Classical, or Twentieth Century).
Lesson 2-3At lesson 2, the advanced player will be assigned a piece at their level from the piano literature. This is always a collaborative decision, as I show them works that would be good for them to learn, and then let them choose which it will be. Likewise, we decide on the type and complexity of warm up exercises that they will practice at each practice session.
Youth players
Working with kidsIt’s important to learn about them as people, first and foremost. Some kids learn visually, some learn aurally, some learn by touch, so it is important to learn exactly what type of learner a kid is, first. Some kids move at a quick pace, others may move at a more relaxed pace, so it’s important to be sensitive to how they learn and progress. From there, I will tailor a method specifically for each individual student.
Working with teenagersIt’s important to understand that teenagers will grasp concepts more quickly, and might even produce quick results. So I prefer to use an accelerated method for teenagers, which does not mean they have to move at an accelerated rate, it’s just that they learn more in one lesson than younger kids do.
What you need to bringJust bring yourself and the lesson materials that will be assigned to you.
What I can bringMy teaching studio is located at the church where I am organist. There you will have the advantage of two grand pianos, one of which is a smaller grand at 6’ located in the music suite, and the other a semi-concert grand at 7’10” in the sanctuary. Of course, those who study organ would utilize the church’s 1973, 2 manual and pedal tracker pipe organ, built by John Brombaugh.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
