Studio Info

Studio Info

Philosophy

A great piano instructor once said, "Everyone is musical. It is a part of being human." Regardless of age or ability, there is music within each of us. My role as a piano teacher is not to teach something new, but simply to open the door for musical experiences, discovery and expression. Piano mastery is not just about playing the right note, but about communicating what cannot be through words.

I believe in a hands-on, multi-sensory approach for teaching introductory piano to young beginners starting from 3 years of age (variables of attention and developmental ability--case by case). This enhances retention, understanding and skill. I use games, colorful visuals, engaging manipulatives to teach piano concepts right from the start. Through these avenues, weekly lessons include (but not limited to) rote learning, ear training, sight-reading, music theory, interval recognition, classical music introductions and incorporating students musical interests.

Method Book Examples

A carefully sequenced, intervallic approach for learning to read music notation.
Patterned pieces taught by rote that provide engaging music for students from the first lesson
Animal themed Technique Exercises that teach the basic motions of piano technique
Improvisation ideas for developing creativityA holistic approach combining ears, eyes, and imagination that allows children to become musically literate at the piano http://www.pianosafari.com

Piano Safari is one of my favorite methods for early beginners.

The method involves the following (direct quote from their website):

Piano Pronto is another great approach and uses tunes kids love as well as increasing their attention and skill with challenging intrigue.

Faber Piano Adventures offers a colorful approach covering importance concepts right from the start. Incorporated within involves Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance Books working together to support the whole musician.

Policies

Upon signing up for piano lessons, the student/parent will be required to review studio policies and return the document signed and dated. This demonstrates your agreement to abide by the studio polices. Policies will be updated annually or as needed.

General Information & Costs

Weekly private lessons are offered in 30-minute sessions in a comfortable home setting. Rates are $20 per lesson with an initial one-time registration fee of $35-45 to cover start up materials and books. Payments can be received weekly or monthly via Paypal, Venmo, cash or check. Weekly payments are due at each lesson. Monthly payments are due the first week of the month. Any payments received after the appropriate time will acquire a $10 late fee.

Attendance

Students are expected to arrive and be picked up promptly. Lesson times cannot be extended for students who arrive late. Please contact me with as much advance notice as possible if a student needs to miss a lesson. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed but will be determined case-by-case. No-show lessons will be subject to full payment. Any lessons canceled by myself due to illness or emergency will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Practice

Daily practice at home is essential if students desire to succeed. Ideally, this means short practice sessions of at least 20-30 minutes depending on age and typically 5 days each week. Parents are encouraged to be involved in this effort as they hold the key for encouraging and motivating students toward success! Please help your child to establish and stick to a practice routine free of outside distractions. I also encourage parents to review assignments and instruction written in the home notebook with your child to aid in their weekly preparation.

Materials

Students will initially be provided with a home notebook and beginning piano music pertaining to ability level. Additional music and supplies may need to be purchased in the future by students/parents at their own cost.

Communication

Studio Website: Visit doremiharmony.wix.com/home for studio policies, helpful links, and more.
Email: doremiharmony@yahoo.com Emails will be sent out as needed with studio updates, upcoming calendar items or reminders.
Notebooks: A communication notebook will be sent home with students after each lesson. Please watch for specific assignment instructions. It is asked that you review these at least weekly with your child and sign/or initial prior to the following lesson.
Emails or text messages are always welcome during the week if there are questions regarding assignments or other concerns.

Equipment

The quality of your child’s home instrument plays a significant role in their potential for success. All students must have access to a piano or digital piano (preferably full-size) for home practice. Acoustic pianos typically require tuning at least once year.

Recitals

Performing is a natural part of musicianship! Currently DOREMI harmony studio presents a Spring recital for students to showcase their hard work and learning throughout the year. Spring Recital 2019 will occur in May, exact date still to be determined.