Developing a competent musician can be compared to a four-legged stool: musicianship, technique, theory and functional skills. Musicianship is being able to apply knowledge, skill and artistic sensitivity to a performance. Technique is the physical aspect of playing the piano, including hand strength, finger coordination and proper body posture. Theory is understanding how music is put together, including note-reading, scales and chords. Functional Skills include sightreading, accompanying and being able to improvise. These are skills that allow a student to contribute and connect to the community. A competent musician in a church setting or community performance is invaluable. Developing one without the other creates an imbalance and inevitably frustrates a student’s enjoyment and ability to improve or progress.
Private beginning students use a combination of lesson, theory and technique books to establish a basic understanding of note reading and musical terms. What method to use is based on an initial student assessment. Lesson length is determined by age and ability. After several years, students transition into all periods of classical music. Each year, intermediate and advanced students receive a detailed study plan that helps them prepare for exams and meet their personal goals. Private students meet with me two to four times a month, depending on the tuition package, plus one monthly Group Lesson. Group lessons are scheduled for the last week of the month and are set up according to age and ability. Group Lessons provide regular, informal performance opportunities and group instruction. This setting also brings a great social element to their learning and is much more interactive.
Improv, Composition, Ensemble (duet playing) and Accompanying are taught more heavily during the summer. Sight reading work is assigned each week through repertoire books on loan or during piano labs using the Piano Marvel software system.
Each year, private students are encouraged to participate in the Arizona Study program. The AZ Study Program is a graded course of study developed by the Arizona State Music Teachers Association to measure student progress in performance, theory and technique.
An equally important tool is clear and frequent communication between myself, the student and his/her parents. Private lessons include written notes in their Student binder or sent via email. Video and audio clips are also sometimes used and sent via text. It is critical that parents have time and energy to print off lesson notes and follow up with a positive atmosphere, regular practicing, and ask questions for lessons to be a success. I am happy to teach any student at any level if there is healthy parent support at home.
I enjoy teaching piano for many reasons. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how my students learn and keeping a small business running. I have time, patience, expertise and experience to help them achieve their goals. Foremost, I believe
knowing how to play the piano is a fascinating outlet to express emotion. The challenge of bringing all the parts together to achieve that experience at an excellent level is very satisfying to me.
Nancy