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Our piano program mixes two approaches to instruction: a traditional form developed over the 20th century in Russia (the former Soviet Union), and the American School of Music approach. In the traditional method, the teacher is the leader and unquestionable authority, in contrast to the new American approach in which the student is the leader, guiding the teacher in terms of the repertoire choices and the intensity of the learning process. According to the American School, each child has an individualized pace of learning rather than the traditional method’s rigid structure which requires forced adherence to a stiff lesson plan applied equally to each child regardless of the level of interest and skill.
At the beginning of the learning process, we emphasize developing strong reading skills, correct hand position and posture, and the ability to keep the beat. Once the students develop these three basic skills, we devise an individual lesson plan, which includes developing sight reading skills. This plan often involves studying piano music written for children by such major classical composers as J.S. Bach, J. Haydn, L. Mozart, W.A. Mozart, P. Tchaikovsky, R. Schumann, as well as contemporary composers and artists. Students also may choose jazz, music from movies and musicals, rock and other genres.
Each selection is based on the child’s interest and willingness to learn a particular piece.
By listening closely to what our students want to have in their repertoire, we achieve great results through this individually tailored approach.
For those students who wish to challenge themselves further, we provide opportunities to participate in piano competitions and festivals.
Each selection is based on the child’s interest and willingness to learn a particular piece.
By listening closely to what our students want to have in their repertoire, we achieve great results through this individually tailored approach.
For those students who wish to challenge themselves further, we provide opportunities to participate in piano competitions and festivals. |
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Our approach to violin instruction consists of a mixture of two methods: traditional and Suzuki. The Suzuki method is based on playing by ear and imitating what the teacher presents during the lesson (some call it rote teaching). Our violin instructor uses the Suzuki method with students, ages 3.5 thorough 7. This creates a relaxed and playful atmosphere, so that the student and the parents who are invited to participate during the lesson feel comfortable and enjoy their lesson. The traditional method focuses on developing strong reading skills, and works best with students ages 7 and older.
From the beginning of the learning process, our violin instructor puts a strong focus on posture, the right form, and the correct way to get the right sound. Some of the best students who have studied with our violin instructor now play professionally in orchestras around the world.
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People of different ages and backgrounds are able to learn how to sing. One of the most important elements in the study of voice, breath control – a proper way of breathing, will become the initial focus during voice lessons. Along with breathing exercises, the instructor will introduce vocalizes (vocal exercises), and will work on other technical aspects of singing, such as singing on pitch, producing a healthy and unforced sound, sustaining a legato phrase, etc. Further, the instructor will introduce an appropriate repertoire, based on the student’s progress and development, to incorporate all the elements mentioned above. The goal of voice lessons is to gain the proper technique of singing, so that each individual will be able to sing to the best of his/her ability, any repertoire of their choice.
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Students enrolled in our Guitar program will start their musical journey by learning the fundamentals.
This includes; how to read music and tablature (internet tabs), proper technique and posture while playing the guitar, music theory and rhythm.
Each individual will learn, develop and apply these skills through various exercises and songs.
Once these skills are acquired, the student can then begin to express themselves through the many styles guitar has to offer; Classical, Jazz, Rock, and many more.
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Composition is all about expressing oneself through sound- in particular, organized sound- which we call music. This class explores music of all song styles, popular, classical, modern, baroque, and examines the underlying structure beneath the music. There is a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of music theory and classical harmony, as this is the basis for music from Bach and Beethoven through pop songs you hear on the radio today. Students will learn in depth what intervals, scales, and chords are. Learning how different chords and scales fit and move together is the key to understanding how to create your own music. In this class the student will create music of their own as they learn more about music theory. The skills learned in this class are of immense value to any musician.
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