Check out this video to see group piano class in action!
Group Piano CurriculumPiano lessons can be so much more than learning songs in a method book. My goal is for students to learn to be well-rounded musicians in their time with me. My studio space has an acoustic piano and 8 full-sized Casio CPD-230 digital pianos plus a large open space for movement activities, games, and other off the bench learning. I offer one-hour group classes of up to 8 students, so each student can play on their own piano. We work on a variety of different musical concepts using the best of current music education materials and methods, based on research about how children learn to play and read music.
I believe that music lessons should be fun, engaging and a positive experience for all students. My goal is that every student leaves their class each week knowing that they are a great musician, that they are improving and that their hard work is paying off. Students start off in my custom curriculum- Creative Keys Piano workbooks. This exciting new method is designed especially for group piano classes. Every song includes different challenge levels that differentiate the playing level for each student's needs. They also include theory games, listening activities, ensemble pieces and composing prompts. The workbooks are centered around a theme or story to make them even more engaging. At the end of each term students can move up to the next level if ready or enjoy a new workbook to continue reinforcing the necessary skills at the current level. We also supplement with the Piano Safari series as students get more advanced. This method includes four key elements of piano teaching: -A sequential approach for note reading, sight playing, rhythm and music theory. -Patterned pieces taught by rote -Technique exercises -Improvisation ideas for developing creativity The Piano Safari website provides videos and tutorials that students can access at home to review what was learned in the lesson each week. Another important, but often overlooked part of piano playing is chord progressions and harmonizing. I begin teaching these skills at the earliest stages, and eventually students are able to play chords along with pop, folk and even classical songs. One method we use is Creative Chords by jazz musician Bradley Sowash. These skills will allow them to always be able to jam along with other musicians, even when there is no printed music available. I incorporate my training as a classroom music teacher in the Orff-Schulwerk method in each group class. The Orff approach is a developmental approach in music education that combines music, movement, drama and speech in playful, natural musical learning. One of Carl Orff's most famous quotations is "Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand." Through holistic involvement, children gain a deeper, more long-lasting understanding of the piano and music in general. My own training as a piano student was in the Suzuki method, which applies the principals of language acquisition to the learning of music. A focus on listening first, learning to play second and learning to read last brings a true sense of mastery to certain pieces that students will be able to play for a lifetime. We will always be working on a few showpiece songs to master, memorize and play beautifully whenever the opportunity arises. The group format naturally lends itself to another important skill often overlooked in traditional piano lessons- ensemble playing. The ability to play with other musicians is one of the most valuable lessons I hope to impart. Through duets, harmonizing, group improvisation and simply playing in unison, students will learn to be a member of a musical team, so they can take their abilities into any setting in the future and play with others. The cost of lessons is $80 per month. Payment is due at the beginning of each month. There is a books and materials fee of $50 at the beginning of the year. Please click below to download my complete policy form. Contact me today to sign up for lessons [email protected] 402-617-1237 |
Private Piano LessonsWe love group piano classes and the kids do too! But as kids advance, they also benefit from the one-on-one focus of a private lesson. So, we are offering hybrid private lesson openings on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. Contact me for more information and to see what times are available. We will work with you to fit your schedule and the needs of your child to provide the perfect piano curriculum whether they are just starting out or have been playing piano for years! Tuition is $90 per month for 30 minute lessons, with a 60-minute group class taking the place of private lesson time on the last week of the month. There is a books and materials fee of $50 at the beginning of the year. Spaces are limited so enroll today!
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