Piano Lessons
I offer piano lessons to children and adults in my Citrus Heights home. My studio has two pianos, one of which is a 6 foot grand piano. I also offer piano classes for preschoolers and homeschoolers at CB Music Studios and the "Wednesday Music Club" for preschoolers at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church.
Every student is different, and I look for materials that will motivate the individual student to fit his or her learning style. Private lessons are enhanced by group activities, including performance or theory classes, concert attendance, recitals, and service projects such as performances at nursing homes or hospitals. Students who are interested may participate in area festivals and competitions.
Most students take one lesson per week. Between lessons, it is important that the student practice at home to reinforce concepts and to develop the strength and dexterity needed to progress. Practice for young beginners only needs to be 15 to 20 minutes a day. As pieces get longer and technic and theory become more involved, practice time is adjusted. Consistent practice and good use of practice time is more important than spending long hours at the piano. Most families find that scheduling a regular practice time works better than trying to just "fit it in". Each student keeps an assignment notebook. It's helpful for parents to check the notebook once or twice during the week to make sure the child is getting everything done and to write down practice times.
While some students begin lessons practicing on an electric keyboard, it is a good idea to move into a "real" piano as soon as possible. Some teachers insist that the piano be in a room that is completely private to allow the student to concentrate. However, many children are happier practicing around their families as long as they don't have to compete with T.V.'s or loud music. Parents can be working in the kitchen or on the computer and can also be listening to (and expressing appreciation for) the child's music. And a piano that is centrally located and not tucked away in a formal living room or dark and dank basement will probably be played more.
During the year, we may have contests or challenges to encourage students to achieve certain skills. There will be recitals and festivals to prepare for. Ultimately, though, the greatest motivators for young musicians are the interest and support of parents and the students' awareness of their musical growth, a growth that can only be realized through spending time at the piano.
Adult students are a special joy to teach. They are pursuing music out of a deep personal desire to play and often show a greater commitment to practice than their younger counterparts. They come to lessons from a variety of backgrounds—some playing for the first time, others returning to the piano after a long absence.
Some of the questions adult students ask are:
Will I be able to play music I enjoy?
Yes, there is a wealth of material available at all levels, and you can learn basic musical concepts and skills playing a variety of music.
Will I have to appear on recitals with children?
No, but you will have opportunities to meet with other adults in a casual setting to share what you have learned. Some adult students also enjoy attending concerts and master classes together.
I travel a great deal. How can I schedule my lessons?
Some adults schedule lessons every other week or even take lessons on an "on-call" basis. Individual lessons cost a little more per hour than monthly lessons.
Rates
- Kindergarten through 2nd grade: one 30-minute lesson per week
- $85.00 per month
- 3rd grade through high school: one 45-minute lesson per week
- $100.00 per month
- Adults: one 1 hour lesson per week
- $125.00 per month