NEXT BEGINNING CLASSES for young pianists:
FIRST PIANO ADVENTURES
for ages 4.5 - early 5
WINTER 2009
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Thursday 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
please indicate which day(s) you can make
TUITION: $120.00 (11 classes for the price of 10)
Books/CD: $18.00 additional
~ For further details, please submit the Request for Information form on the Home Page or call the studio:
(508)753-1721.
PIANO ADVENTURES - DESCRIPTION / FAQs:
Class takes place in my home studio on Southwood Road (off Salisbury St) in Worcester, where I have multiple pianos and keyboards. (You will not need to bring a keyboard with you from home.)
We will be using "MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURES" by Nancy & Randall Faber. This outstanding curriculum, geared for use both in private and in class settings, provides an introduction to keyboard skills along with songs, rhythm games, and other developmentally appropriate activities for younger pianists. It forms a bridge between music and movement classes and formal piano lessons.
My PRIMARY GOALS for this class are: to have each child gain in confidence as the natural-born music-maker they are; to gain skills which will increase their love of music and their desire to pursue active participation in music throughout their life; and to associate music-making both with having fun and with feeling the satisfaction of accomplishment. This class is at times not very quiet, and we do not always sit still! But we do have fun and explore and learn, building a solid foundation for serious piano technique and musicianship.
A TYPICAL CLASS MIGHT INCLUDE movement to music, exploration of the piano keyboard, piano ensemble work, ear training games, and use of rhythm instruments and other props to foster body memory of musical experience. Emphasis in this curriculum is on the development of basic tonal and rhythmic skills and on "audiation," the ability to hear music in one's mind.
Reading traditional music notation is introduced along the way in graduated steps. Finger dexterity and purposeful arm motion are developed right from the very beginning. A wide range of musical expression is encouraged.
Each weekly, 45-minute class is designed to have a MINIMUM OF FOUR (maximum of six) STUDENTS. Students should be ready to have their parents drop them off for class. Parents will be asked to return for the last 10 minutes of class to view and /or participate in an activity from that class, and to receive practice instructions for the upcoming week.
A written PRACTICE GUIDE is sent home with each child. Written instructions in the book and on the practice guide will help parents become effective practice partners in the home.Students participating in the class should have DAILY ACCESS TO A PIANO OR ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD with a minimum of 61 notes (5 octaves).
Parents should plan to sit with students at the piano and read and play through their lesson materials for 5 - 10 minutes, several days during the week. Each student receives a practice calendar on which to accumulate stickers for each day a little time is spent at the piano.
Frequent use of the CD is encouraged as very important, both at home when practicing and for example when riding in the car or just listening as background music at home.
