An individualized curriculum based on the students’ interests
and development as a pianist.
All students (age specific details below):
*We may use percussion instruments in our learning process for concepts on the piano - fun! For example, we might practice the rhythms on a hand drum, learn an appropriate accompaniment on the drumset, practice ear training on the timpani or a mallet percussion instrument, just about anything!
*Transcription Project: This is a favorite! Once or twice a year, students choose any song (movie or game theme song, song from radio, jingle from a commercial, anything!) and we learn to play the song on the piano. No print music involved, only our ears! After we have learned to play the selection, we work together to notate it on sheet music.
Preschool and elementary students: For young beginners we will use the Faber Piano Adventure Series books with supplemental materials in a variety of genres (i.e. jazz, popular, musicals, etc.) and regular opportunities to further explore concepts on percussion instruments. I take a general music approach for the very young beginners - we may sing, dance, play piano standing instead of sitting (for those of us who have troubles sitting still), practice rhythms on a hand drum or tambourine, play a duet with piano and drumset, just about anything!
Middle and high school students: Repertoire will depend on the ability level. Some students will use a series, like the Faber Piano Series, supplemented with materials from a variety of genres (i.e. jazz, popular, musicals, etc.). Other students will build a repertoire appropriate to the students’ level of playing. Exploration of percussion instruments in the studio will be used to enhance learning musical concepts. Repertoire decisions will be made between the student and Cindy with the priority being musical growth through pieces the student will enjoy learning.
Adult students: Lesson curriculum for adults is 100% student centered. We will find repertoire you wish to play and then work to develop the skills necessary to play the repertoire. I understand that for most adults studying music is a hobby. I will help you become a better musician in a non-threatening, relaxed, and open environment.
***Please see Lesson Policies page for details on rates, scheduling, length of lessons, etc.
*We may use percussion instruments in our learning process for concepts on the piano - fun! For example, we might practice the rhythms on a hand drum, learn an appropriate accompaniment on the drumset, practice ear training on the timpani or a mallet percussion instrument, just about anything!
*Transcription Project: This is a favorite! Once or twice a year, students choose any song (movie or game theme song, song from radio, jingle from a commercial, anything!) and we learn to play the song on the piano. No print music involved, only our ears! After we have learned to play the selection, we work together to notate it on sheet music.
Preschool and elementary students: For young beginners we will use the Faber Piano Adventure Series books with supplemental materials in a variety of genres (i.e. jazz, popular, musicals, etc.) and regular opportunities to further explore concepts on percussion instruments. I take a general music approach for the very young beginners - we may sing, dance, play piano standing instead of sitting (for those of us who have troubles sitting still), practice rhythms on a hand drum or tambourine, play a duet with piano and drumset, just about anything!
Middle and high school students: Repertoire will depend on the ability level. Some students will use a series, like the Faber Piano Series, supplemented with materials from a variety of genres (i.e. jazz, popular, musicals, etc.). Other students will build a repertoire appropriate to the students’ level of playing. Exploration of percussion instruments in the studio will be used to enhance learning musical concepts. Repertoire decisions will be made between the student and Cindy with the priority being musical growth through pieces the student will enjoy learning.
Adult students: Lesson curriculum for adults is 100% student centered. We will find repertoire you wish to play and then work to develop the skills necessary to play the repertoire. I understand that for most adults studying music is a hobby. I will help you become a better musician in a non-threatening, relaxed, and open environment.
***Please see Lesson Policies page for details on rates, scheduling, length of lessons, etc.
