An audition is required to join the studio, and admission is based upon each family's commitment to achieving a high level of pianistic skill for the child. There are approximately 15 students in my studio annually, with a mixture of elementary, intermediate and advanced students. Many students enter a significant number of competitive events each year, requiring a higher commitment to daily practice. I encourage this, as it is through this commitment to practice that young people can realize their potential and improve their self-motivation skills. Some students are more comfortable participating in non-competitive events and festivals. The goal of my studio is to help all students realize their potential, regardless of the events they enter. The environment in the teaching studio is nurturing, and is one of respect and encouragement, enabling each student to achieve his potential.
All students are required to study music theory, and this is done on a weekly basis through homework assignments in workbooks. Additionally, the knowledge gained through the abstract theory work is applied to the music that’s being studied by doing harmonic analyses; this begins with elementary level students and their study of simple pieces. I have found that many students do very well with music theory in their workbooks but are sometimes unable to apply that work to the music they’re studying. Requiring students to begin doing harmonic analysis of their music from a very young age can remedy this problem and is vital for students to be able to learn music quickly and efficiently. There are normally 3 studio recitals each year--Fall, Winter and Spring-- and 9-10 group performance classes.
All students are required to study music theory, and this is done on a weekly basis through homework assignments in workbooks. Additionally, the knowledge gained through the abstract theory work is applied to the music that’s being studied by doing harmonic analyses; this begins with elementary level students and their study of simple pieces. I have found that many students do very well with music theory in their workbooks but are sometimes unable to apply that work to the music they’re studying. Requiring students to begin doing harmonic analysis of their music from a very young age can remedy this problem and is vital for students to be able to learn music quickly and efficiently. There are normally 3 studio recitals each year--Fall, Winter and Spring-- and 9-10 group performance classes.