The   advent  of  software-based  music   technology   has   created   the opportunity for a new type of piano lesson.  The semi-private lesson provides both the personalized attention and quality instruction of the private lesson.

       

Students work in a semi-private atmosphere.  They get individual attention while working one on one with the instructor and a sense of camaraderie (but are free from the large group anxiety when they speak or play)  during group activities.  Different ability levels are easily absorbed into the class.  Unlike group lessons, the individualized nature of the semi-private lesson easily accommodates study at different levels.

 

Being here one full hour allows us time not only to give your child traditional, individualized instruction, but also to explore further into rhythm development and music understanding, using software-based music technology, games and group participation.  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher's Station:  (student and teacher work together) 

Here is where the teacher provides the "traditional" individualized instruction, coaching, direction and motivation that each student needs to progress through the learning maze.  MIDI files (background accompaniment) are used to give the student the experience of playing in a real orchestra.  The effect on students of all levels is often amazing, and most notably improves their sense of timing and dynamics, since they are now playing with other MIDI musicians.

 

Exercise Station:  (student independently uses Music Ace)

Music Ace - (music fundamentals) All students need (or want) to work on a specific area of trouble or interest.  For some this could mean repetitive practice reading of bass clef notes, while for others it could be a desire for ear training or chord building.  This part of the lesson can be modified easily as students needs and abilities change.  The student signs into the program of choice and "drills" this specific need.

                                                                                                                       

 

Interactive Lesson Station: (student independently  uses Piano Discovery)         

                                                         

The student signs onto this award winning piano teaching software program and begins where they left off the week before.  Students work on learning pieces of sheet music, eventually playing them in the "performance hall" accompanied with the orchestra and earning a certificate for each song.  This software both adds to and reinforces material introduced through other lesson materials.

        

The finale

 

The closing part of the lesson is used for wrapping up of the week's session.  Creative and fun possibilities exist here.  Ensemble (2 or more students together) playing is great!  Topics relevant to the whole class can be brought up, or we may demonstrate some technique or introduce a topic of group interest.  Other software tools can be explored for student experimentation.  We've had students play compositions they wrote for the other members of the group.  By the end of the class everyone feels they have had a complete musical experience and are excited to come back again next week.