Do you teach to the slowest, middle, or most advanced students in the class? Our approach is to teach to the most advanced. We have found that because of the positive peer pressure of the group setting, most students will rise to the occasion and push themselves to stay at the top.
When is my child eligible to move from a group class into a private piano lesson slot? When a student reaches approximately Level 5 in their method book they are invited to attend a weekly 30 min private lesson combined with a monthly advanced group class.
What if my child is too fast for his/her group class? Your student's progress is continually monitored. If the teacher feels like your child could handle a more challenging class, you will be contacted and arrangements made to switch classes. Please feel free to contact the teacher if you feel your child needs to be moved. Private lessons can also be taken during the summer to move your child up a level the following year.
What if my child is falling behind in his/her group class? Student progress is continually monitored. If your child is falling behind, 90% of the time it's a practicing issue. The teacher will contact the parent and review ideas to increase the quality of piano practice at home. If practice goals are being met and the student is still frustrated, arrangements can be made for the student to try a less-difficult class. If the student wishes to remain in the original class, practice requirements for piano pieces can be adjusted to still ensure progress and self-confidence. For example: practice right hand only, practice lines 1-4 only.
Is my child required to take piano classes during the summer? Yes. We all know how crucial it is that children continue to read through the summer. We wouldn't even think of letting our child go 3 months without reading because we wouldn't want them to lose those skills. Piano is the same way. Without regular exposure, fingers get weak, concepts are forgotten and momentum is lost. Also, because we're set up as piano classes, the group needs to continue to progress through the summer so we're all in the same place when classes kick off the new school year in September. Don't worry, our summer schedule is very flexible and easy to work around your family vacation plans.
What does a typical yearly calendar look like? We run a 12-month calendar. Piano classes are held weekly for 45 minutes each. Our summer schedule is very flexible and easy to work around your family vacation plans. Performance opportunities include: Halloween street recital in October, Christmas class recitals in December and spring showcase recitals in May.