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What do I get when I sign up for piano or theory lessons?
Choosing a Music Teacher?
What
about Music Lessons?
Choosing an Instrument?
Buying
Music Books?
Contact Me?
What do I get when I sign up for piano or theory lessons?
* a private lesson in a professional studio with a grand piano
* a lesson that is tailored to the student's: - level of music knowledge whether that is just at the beginning, some music study, or several years of music study already accomplished - understanding and learning style (aural, visual or kinesthetic) - interest whether that is classical music, pop music or other styles - age - physical abilities
* a teacher that loves music, loves people and loves teaching
* hand written lesson notes to take home each week to use in practicing productively
* regular consultation with the teacher to keep in touch with the student's needs and progress (parents may sit in on the lesson)
* opportunities to perform in regular recitals (5 recitals per year at a minimal cost per recital)
* prizes, stickers and treats as motivational rewards
* the benefit of specially designed teaching aids that are fun to use and exceptionally effective in helping the student advance quickly
* access to a vast library of music to choose from
* a teacher that has 25 years of experience teaching
* a lesson that is fun as well as educational
* a lesson that teaches the student how to teach themselves, so he/she can continue to learn even on his/her own
* an assurance that the student is receiving good value for the time and money spent on lessons
Choosing a Music Teacher?
A teacher's technical background and qualifications should be high, even for the beginner. Progress is faster when a student gets a good start. There is no substitute for learning good habits the first time around.
The teacher's methods of imparting that knowledge should be creative, interesting, up-to-date and adaptable to the individual student.
A friendly, positive and outgoing personality will inspire students to love music; and of course, the teacher should love children and teaching as well as music! A positive self-image cannot be achieved with a teacher who is critical and demanding.
An interview with the teacher in the studio is essential. A good match between teacher and student is very important.
What About Music Lessons?
Choose your subject: Piano lessons level beginner to ARCT Theory lessons - preliminary rudiments, rudiments 1 and 2
Choose your lesson length: 30, 45 or 60 minutes once or twice a week
Choose your curriculum: Classical music study using the BC Conservatory of Music program or the Royal Conservatory of Music program (recommended) Supplementary music including sacred, pop, jazz, contemporary, duets and ensemble playing, playing by ear and improvising.
Choose day and time: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Vancouver location Wednesdays 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Burnaby location Tuesdays 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm, in your home
Choose your location: BC Conservatory of Music, 4549 East Hastings, Burnaby, BC (Hastings @ Willingdon) BC Conservatory of Music, 109 East 40th Ave., Vancouver, BC (41st & Main area)
Choosing an Instrument?
Do I need to have a piano? Absolutely!! A student needs to review the new concepts and skills learned at the piano lesson every day in order to make good progress.
What kind of piano do I need? An acoustic piano or an electric piano with a full set of 88 weighted keys is essential. Even from the first lessons, a student learns to create a "pleasing sound" on the piano, and the instrument has to be capable of producing a good piano tone.
Will a small keyboard do for a beginner? Even the youngest student will out-grow a small keyboard in a matter of weeks. If a student has a good instrument, he/she will make good, steady progress because the concepts and skills learned at the lesson may be reproduced on his/her piano at home. Frustration and a lack of progress often comes as a result of having an inadequate instrument with which to practice.
Why should I invest in a piano? A good new or used acoustic piano will never lose its value. Electric pianos don't have the same advantage because technology is always improving, but a good name brand will still be a good investment. Learning to play the piano takes lots of time. I advise my students to plan on studying to the grade 5 or 6 level before they are ready to decide whether or not piano is right for them. By this point, the student has developed enough skills and expertise to play lots of different kinds of music and really enjoy the satisfaction of creating music at the piano.
How will I choose what to buy? There are several reputable piano dealers in the Vancouver area including Tom Lee Music, Long & McQuade, and Carillon Music. If you choose to buy used through the personal ads, ask a qualified technician to check the piano out for you. www.canadianpianopage.com or www.ptg.org For a fee, Kathryn will help you with the shopping and choosing of the perfect instrument for your home.
Buying Music Books?
When you register to take piano or theory lessons with Kathryn, she will purchase the necessary books to help each student start from where he/she is and make good progress. You may purchase the books from her at the lesson saving yourself a trip to the music store and the dilemma of what to buy.
Kathryn uses a variety of music books including: Alfred Bastien Peanuts Piano Faber & Faber Piano Adventures Piano Town RCM BC Conservatory
If you have already purchased music books for your child, these will also be used as much as possible saving you the cost of purchasing new books.
Kathryn has a large library of music which she lends out to her students. She likes to give the student a choice of pieces to play because if the student likes the music, he/she is more likely to practice with enthusiasm.
Kathryn will also arrange music for the individual student at the level that he/she is playing. For instance, a student may bring a musical selection heard on a CD or radio, and Kathryn will transcribe the piece onto paper using her music writing program on the computer. This service is offered without additional charge to the student because the progress in learning is often phenomenal when the student loves the music he/she is learning.
Contact Me?
Kathryn Rowe
604-357-3786 - Vancouver / Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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