Piano lessons and Technology  

(from www.keystoimagination.com)

For students enrolled in private lessons

As a music teacher, I believe there are many valuable skills piano students today should have, in addition to playing the notes on the page, including:

¯  To thoroughly understand theory concepts.

¯  To learn about music history and composers.

¯  To become familiar with technology used in music.

¯  To strengthen and develop skills in ear training, listening and sight reading.

¯  To explore composition.

It is easy to see that fitting all of these goals in a half hour lesson can be difficult and technology is quickly becoming a part of music lessons nationwide to help teachers accomplish their goals.    Although it is not designed to ever replace a student’s one on one time with the teacher, the lab will help provide additional individualized instruction, assessment and practice to reinforce the skills covered in lessons.

This technology is part of the studio and this lab is  required as part of the regular private lesson*.  Each student will have a one-hour lesson.  One-half hour will be spent  at the piano for their lesson and the other half hour will be spent in the computer lab working independently on various activities including:

¯  Working on computer programs with an attached digital keyboard to practice and reinforce theory,

¯  Ear training skills

¯  Sight reading practice

¯   Rhythm games

The computer assisted learning provides immediate audio and visual feedback and adds a sense of accomplishment and fun to the lesson.

Equipment in the lab includes a digital piano/keyboard, headphones, computer software programs covering a wide range of topics, designed to fit multiple learning styles.

The lab program will begin in the Fall of 2012 and a portion of your deposit fee will go toward the computer lab expenses.  I think you will find that the students will greatly benefit and enjoy these programs and activities and it will be well worth the extra time spent at the studio.  No extra programs or equipment will be required at home since all activities will be done in the studio.  Additional software can be purchased for home use if you wish.

I believe that participation in a music computer lab will increase the student’s learning potential, deepen their musical understanding and add challenge and excitement to their music lessons!

 *adult and advanced students may choose to have a 60 minute lesson at the piano only, cost will increase.