Private Lessons
These courses provide individual guidance in developing performance
technique, learning repertoire, ear training and transcription, and
strengthening a sense of musical direction in preparing for performance
of music.
Each student will be assessed the first lesson for current
knowledge and skill and the approach for each student will be
individualized based on level of skill and desired goals.
Piano
Lessons will center on playing technique, theory, and ear training. Specific method books will be determined after the first lesson and will be based on the students' current level of playing and knowledge. Most students can expect to have four books: Technique (warm up) Book, Piano Book, Theory Book, and Ear Training Book. As students progress they will need other books as they are exposed to different genres of music and play music of their choosing. The teaching style is designed to teach students how to play the piano but learn musical knowledge that can be transferred to other instruments and musical desires. Each student will be expected to perform in a recital. Other performance opportunities may be available depending on the student' level of skill.
Voice
Lessons will center on fundamentals of singing (anatomy of the instrument, breathing, tone production, diction), theory and ear training. Materials needed depend on each student's level of skill and desired goals. All students will be expected to have Alfred' Essentials of Music Theory: Lessons, Ear Training Workbook. As students progress, they will need other materials as they are exposed to different genres of music and are allowed to choose their own music. Each student will be expected to perform in a recital. Other performance opportunities may be available depending on the students' level of skill.
Guitar
Instruction is provided in both electric and acoustic guitar, allowing you to select either of these as your principal instrument. Emphasis is placed on achieving a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of student and professional performance, including scales, chords, reading, improvisation, interpretation, and standard repertoire. Also included is intensive training in sight-reading and in the understanding of chord voicing.
Bass Guitar
The
focus of our bass guitar lessons will be the building of a solid
foundation in technique on both electric and acoustic bass. Instructors will emphasize the physical approach (including hand, finger, bowing, and holding positions), as well as theoretical studies involving scales, chords, arpeggios, and prepared repertoire. We also provide training in sight-reading, idiomatic bass lines, and many advanced playing styles.
Drum Set
Drum instruction will include snare drum reading to develop hand to eye
coordination, hand and feet technique, chart/lead sheet reading, style
interpretation, improvisation, brush technique, and creative soloing.
Other topics will include drum tuning and on-stage performance skills
you would find playing in a contemporary worship band or any other
venue from the stage to the studio. Utilization of the tools of technology in performance such as the metronome, drum machines, samplers, electronic percussion, and loop accompaniment.
Total Percussion
Total
percussion studies including Snare Drum, Mallet, Percussion, Timpani, Latin and Ethnic Hand Percussion, Multiple Percussion Set Ups, and some Drum Set Technique. The total percussion can also include an emphasis on marimba, with additional studies on other mallet percussion such as vibes, xylophone, and concert percussion instruments. Theory and Improvisation will also be included in the curriculum for mallet studies.
Woodwinds
Individualized instruction in Clarinet, Flute and All Saxophones. Woodwind instruction emphasizes a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of professional performance. This includes the basics - breathing, embouchure, articulation - as well as theoretical studies involving scales, chords, arpeggios, and repertoire. In addition, advanced styles, improvisation and interpretation are studied.
Strings
Instruction in Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. Instructors will help you to become a string player with a strong musical identity. Emphasis is placed on achieving a solid foundation in the standard technical challenges of professional performance, including scales and etudes, as well as harmonic materials, contemporary scales, and arpeggio patters including exercises played through all twelve keys. Materials needed depend on each student's level of skill and desired goals.