Marcia Vahl Piano Studio
Caring & Quality Music Education
Positive Encouragement in Music Study
Lessons
. . . The piano is silent. I am going to miss those days of piano lessons and piano practice and all that was involved. ALL of it. The frustrations, the joys, the sense of being "no good" and then the delight when it came together. I know that all that came out of the years of piano lessons was not just learning to play the piano. There is so much more and we have talked about this . . . I do not miss the piles of flip-flops in our small entry way. Or the dishes sitting here and there. But I miss the piano! Mom of a 2009 graduate of the studio
Each student receives personal instruction based on their age and experience. The curriculum used for beginners through early intermediate levels is matched to the student's learning style from several choices of current methods series, like Pianimals (Age 4-6); My First Piano Adventure (Age 5-6); Piano Adventures (Ages 7-10); Alfred Premier (Age 7-10). Students also do sight reading, ear training, and work on MusicLearningCommunity.com for music theory games on each level. Students at the early intermediate level begin working on MMTA Theory Level 1 when they are in fifth grade or above.
Intermediate and Advanced students are encouraged to work towards a finishing a piano exam and theory exams with MMTA by May. See Events for dates and times. Exams are carefully planned for sequential progress of each student.
Students attend weekly private
lessons, practice at home 5-6 days per week, and complete any written
assignments. In an initial interview, the student, parents, and teacher will
review the studio guide
and curriculum, and create a practice plan.
Twice a year
students gather in groups of about 8 students for group lessons. These occur
the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Presidents Holiday. Group lessons are
an opportunity for students to gain performance skills while
learning from their peers. Students learn how to listen analytically to
performances by hearing their peers, while offering constructive
criticism. Fun, competitive games cement important musical skills, such
as note names, chord building, analysis. Group
lessons are really FUN for the students and very important to the curriculum. students/families� availability (as much as possible). Your
cooperation is much appreciated!
Three recitals are offered throughout the year: Fall Recital in October; Ribbon Festival Recital in January; and Spring Recital in May. Additional performance and competition opportunities are available for students.
