per class

Help With Sightreading! (Ages 9-12)

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 9-11

Live One-Time Class

Students will learn tips for improving their music sightreading abilities in piano.

Lara Lawrence

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(36 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-9 learners per class

55 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Students will learn techniques to improve their sightreading ability. We will first talk about several important elements to identify in a new piece of music. Students should take notes and refer back to them as needed. We will look at several pieces of music and students will have the opportunity to practice what they learn by identifying some key elements in each piece. We will discuss key and time signatures,  repeats, patterns, dynamics and more. The class is interactive and students will be able to speak freely. Prior musical training is not required, however, students with some experience in instrumental music will benefit the most from this class. Students may bring a piece of music to class, if desired.

Learning Goals

Students will learn how to assess a new piece of music before trying to play it for the first time. They will learn the important musical elements to watch for and those that are not as crucial to sightreading.

Other Details

Supply List

A piano or keyboard is helpful, but not required in class. Students should bring a pencil and highlighter to take notes. Students may bring music they are working on outside of class.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

I will provide several pieces of music to use for demonstration purposes. Students can print these out ahead of time, or just view them over Zoom.

Meet the teacher

Lara Lawrence

Joined November, 2020

5.0

36reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I am a professional pianist and music teacher. I began playing the piano at age 5. I started playing for church and school musicals at age 12. I have been a professional accompanist for most of my life, playing for churches, weddings, choirs and competitions. I have also served as an adjudicator for piano competitions for the past five years.

My resume is available on my website. Please follow this link: 
gracenotesjmc.com

I have a bachelor's degree in management, finance and accounting. I have a TESOL certificate and a level 1 certification in ASL (American Sign Language). I am currently working on level 2 certification and plan to continue my ASL education indefinitely.

I have been teaching piano and music theory for over 35 years. I have experience teaching sightreading, chords, technique and note reading. I am also a performer, which gives me unique insight to help students prepare for recitals, competitions and other performance opportunities. I taught ESL to students in China for 3 years. I taught VBS (Vacation Bible School) for four years. I coached volleyball and cheerleading for 5 years. We also homeschooled our youngest son.

I am a firm believer in being the best you can be at whatever you to choose to do! Be passionate about something and give it your all. God gave us each unique gifts and I believe we are most successful when we use those gifts to help others.

My husband and I have six children, four sons-in-law and two grandsons! Our six kiddos each played a musical instrument growing up. We love to spend time together and travel as a family. My favorite hobbies are playing the piano, reading and watching funny shows on TV!