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One-On-One Private Piano Lessons

Learner-directed lessons perfect for keyboard students who need a little extra instructor time between group classes, or who prefer 1:1 to small group piano lessons.
Heather Kirkconnell
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(278)
Star Educator
Popular
Class

What's included

Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed
25 mins
per session
Teacher support
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be given weekly practice assignments based on their level, repertoire, goals and interests. Depending on level, daily practice should range from 10-60 minutes a day.

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
I've had over 15 years experience teaching private and small group music lessons, and I'm excited to bring that background and focus to learners here on Outschool. 

I accept learners of any musical background and any piano level. My focus is beginning music students, however I've taught intermediate and advanced piano, and am happy to work on an as-needed basis for more advanced students.

Our class time will be structured similarly to my group classes. Every week we will practice musicianship skills such as rhythm chanting and moving, solfege and song singing, and improvisation. The core of our time together will spent working on repertoire. Students are expected to practice between classes and show improvement, or be able to work on problem areas, from week to week. Although I have high expectations, the class mood is always fun, supportive, and encouraging, and I only expect what I know a student is able to achieve. Confidence in one's self and in one's own musicianship is an important aspect of lessons with me.

Our weeks will be organized in accordance with the student's goals and roughly follow this outline:
Week 1: Get to know you, learn a song or two to gauge level and interests
Week 2: Review piano notes, play the song from the previous week, learn another song
Week 3: Improvisation, perform song from week 2
Week 4: Finger and wrist position and use, learn another song

Video MUST be turned on for position and technique checks. If students prefer to play without video other times, that is acceptable, however it does hinder lessons. Video camera should offer a clear view of the student's body and setup, although the most important thing is for the student to be able to see me clearly. Please ensure that you have turned ON 'Use Original Sound' in your Zoom settings and selected that option each time we have class, otherwise Zoom sound filters may block your child's playing as background noise. Sometimes computer/device microphones do not pick up music well enough for me to hear it. You can check your device's microphone qualities. Ideally, a microphone with high sample rates (at least 44.1 kHz) and bit depth (at least 16 bits) will work best.  Headphones aren't necessary, unless your device's speakers are not clear.

Note: avatars that block the student's body are not allowed as I need to see the student's body position while playing.

Please note, my schedule for the summer is different from my school-year schedule. If you want to set something up for the school year, please reach out!
Learning Goals
Confidence in basic musicianship skills such as maintaining a steady beat, audiating (hearing) music in one's head, and playing with healthy and helpful technique at the piano or keyboard.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Zoom settings should be set to "high fidelity music" settings so that Zoom filters do not interfere with the student's performance. Younger students may benefit from having an adult help them practice and work at the keyboard from time to time, although I try to teach students independence from the start. Sometimes computer/device microphones do not pick up music well enough for me to hear it. You can check your device's microphone qualities. Ideally, a microphone with with high sample rates (at least 44.1 kHz) and bit depth (at least 16 bits) will work best. There are lots of inexpensive microphones that will work well, if your internal microphone isn't high enough quality. Canva will occasionally be used to demonstrate music reading and writing concepts, particularly the whiteboard feature but also slides. Nearpod and Music Theory may be used as needed to introduce materials and go deeper into reading/writing topics that benefit from additional visual and game options.
Supply List
A touch sensitive or weighted keyboard of at least 60 keys. The appropriate level method book selected from Music Moves for Piano by Marilyn Lowe, unless a different method is being used and has been approved by myself.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined November, 2020
5.0
278reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Oberlin College and Conservatory
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Oberlin College and Conservatory
I have a degree from Oberlin Conservatory where I studied organ, harpsichord, and piano. After my undergraduate work in music, I travelled to France where I studied French baroque music on a scholarship, studied in The Netherlands, and played in recitals in and around Paris. I have extensive experience teaching a wide variety of ages in both group and private lessons, and extensive professional performance experience at the keyboard. I am particularly focused on teaching students HOW to practice, not simply what to practice, so that their musical work with me will benefit them in whatever direction they take their studies after our time working together.

I look forward to meeting you!

Reviews

Live 1-on-1 Lessons
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$42

per session
Meets on demand
25 min

Completed by 25 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-18

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