鋼琴和聲樂課程

In this class, students will learn and build upon skills including note reading, practical piano, music theory, as well as vocal technique. 
Because this is a semi-private class, the curriculum will be customized for each student.  
We meet once a week to review what has been practiced, cover new material, and outline what should be worked on for the following class.  Warm-ups, as well as practice techniques are discussed and demonstrated so students receive the maximum benefit from each lesson.
We begin with piano, and show what was practiced from the previous lesson.  Students also have the opportunity to discuss any issues or accomplishments they may have had during the week.  Students are given individual feedback on their performance.  New material is then covered for the week.  Theory is incorporated as new topics are taught.  Then, we move into voice.  We start with vocal Warm-ups.  Again, student have the opportunity to demonstrate and discuss what they practiced, and feedback is given.  Each week, we have a specific goal, and lesson material is based on that particular assignment.
At the end of each lesson, we recap what must be worked on for both piano and voice, and students have the opportunity to ask any additional questions. 

Week 1: Introduction.  I will give an overview of what we will cover during the course.  Students will actively discuss some of their personal goals for the term.  We will set goals and formulate a timeline.  I will assess each student by having them perform if they have already taken lessons.  I will give new pieces for the week and outline how they should work on them for next time.
Week 2: We will display pieces from last week and provide feedback.  New material will be added to their practice.  We will incorporate theory work in between piano and voice.
Week 3:  We will focus on vocal Warm-ups, as every performer should have a wide variety of warm-ups to choose from.  Pieces from previous weeks will be reviewed, assessed and built upon.
Week 4:  Students will have the opportunity to perform a piano piece and a vocal piece they have been working on.  I will give feedback, and also prompt both students to comment on the performances.  Theory will be reviewed.
Week 5: Goal check.  We will use this lesson to check in on the goals that were set in Week 1.  
Week 6: Practice techniques will be discussed.  As important as it is to know what to practice, we must also have a clear understanding of how to practice.  There are many aspects, and these will all be discussed. (Time, technique, schedule, one piece or multiple pieces, etc.)
Week 7: As always, we will begin with students displaying what they worked on during the week.  New pieces will be added.  We will discuss the importance of keeping finished pieces in rotation so as to not forget various techniques.
Week 8: This will be another performance lesson.  Students will have more pieces to pick from at this point, and will be encouraged to focus on the feedback given in their last performance class.
Week 9:  Goal check.  Students should be well on their way to attaining the goal we set up in week 1.  We use this class to assess and give instructions on how to better overcome any difficulties. 
Week 10:  Theory review as well as an onscreen game to cover note and symbol recognition.
Week 11: This week will focus on piano.  We will review pieces from earlier in the term and add on new material for next week.
Week 12: Performance week.  At this point, students are very familiar with aspects of performing such as stage presence and how to manage mishaps during a performance.  We will use this week to apply these skills and really enjoy our performances. 
Week 13: This week will focus on voice.  Like we did for piano, we will review pieces from earlier in the term and introduce new material.
Week 14: In our final week, we will reassess our goals.  Accomplishments will be highlighted, and feedback will be given on how to move forward.  We will use our time to answer any questions students may have about all we have covered.  I also like to demonstrate what comes next, so students can see/hear what they can work on in the next section.

Lessons are taught using a lesson book for piano, onscreen games and instruction for theory, students also perform during class for both piano and voice.  Students are able to interact with each other during games as well as peer feedback.  Performance classes are also included so students will have the chance to perform what they have worked on in a more formal manner. 
I believe that each lesson should be fun and engaging.  Providing a relaxed atmosphere along with clear instruction is the most effective and efficient way to help students achieve their goals.
Students can freely interact with me during class.  There is also the option to contact me in between lessons by posting in the classroom.  Because these are physical skills, the majority of progress happens during weekly practice.  Therefore, it is very important that students be able to contact me with any questions they may have during the week.
There is no prerequisite for this class.  Beginners as well as students who have previously taken lessons are more than welcome!