Piano lessons form the backbone of our educational program. They can be taken in the studio on our Steinway L grand piano, or on zoom where we use a multi-camera set-up to make sure students can see everything they need.
For many students, playing the piano is their main goal when they enroll. The piano is an incredibly versatile instrument that can serve to create music of any style. It is the ideal solo instrument, because a pianist alone can create the sound of an entire orchestra.
Some students, who are becoming accomplished on other instruments, choose to take piano lessons to aid in their greater understanding of music. Because a piano can play multiple notes at a time, it is a great vehicle for applied learning of music theory.
What kind of students enroll in piano lessons?
Kids and teens who want to have fun
This is the most common reason to take piano lessons and it is a wonderful one! Music is a recreational activity and an important part of the human experience. Kids are drawn to want to not only listen to music but also to create it themselves.
Piano lessons are a time to build a skill that is enjoyable. The learning itself is enjoyable, and students are developing a skill that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
Teens with professional goals
The teenage years are a time to explore options for adult pursuits. Teens who are considering a professional career in music should consider piano lessons. All conservatory students study piano, so lessons in high-school don’t only help pianists – vocalists and other instrumentalists will get a leg up, too.
At LaPointe School of Music, students receive instruction in piano performance, but it doesn’t stop there. We also cover topics in theory, history, and “functional” piano skills. They will be very well prepared to move on to undergraduate level training.
Vocalists who play piano are better able to learn their parts and can even accompany themselves.
Vocalists and instrumentalists both benefit from learning to analyze their accompanists, to help create an informed interpretation of their pieces.
Vocalists and instrumentalists who attend in person are welcome to use a portion of their lesson time as a collaborative piano session, so that they can experience working with a skilled accompanist. The teacher can make accompaniment recordings for remote students on request.
Avocationally-minded adults
When I work with children, my goal is to give them a skill and hobby they can continue to enjoy as adults.
Adults take lessons with the same goal! I work with adults to pursue the musical styles they are interested in and we pay special attention to developing a physical technique that helps them to play without strain.
You are never too old for music, just look at the performers out there! Musicians never really retire, and professional musicians are great examples proving that music is for all ages.
Areas of Study
It is my goal to offer a comprehensive education in music and piano playing. While the educational program at LaPointe School of Music is structured around piano lessons, it includes much more than just playing.
Piano Repertoire
For younger students, the first 3 years of lessons are primarily used to cover the basics of technique and reading music. We use a series of method books to make sure that we establish a strong foundation.
All other students work with their teacher to select 3-4 repertoire pieces to learn each season/term. We pick one piece that aligns with the special topic for the term and follow the student’s interests to select the rest of their repertoire.
Technique
There are two vehicles that we use to develop technique: scales/chords, and etudes.
Each term, a students works on a set of scales and chords from one major and minor key. The exact exercises depend on the level of the student.
Each student will also learn an etude. Etudes are study pieces that cover a single technical issue, but do so in a way that is much more musically interesting than a simple exercise.
Music History/World Music
Cultural context gives meaning to the music beyond something nice to listen to. It also informs interpretive choices.
To cover these topics requires additional time beyond our private lessons. Twice a year we have a special class to dive deeper into these ideas. In the fall, we cover one of the eras of classical music (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern/20th Century). In the spring, we explore a style of world music, although we often focus on how it relates to our American musical heritage (Jazz, Ragtime, etc.)
Music Theory
All students benefit from a knowledge of music theory. When you understand how the music is put together, you start to recognize patterns. Seeing how the music is organized makes it easier to learn and easier to remember if you are trying to memorize the piece.
We use the KITS curriculum, which ranges from the very basics to quite advanced. Students who progress through all 7 levels will have learned much of the material covered in first year college music theory courses.
Students typically complete a short worksheet each week to build on their theory knowledge, but I also provide occasional group classes to focus on theory and ear-training activities.
In the winter, our special topic is composition. Composing provides the ultimate opportunity to synthesize and practice our knowledge of music theory. It also reminds students that studying music isn’t just about looking back into history; it is a living and breathing topic that continues to grow as composers innovate and explore their own styles.
Practical Piano Skills
Harmonization and sight-reading are considered “practical” or “functional” piano skills.
Sight-reading needs to be practiced regularly, so we include it in our regular lessons.
Each summer, we have a group class on harmonization. Harmonization allows pianists to flesh out a melody and supports their composition and improvisational skills.
Performance Opportunities
Music is a performing art, so it’s important to have opportunities to perform! That said, musical study is also very personal and I never require students to perform.
Every term, we have a pre-recorded zoom recital. We use zoom to include both in-person and remote students and we pre-record to ensure high audio quality. This is a wonderful low pressure opportunity. While it can still be a bit nerve-wracking to make a recording, the pre-recorded recital offers a safer experience for students with anxiety.
Students are encouraged to perform when the opportunities arise. Many students choose to showcase a piece in their school and camp talent shows!
As a member of the Burlington, VT chapter of the MTNA, I can also enter students who would like to perform into several live performance opportunities and a yearly competition.
How are piano lessons scheduled?
The year includes 3 full terms (Fall, Winter, Spring) and one half-term (Summer).
Students sign up for a lesson time that remains the same each week.
One of the challenges in music is knowing how long to stay on any one piece. Because we are always learning and growing, we can always find more work to be done, but at some point we do need to move on.
The 3 month term offers some structure. Each student works with their teacher to pick a set of repertoire pieces, an etude, and a scale for technique. When the term is done, we put that music aside and start a new set of pieces the next term.
This mirrors how lessons are approached at the collegiate level, and serves as a template for how students can approach self-study when they move on from lessons.