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.
Intermediate and advanced students work with their teacher to select 3-4 repertoire pieces to learn each season/term. This is a great opportunity to customize lessons by selecting repertoire according to the student’s interests.
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.
I encourage students to try pieces from a variety of times and places, and we delve into some additional study to understand why the music was written the way it was written and how to express the composer’s style and ideas.
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.
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.
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.
Students are encouraged to take any opportunity they have to play for family and friends, and I provide at least one formal performance opportunity each year.
How are piano lessons scheduled?
When students sign up for lessons, they reserve a slot in my schedule for the year. Students should plan to commit to commit to the same time for the school year. As sports and theatre activities come and go, I try to rearrange students as necessary, but I can not guarantee that I will have flexibility in my schedule for that.