Art Piano -Teaching Philosophy and Mission Statement

Background/Philosophy

The study of piano encompasses more than just learning to play the instrument itself; it empowers students by developing the following areas:

·        Life skills (time management, goal-setting)

·        Mental stamina, sustained focus and patience

·        Organized thinking patterns

·        Commitment, perseverance and personal responsibility

·        Senses—hand, eye, ear, mind and heart

The study of music is a liberal art, which effectively reveals levels of mental ability and which strengthens areas of the brain that are not challenged by other intellectual pursuits.  We believe that the study of music is an essential part of a rigorous education and not dependent upon individual talent levels.  Piano study requires a long-term commitment, support from the family and teacher and communication among all parties.

Our Mission is to teach music in a way that develops the innate musicality in each student and inspires participation for a lifetime based on the following principles:

·         The capacity for understanding and creating music is in everyone

·         Music provides a lifelong source of enjoyment, self-expression, and opportunity for growth

·         Musical expression is achieved through phrasing and tone, to which end musical understanding and technique are essential

·         The student is best served when teaching is responsive to intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development

·         The teacher is critically important, and is most able to realize these principles when open to continued learning through ongoing professional development.

Teacher

·         Creates a well-balanced curriculum to incorporate the following areas of music:  carefully selected graded repertoire, technique, performance, theory and historical background.

·         Develops each student to their full musical potential and helps to cultivate the student’s love of music and their lifetime pursuit of music-making.

Student 

The student is to have all music and a notebook ready for each lesson.  Students age 12 and older are responsible for setting goals and scheduling daily practice without interruption.

Parent 

The parent is to provide a good practice environment including: an acoustic piano in good tune, proper lighting, bench of proper height and footstool.  The parent is responsible to daily remind the student to honor their practice commitment. Parents of children under age 12 should attend lessons as needed especially during the first year.  Parents should provide regular listening of quality recordings of classical music. Please ask us about recording recommendations.  Also feel free to call us to communicate your needs or to discuss progress.