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We recognize that participants' interests diversify with years of experience in lessons. Parents also have different goals and we are here to help set the expectations to make those goals happen. Those who have completed our standard curriculum through Late Beginning piano have the option of specializing into one of four different tracks we offer. Participants can also switch from one track to another at any time.
Track 1: Multi-Style Track (half Jazz/Pop/Blues and half Classical)
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| Many people frequently comment that they like both Classical and Popular pieces and don't want to give up either one. This is the most frequently chosen route who have completed Late Beginning piano and want to go on with the best of "both worlds." This track strikes a balance between Classical music and Popular music; it is really a "half and half" approach. participants are given classical pieces that expand upon different style periods (not just Baroque and Classical, but also in Romantic, and Contempory styles). Classical music is by far the most challenging their piano technique and will help them grow as pianists. Popular methods are chosen to help broaden their understanding of the process of playing jazz, not just learning jazz pieces. Learning the Blues is an excellent application of music theory concepts learned from earlier years of study. It also expands their musicianship skills. participants in this track would do well in college as a piano minor. |
Track 2: Collegiate Track (All Classical)
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We formed this track in response to requests from those who are serious about going to college as a piano major. Obtaining a degree in piano performance is somewhat different from other fields in that the entering student must be highly proficient at their instrument prior to their first audition. The college faculty is mostly concerned with how the student can perform and interpret music from all styles periods including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and Contempory music . This track is focused on aiding the participant all the requisite skills to prepare them for study at a high level music school or conservatory of their choice. Participants wanting to study on this track have to understand that they will have to "do"whatever it takes" fulfill certain requirements:
- Practice time is lengthened in accordance to high demands of Classic pieces being studied. This time will vary but generally speaking will be at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours per day for a least 5 days per week. Those who choose this track may have to forgo certain extra curricular activities in or to sustain their practice time requirements.
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- Risky sports activites are to be avoided altogether (i.e. soccer, football, basketball, baseball, etc.). These activities are deemed "risky" because injury to hands in these sports is very common. Cultural belief holds that these injuries are transient and will normally. However, due to the intricate nature of motor skill performance, old injuries most often interfere, causing significant disability with regards to playing the instrument. The healing process usually leaves scar tissue that hinders movement and affects one's ability to play the instrument well. It is highly recommended that children in this track obtain a doctor's excuse to not participate in physical education class.
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- Performance opportinites arise at locations that are not in the immediate or surrounding area. Occasitionally, the student will have to travel to other locations, even to out of state, to gain from essential performance experiences. For example, one annual opportunity is available in Seattle where a master class is held annually. Likewise, piano camps are held each summer in various cities and places around the country.
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Track 3: Jazz/Pop/Blues Track
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| Upon completion of beginning piano, participants have all the necessary skills to play other styles. Some participants have strong desire to follow along the popular music track. Most will still do some Classical repertoire and continue learning of fundamental music theory concepts, but the emphasis in this track will mostly concentrate on learning Jazz, Blues, Rock, Ragtime, and other pieces in a popular style. |
Track 4: Music Composition Track
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| Some people, after working here with one of our mentors, express strong interest in learning music composition. For these participants, we offer this specialized track. Participation in this track allows one to go much further in learning how to compose music in the Classical style than with other tracks. Training is given in how to write counterpoint with two voice polyphony as well as how to do orchestration for strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Parents have to purchase a music notation software package which allows their child to notate music using a computer and mouse and/or piano keyboard. Homework assignments are given to the child in digital format; the software allows participants to set up their score quickly, notate and listen to what they've just written, and to print out copies of their music. It greatly facilitates the process of writing music, just as entering text is much easier on a word processor. |
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