Lessons: What to Expect

Students who study at McHenry Piano Studio find that lessons always involve learning but may involve new and fun ways of doing so. Rhythm instruments and rhythm cup exercises were enjoyed by all one year. Then there was the year that a recital song played by one student was accompanied by body percussion with a group of intermediate students. Group lessons for the newer students can be quite lively as music games are enjoyed by all present.

In addition to fun times, what can a student expect? At the beginning a student will learn a number of short pieces each week. Many of these pieces will be played with the teacher joining the student with a duet part. In addition to learning the basics of playing piano as an instrument, the student will study the theory of music, note reading, rhythm, and steady beat. This knowledge may be applied to the learning of other instruments in the future. Students will also be given technical exercises designed to strengthen their fingers and improve their reading ability. Every lesson will include “reading” music that the student has not yet practiced. This is called sight-reading.

Every student enjoys playing songs they know. For this reason, students will always have one book that includes songs that they know, such as children’s favorites, movie themes, Disney favorites, etc. Most students especially enjoy beginning Christmas music in October because they have a number of pieces learned before the holidays. Who doesn’t like to play “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, “Silent Night”, or “Rudolph”?

Besides the scaffolded learning which helps the student to logically build a strong foundation in music, students are encouraged to participate in recitals and playing events that showcase their hard work. This builds confidence and gives the family a chance to gather around and affirm the student’s progress.

Adults Wanting to Play Piano
Many adults did not have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument in their younger years and find that learning to play the piano is a rewarding and relaxing way to spend part of their free time. Adults have the advantage of having mastered a number of skills and can transfer that knowledge of “how to learn” to learning the language of music, applied particularly to the piano. Call for more information on how you can begin playing the piano.

Guild
Student auditions of the National Guild of Piano Teachers are held each year in May and June. Students are encouraged to play a short program but may enter just one piece which is played before a judge.

AIM
Students may prepare and enter Achievement in Music performance exams in the early winter each year. Students begin preparation in the early fall. This opportunity is sponsored by the local music teachers’ group (FHMTA).

Sonatina Festival
This is also sponsored by the Fox Hills Music Teachers’ Association. Students play two movements of a Sonatina before a judge (as in an audition). This opportunity to audition is held every other year.

Five Grands Concert
A favorite event sponsored by the Fox Hills group involves five grand pianos on a large stage. Seated at each piano are two students who will be playing the same duet as the other four sets of students. This concert involves intensive planning and is also an every other year event.

Perform-a-thon
This is a way of highlighting students of area teachers around the Christmas holidays as they play in a public venue and raise money for the local music teachers’ group, which is then used for several things, one of which is to scholarship students to music camps.

Duet Recital
The first recital of the studio is in the fall of the year. Each student plays a duet, usually with the teacher. This is a great non-threatening way to introduce new students to public performance.

Christmas Recital
This recital highlights the music of the season and is sometimes held in homes. This year it will be held in the Alliance Bible Church auditorium.

Spring Recitals
There are usually two spring recitals each year to allow students the opportunity to play at least two pieces. In addition, any graduating seniors are expected to play three to four well prepared pieces from separate musical periods.

Group Lessons
These very low-key lessons are full of games and fun but also provide opportunity for each student to share a favorite piece in the context of their peers.

Students are expected to attend the recitals and group lessons. The other opportunities to perform are available to help stretch students musically, to give a sense of camaraderie with other musicians, and to provide objective judging of the student’s playing ability.