Curriculum
& FAQ

Piano Lesson FAQ
Voice Lesson FAQ
Online Lesson Setup Guide
Keys4Change Studio Policy

Piano Lesson FAQ

Playing the piano is a rewarding and fulfilling musical journey that requires dedication and consistent practice. The piano is a versatile instrument that allows you to express a wide range of emotions and styles. Just like any other musical instrument, the piano demands respect and care Factors such as proper posture, hand position, and regular practice routines can significantly impact your progress during lessons.

What to Bring:

Yourself: Come well-rested, focused, and ready to learn.
Piano or Keyboard: You will need access to a  full-size piano or keyboard. (Preferably a piano)
Lesson and Warm-Up Books: We use the Bastian Piano and Technique Books and Hanon.
Binder: A binder to organize and store sheet music.
Pencil & Notebook: For marking musical notations, corrections, and writing down music theory concepts, practice instructions, and personal notes.
Metronome: Use a metronome to develop rhythm and timing skills.

Throughout our lessons, we will focus on three important elements of piano playing:

1. Technique
2. Music Theory
3. Artistry

For 30-minute or 1-hour lessons, we will structure our time into the following sections, incorporating all three elements:

1. Warm-ups - Focuses on Element 1 (Technique & Music Theory)
2. Lesson - Focuses on Element 2 (Technique)
3. Performance - Incorporates Elements 1 to 3 (Technique, Music Theory, Artistry)

Our objective each semester is to learn and master five pieces for performance. The repertoire choices are crucial as they greatly impact your improvement, enjoyment, and musicality. When selecting pieces, consider the following:

1. Varying Styles - Explore different genres and techniques.
2. Level of Difficulty - Choose pieces that challenge you but are within your current skill level and capabilities.
3. Personal Interest - Select pieces that resonate with you and ignite your passion for playing.
4. Diverse Composers - Explore music from various composers to broaden your musical understanding.

Remember, progress at the piano comes with consistent practice. If you aspire to become a skilled pianist, dedication to regular practice is essential. Developing healthy playing habits now will lead to visible progress and a deeper appreciation for music. Therefore, a minimum of 30 minutes of practice, five days a week, is required to make significant improvement.

Voice Lesson FAQ

Your voice is a unique instrument that requires the same level of respect and care as any other musical instrument, even though you can't physically see, touch, or feel it. Your voice is affected by the choices you make and how you treat your body. Factors such as lack of sleep, strain from excessive or incorrect use, mood, and attitude can all impact your voice during lessons.

What to Bring:

Yourself:  Be well-rested, open-minded, and ready to engage.
Sight Reading Book:Concone - School of Sight-Singing: VocalBinder: This is where you will store your music, worksheets, and notes.
Pencil, Notebook, and Staff Paper: For marking and corrections and writing theory concepts, practice instructions, and personal notes.
Sheet Music: It is important to have both lyrics and sheet music to learn from.

Throughout our lessons, we will focus on three important elements of singing:

1. Ear training
2. Sight-singing
3. Musicality

For 30-minute or 1-hour lessons, we will structure our time into the following sections, incorporating all three elements:

1. Warm-ups - Focuses on Element 1 (Ear training)
2. Lesson - Focuses on Element 2 (Sight-singing)
3. Performance - Incorporates Elements 1 to 3 (Ear training, Sight-singing, Musicality)

Our objective each semester is to learn and prepare five pieces for performance. The song choices are crucial as they greatly impact the improvement, enjoyment, and quality of your voice. When selecting songs, consider the following:

1. Varying Styles - Explore different genres and vocal techniques.
2. Age Appropriate - Choose songs that suit your vocal maturity and lyrical content.
3. Appropriate Level of Difficulty - Select songs that challenge you but are within your vocal range and capabilities.
4. Correct Voice Type - Ensure the songs are suited to your voice type and strengths.

Remember, improvement comes with practice. If you aspire to be good or great at singing, dedication to the craft is essential. Developing healthy habits now will lead to visible and audible improvement, helping you achieve your goals. Therefore, a minimum of 30 minutes of practice, five days a week, is required to make progress.

Online Lesson Setup Guide



To have a successful online lesson, you will need:

01

Laptop with a Microphone
and Camera:

Please use a laptop with a functioning built-in microphone and camera for our online lessons.

02

Access to Zoom:

Make sure you have the Zoom application installed on your laptop. If you don't have it, you can download it for free from the Zoom website.

03

Access to Google Drive Folder:

You will also need to be able to access a Google Drive folder. This will be our shared space for exchanging music sheets, recordings, and any other materials related to your lessons. If you don't have a Google account, please create one before our lesson.

Lesson Setup

1. Laptop Placement

Position your laptop next to the keyboard/piano, ensuring clear visibility of both the keys and the screen. Adjust the laptop's position as needed.
‍
Utilize a Table or Stool: Place a stable table or stool next to the keyboard/piano, ideally at the same height as the keyboard. This will provide a comfortable surface for your laptop.

2. Activate "Original Sound for Musicians" on Zoom

To improve audio quality, click on the "Original Sound for Musicians" option in the top left corner of the Zoom window.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the setup, please let me know. We want to create an ideal online lesson environment for effective learning and enjoyable experiences.

Studio Policy
LESSONS PER SEMESTER:

Lessons are scheduled and purchased at the beginning of month, students are encouraged  to take 4 lessons a month, however, accommodations can be made for travel

TUITION:

Lessons must be purchased at the beginning of each month.
Lessons will not be taught unless purchased prior to the scheduled lesson.

MONTHLY PLAN:

30-Minute Virtual Lessons: $35 x 4 = $140 per month
45-Minute Virtual Lessons: $45 x 4 = $180 per month
60-Minute Virtual Lessons: $70 x 4 = $280 per month

MISSED LESSONS:

Make-up lessons are provided only in the case of the student's illness (with a 24-hour in advance notice), severe weather, or teacher absence.
Lessons not attended by the student without giving 24 hours prior notice to the teacher shall be charged at the full rate.
Make-up lessons can be scheduled in advance based on instructor availability.
If a teacher cancels a lesson, it may be rescheduled for the following month.

SUMMER LESSONS:

From June 1st to September 1st, lessons can be purchased individually. Please consult with the instructor for pricing and availability.

RECITALS:

There is one studio recital per semester.
All students performing are expected to stay for the entire recital.
Listening to their peers' performances is as important as the student's own performance.
If a student cannot stay until the end of the recital, they will not be included in the recital lineup.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

In the event that the student wishes to discontinue lessons, a minimum notice of 30 days is required. Tuition for the notice period will not be refunded.

Note:

This policy is specific to the Keys for Change Private Music Studio. It is subject to change and should be reviewed and agreed upon by both the studio and the student before enrollment.

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