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Encore Studio: Music Lessons |
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| Debra Heald's |
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Encore Studio: Music Lessons |
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From a 1998 Encore Studio
newsletter: Recently, a few parents have questioned me about my teaching methods, so I thought I would share with you what I teach and why. In my studio, students spend a longer time on the lower levels. This does not indicate slower rate of progress; we just spend more time thoroughly learning notes and rhythms. Of course, this learning is enhanced by beginning in the piano class, rather than individually. Many years ago as a beginning teacher, I struggled with 3rd or 4th year students who were unable to count accurately on their own, and still had problems reading notes. Some of these students were transfers from other teachers, but some were my own! I tried many teaching methods and found that by teaching rhythm first, and reinforcing frequently (and when you are playing with a class, you must learn to play accurate rhythm), students were able to do much better. Then, I slowly add in note reading, gradually enough that students really know the notes. I know my students are better musicians because of this early effort. For example, several of my students involved in Festival received a "perfect" on the sight reading (playing music they had never seen before). The choices for the judge to mark were "excellent," "satisfactory," and "needs improvement." The judge wrote out "perfect." Now, of course, not all students did that well, but most received at least a "satisfactory." And isn't that your main goal, as a student or a parent? To be able to pick up a piece of music and read it accurately on sight? I had a really enjoyable experience a few days ago when a student was waiting for me. She sat down on the bench and sight read the Chopin music that I had on the piano. It was quite a bit beyond her current level, but she did great, and thought it was fun! As far as level, wouldn't you rather see your student playing confidently and well in whatever level they are in, rather than struggling to master concepts that should have been covered earlier? And by the way, many of my students progress much more quickly in their higher level studies, because there's no remedial work involved! I'm always glad to discuss teaching methods or particular concerns you may have about your student! Just give me a call. (Or e-mail!) Debra Heald
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