Lessons are for beginners through advanced, ages 6 and up. Learning includes the weekly piano lesson, monthly master classes and two recitals. Here are the styles that you can learn. Choose one or we can combine some styles to create your own unique program.
- All Eras
- Technique, Theory & Ear Training
- Master Classes & Group Lessons
- 2 Annual Recitals
- OMTA Festivals & Syllabus
Interpretation – Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic and Contemporary pieces are studied.
Technique & Music Theory – Students will gain an understanding of keys, intervals, melody and harmony by completing weekly playing and writing assignments. Most importantly, they will learn to recognize these elements in current lesson pieces and apply this knowledge to the memorization of pieces.
Master Classes & Recitals – Students will attend master classes or group lessons. The master classes and group lessons give students the opportunity to share music with their peers in a supportive, low-stress environment. Frequent performance helps students become more comfortable and confident, and these experiences are a fun, valuable part of their musical journey! There will be 2 recitals each year.
Ear Training – Students will practice pitch and chord recognition and learn to transcribe melodies. Students are encouraged to collect recordings of classical music and attend concerts.
OMTA Syllabus – This is an optional program provided by the State of Oregon. Evaluations will test the student in performing all aspects of technique such as scales, chords and arpeggios; and performance of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary and Impressionist styles.
- Read Jazz Charts
- Chord Voicings and Scales
- Play By Ear
- Improvize
- Recitals
“There’s a way of playing safe, there’s a way of using tricks, and there’s the way I like to play, which is dangerously, where you’re going to take chances on making mistakes in order to create something you haven’t created before.” Dave Brubeck
Read Jazz Charts – Students learn to read lead sheet music and to improvise 12-bar blues and jazz standards from the “Real Book.” We will use the following process:
- Learn the melody through singing it and transcribing to other keys
- Write and practice chord voicings that relate to the composition
- Listen to and play along with recordings of the composition
- Practice with MP3 play along tracks that students will receive via e-mail
- Practice improvisation over the composition using a series of specific exercises
Voicings & Scales – Students practice scales, chords, ii-V-I voicings and arpeggios in all keys with a special focus on those that are used to improvise in current assigned jazz compositions.
Practice ear training – Students will learn to recognize jazz scales and chords. They will learn to play by ear through call and response exercises and transcribing solos by the great jazz masters.
Improvize – Students will have the opportunity to improvise with accompaniment in their lessons. The Better Practice platform will provide links to play-alongs, links to iconic performers, as well as customized recordings to meet individual needs.
Recitals – Students will have the opportunity to perform jazz standards with drums and a bass part at the 2 annual recitals.
