Introduction
For generations, Russian classical pianists have dominated the music scene internationally. Their demanding tradition of piano instruction is at the core of that achievement.
The Russian School of Piano Art is now available to students in the United States. It provides a complex of music education for beginners (age 5 onward) which will give them an ability to read, play, and write down music even in their first year. Parents are encouraged to attend and learn,
too!
The Russian School combines music theory, music history and piano lessons. These areas have
distinct goals.
Piano Course Goals
Using the proven techniques of Russian piano instruction and methodology, students will follow a well-developed program of repertoire for every year of development. The student is taught to develop and master his technical and sound skills in order to perform as a soloist, or to play in ensemble, or to accompany. These skills require different aspects of technique and ability and thorough practice. A daily practice is necessary. For the first year, for very young beginners (5-6 years old) a practice session should be at least 20 minutes long, or arranged in two 15-minute sessions per day. The practice time must increase with age and level.
The piano program also includes a Creative Skills development: how to sight-read, how to find the right harmonies (chords) for a student's favorite tunes and transpose these to different keys, as well as to create music and improvise with technical acumen.
The comprehensive repertoire progresses through all styles, forms, genres, and composers. Students will play Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Traditional, Contemporary and Jazz and listen to the great world class performers in these fields as well as study the composers, their music, and their epoch.
Music Theory Goals
Students will learn the basic of music language and develop ear training skills in order to hear and write down simple melodies and intervals, to read different rhythm patterns, understand traditional music notation and terminology as well as how to transpose tunes to other keys, train their music memory and much more in an atmosphere that is fun and absorbing for the student.
Second Year & Thereafter
After the first preparatory year, when piano course work becomes more involved and challenging, depending on student's individual abilities, one session of 45 or 60 minutes duration per week is offered. Longer home practices are required - daily. The opportunities to perform in concerts, recitals, music festivals and competitions are available to students every year.
Home Requirements: Real acoustic piano (used baby grand or up-rights are excellent.)
Class Policies and General Information
(School Year - September through May.)
1). New student's parent-teacher meeting/interview is required before school year begins.
2). Cancellations - at least 24 hour notice is required.
3). Audition is required for transfer students.
4). Students are expected to come and be picked up on time.
5). Homework given and at home practice expected - DAILY.
6). Parents are encouraged to attend all classes with their children (to be able to assist their children at home if needed).
7). Participation in all school concert-performances-exams required for all students.
8). Students must follow dress code for concert-performances-exams.
9). Attendance at specified classical concerts throughout the year is a requirement.
10). Parents must be available to assist for at least 1 "after-recital" party per year.
11). Repertoire is solely at the discretion of the Instructor.
12). Music books and other materials (flash cards, stickers, notebooks, etc.) will be supplied by the Instructor as needed.
13). Information from the piano studio to parents/students will be provided via e-mail of by phone.
14). Summer lessons are also available June-August per individual arrangements.
15). Ordinary lessons cancelled by the piano studio will be re-scheduled for everyone's convenience.
16). 30 (young beginners only) 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes lessons available. Mornings or evenings.
17). Makeup lessons during school breaks can be arranged as well.
18). A 30 minutes trial lesson is offered.
19). Students (or parents) are encouraged to write down daily practice time in their homework assignments notebook.
20). Shortly trimmed fingernails are required for all students.
21). No gum chewing during lesson.
New students please take note:
Piano teaching necessarily involves the teacher frequently touching a student's hands, fingers, arms, shoulders, elbows, or back to correct position, technique, or posture. The student may also be asked to place their hand on the teacher's hand or arm for demonstration of these things. Students or parents uncomfortable with this should discuss it with me prior to beginning lessons.
Practicing Chart:
Child practices 2x/a week for 15 min ---------- extremely slow or no progress
Child practices 3x/a week for 20 min ---------- very slow progress
Child practices 4x/a week for 30 min ---------- moderate progress, information will be retained if you maintain this schedule.
Child practices 5x/a week for 30 min ---------- good progress.
Child practices 6x/a week 30 min or more --- very good stable progress, new skills every week.
Child practices 6x/a week for 1-2h --------------- student in competitions.
Practice 4-6 h daily ------------------------------------- this is what professional pianists do! :-)
For generations, Russian classical pianists have dominated the music scene internationally. Their demanding tradition of piano instruction is at the core of that achievement.
The Russian School of Piano Art is now available to students in the United States. It provides a complex of music education for beginners (age 5 onward) which will give them an ability to read, play, and write down music even in their first year. Parents are encouraged to attend and learn,
too!
The Russian School combines music theory, music history and piano lessons. These areas have
distinct goals.
Piano Course Goals
Using the proven techniques of Russian piano instruction and methodology, students will follow a well-developed program of repertoire for every year of development. The student is taught to develop and master his technical and sound skills in order to perform as a soloist, or to play in ensemble, or to accompany. These skills require different aspects of technique and ability and thorough practice. A daily practice is necessary. For the first year, for very young beginners (5-6 years old) a practice session should be at least 20 minutes long, or arranged in two 15-minute sessions per day. The practice time must increase with age and level.
The piano program also includes a Creative Skills development: how to sight-read, how to find the right harmonies (chords) for a student's favorite tunes and transpose these to different keys, as well as to create music and improvise with technical acumen.
The comprehensive repertoire progresses through all styles, forms, genres, and composers. Students will play Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Traditional, Contemporary and Jazz and listen to the great world class performers in these fields as well as study the composers, their music, and their epoch.
Music Theory Goals
Students will learn the basic of music language and develop ear training skills in order to hear and write down simple melodies and intervals, to read different rhythm patterns, understand traditional music notation and terminology as well as how to transpose tunes to other keys, train their music memory and much more in an atmosphere that is fun and absorbing for the student.
Second Year & Thereafter
After the first preparatory year, when piano course work becomes more involved and challenging, depending on student's individual abilities, one session of 45 or 60 minutes duration per week is offered. Longer home practices are required - daily. The opportunities to perform in concerts, recitals, music festivals and competitions are available to students every year.
Home Requirements: Real acoustic piano (used baby grand or up-rights are excellent.)
Class Policies and General Information
(School Year - September through May.)
1). New student's parent-teacher meeting/interview is required before school year begins.
2). Cancellations - at least 24 hour notice is required.
3). Audition is required for transfer students.
4). Students are expected to come and be picked up on time.
5). Homework given and at home practice expected - DAILY.
6). Parents are encouraged to attend all classes with their children (to be able to assist their children at home if needed).
7). Participation in all school concert-performances-exams required for all students.
8). Students must follow dress code for concert-performances-exams.
9). Attendance at specified classical concerts throughout the year is a requirement.
10). Parents must be available to assist for at least 1 "after-recital" party per year.
11). Repertoire is solely at the discretion of the Instructor.
12). Music books and other materials (flash cards, stickers, notebooks, etc.) will be supplied by the Instructor as needed.
13). Information from the piano studio to parents/students will be provided via e-mail of by phone.
14). Summer lessons are also available June-August per individual arrangements.
15). Ordinary lessons cancelled by the piano studio will be re-scheduled for everyone's convenience.
16). 30 (young beginners only) 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes lessons available. Mornings or evenings.
17). Makeup lessons during school breaks can be arranged as well.
18). A 30 minutes trial lesson is offered.
19). Students (or parents) are encouraged to write down daily practice time in their homework assignments notebook.
20). Shortly trimmed fingernails are required for all students.
21). No gum chewing during lesson.
New students please take note:
Piano teaching necessarily involves the teacher frequently touching a student's hands, fingers, arms, shoulders, elbows, or back to correct position, technique, or posture. The student may also be asked to place their hand on the teacher's hand or arm for demonstration of these things. Students or parents uncomfortable with this should discuss it with me prior to beginning lessons.
Practicing Chart:
Child practices 2x/a week for 15 min ---------- extremely slow or no progress
Child practices 3x/a week for 20 min ---------- very slow progress
Child practices 4x/a week for 30 min ---------- moderate progress, information will be retained if you maintain this schedule.
Child practices 5x/a week for 30 min ---------- good progress.
Child practices 6x/a week 30 min or more --- very good stable progress, new skills every week.
Child practices 6x/a week for 1-2h --------------- student in competitions.
Practice 4-6 h daily ------------------------------------- this is what professional pianists do! :-)