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MY TEACHING
STYLE
Regardless
of age, everyone is capable of engaging in some form of music study. It is never
too early or too late to
begin taking music lessons, although pre-school children would benefit
from a more general music approach rather than learning an instrument. For
children ages 4 - 5, I would recommend piano as the instrument of choice,
although learning to read music may not be the best approach at this age.
For students ages
6 through 90, however, I begin exactly the same way- learning primarily
with the same methodology. There are
many "adult" books out there, but I have found that both
children and adults enjoy learning most when
the lessons are easy to grasp and progress is rapid. It is encouraging and
sets a strong
foundation for more intermediate and advanced learning.
A strong foundation entails a balance of learning proper technique, an
understanding of how music works (music theory), and
learning to read music. Classical
Music is the most traditional approach for learning HOW to play the piano.
It is strongly recommended that all students study classical music for at
least one year, particularly with the piano.
Often additional songs and styles may be supplemented into the student's lesson
curriculum (examples.... Broadway, Disney, TV Themes, The Beatles, Billy
Joel, etc.), however, I encourage the song choices should at least
withstand the test of time, for often a student will spend a month learning a
song that's #1 on the radio, and then by the time they've perfected it,
they lose interest because it's no longer popular.
There are several
students over the years that have expressed interest in learning to write their
own songs as well, and only if a student shows interest in this area will the
lessons be geared towards songwriting and composition.
Overall, what is
most important to me as a teacher is that the student enjoys the process of
learning,
looks forward to each lesson and is enthusiastic and inspired.
"Music is a
Journey to the Heart"
Lori Schneider
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