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Experiencing Piano Group Classes
Program Guidelines
Experiencing Piano is a blended curriculum that joins both group and individual instruction in piano for beginning piano students ages 6-9. This program provides an excellent opportunity for young students in the community to study beginning piano in a group and individual setting at the University of Missouri School of Music.
The Experiencing Piano group class offers two Monday evenings sections, one at 5 pm and the other at 5:30 pm. In addition to group class, students receive individual instruction. Group classes are taught by Prof. Savvidou (continuing class), the MU School of Music Piano and Piano Pedagogy Professor, and Laura Starshak (beginning class), MM candidate in Piano Pedagogy. Individual lessons are taught by undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Piano Pedagogy. The time of the individual 30-minute lessons will be determined based upon the schedule of the teacher and family. Experiencing Piano serves as a teaching internship and observation opportunity for college students enrolled in Piano Pedagogy.
In the group classes, students will learn to play music at the piano and the fundamental concepts and skills for musical understanding. Students will study note reading, rhythm reading, and technical development at the piano while developing creative thinking skills and musicality. Music theory, music history, ear training, improvisation, ensemble playing, and rhythm will also be taught in a motivational and age-specific format. Students will experience music and piano playing while they learn to play music with others, a skill that will promote a life-long interest in music making. They will perform weekly and make friends with other children who play the piano. A new assignment is given each week based upon the new ideas and music introduced. During individual lessons, students will receive one-on-one attention, reviewing the assignment given during the previous group class. The teacher will guide the practice of each student to help him or her advance and master the new piano skills.
Parental role and practice at home:
- The students will be required to practice regularly throughout the week. Daily practice at home needs to be as important as completing homework for school.
- Practice time will begin at around 15 minutes a day and will lengthen to around 30 minutes by the end of the semester.
- Parents are encouraged to attend the lessons/classes. This will equip parents to monitor practice at home.
- Parents are asked to facilitate, encourage, and aid in practice at home. Any concerns or issues should be immediately brought to Prof. Savvidous’ attention.
Music and materials:
- An acoustic or digital piano with 88 weighted keys is required for practice at home
- Piano books will be required
- Three-ring binder
Tuition and fee information:
- $250 Tuition for the complete semester: includes 12 group classes and 12 applied lessons
- $50 Books and technology fee
- Payment is due prior to or on the first day of group class. Please make checks payable to MU School of Music.
- Application and in-person interview with the students and parents/guardians is required to determine enrollment in Experiencing Piano
Lesson cancellation policy:
- A 24-hour advance notification is expected of both parties for lesson cancellation.
- Lessons cancelled by the student or parent without prior 24-hour notice will not be made up and will not be refunded. Lessons cancelled by the teacher must be made up.
- If a student is late for a lesson the missed time will not be made up.
Calendar:
- First week: January 23rd
- No group lesson on Monday, March 26th and no individual lessons the week of Spring break.
- Last week of classes/lessons: April 16th
- Recital, April 16th
Location:
- Experiencing Piano Group Class will be in the Midilab, which is on the basement floor of Stewart Hall. The Midilab has twelve digital pianos.
- Individual lessons will be in the Fine Arts Building in a studio with a grand piano.
Contact information:
Prof. Paola Savvidou
E-mail: SavvidouP@missouri.edu
Applications may be sent electronically (preferred) or by mail. Accepting applications until January 17th.
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