Each student is as unique as the piano they play.  Each student comes with their own personality and challenge levels.  I love watching the "lights go on" as they get more comfortable with the concepts and understand their own musical gift.  It takes a lot of work and is not something they can learn over night.  It takes DAILY practice to secure each concept. This is a gift that can share and enjoy the rest of their lives.  Only 1% of the planet can read this special musical language and it is an honor to share it with others. 

Practicing Daily is required.  

Students should have access to a full size Keyboard (Digital or Acoustic) with 88 keys (no less than 76).  Keys should be weighted and a working pedal is required.  Metronomes will be used during technic and it is helpful to have one available to practice with.

Rhythm and Staff Names

Both are very important to the overall success of your student.  My teaching weighs heavily on them being able to do both at the same time. I do play games and have challenges to keep them engaged at their lesson.

Written Theory & Ear Training 

Understanding "WHY" music does what it does is very important.  All students will take a yearly Theory and Ear Training test to make sure they are understanding the concepts being taught.

Technic & Improv

Technic is very important to building strong fingers.  Scales, chords and arpeggios will help the student increase their awareness of the music as they get more confident with the different key signatures.  Improvisation is a great way to explore the keys.

Recitals & Master Classes

Performing is vital to the student’s progress and confidence. There are 2 recitals a year (Fall and Spring).

Master classes/Group Lessons give the student a chance to “practice” performing and being a good audience in a friendly environment.

AIM

Achievement In Music is sponsored by the Utah Music Teachers Association (UMTA).

This program first began in 1962 under the name Student Achievement. It was revised in 1992, changing its name to AIM and in 2014, it was revised again bringing the requirements back in line with high school AP classes and College 101 classes.

Students are evaluated in Performance (2 memorized pieces), Written Theory, Ear Training, Technic and Sight Reading. The Written Theory and Ear Training tests will be completed in my piano studio and corrected by the UMTA Timpanogos Chapter AIM committee. Performance, Sight Reading and Technic will be evaluated by the Timpanogos Chapter Teacher’s in March.

All students passing their level with 80% or better receive a medallion and certificate. Students  passing their level with 99% or 100% also receive a trophy.

Federation

The National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival (NFMC) is a fabulous opportunity for students to perform and be evaluated by other teachers. Students will perform 2 memorized songs for a panel of 2-3 judges. They will receive a score from 1 –5 (5 being Superior). Students earn a gold cup when they reach an accumulative score of 15. This will take at least 3 years to earn. 

Performance Evaluations

Performance Evaluations is a great performance opportunity and a audition to play on the honors recital during the UMTA Conference in November.