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Private Lessons. All
students will receive a private 55 minute lesson
once a week. These lessons include a variety of piano literature
suitable for each student’s level which is both instructive
and fun to play. Also included are technical exercises to
include scales, arpeggios, chords, cadences, sight-reading, ear
training etudes and practice strategies.
- Students homework/practice requirements will
be assigned in their lessons notebook. Students are expected
to complete all assigned work. “I forgot” is
not an excuse when things are specified in writing. If
a student does not understand something, he/she should
call Ms Leslie and not wait until the next lesson. All
work will be graded each week. Parents: Take
a look at your child’s notebook to assess progress.
Marks are Plus (+), good, below average, and minus (–).
- Parental involvement: Parents are encouraged
to attend private lessons. This is essential for
students age 12 and below, where a parent acts
as a coach for practices at home, keeping students on task
and practicing correctly until proper habits have been established.
This can truly make the difference between success and mediocrity.
- Master Class attendance
is required of all students. Master Class group work is an
important adjunct to students’ private lessons – not
unlike team practice for a sport. Master Classes meet for 45 minutes
to one hour every other week on Sunday afternoons starting in October
(excepting holidays). Here, students learn to perform by trying
out and refining new pieces , learn to manage performance 'jitters',
receive performance feedback, and learn theory and sight reading – in
short, all those things better suited for group work. Master Classes
also give students the opportunity to hear a variety of exciting
new piano music over the course of the year. Students are often
inspired to strive harder for more difficult pieces they have heard
performed by others in a Master Class. Another important aspect
of the Master Classes is they function as dress rehearsals for
performances such as recitals, festivals, and auditions. Even if
your child is not performing, s/he will still be participating. Parents
are encouraged to observe Master Classes. Siblings are also welcome as
long as they are not disruptive.
- Summer Classes.
Summer is a vital time in each student’s life as they are
free from the strictures and regimentation of school work. It is
often useful to take a break – i.e., take some time
off – from practice during the summer. However, precisely
because of the absence of school homework and having more time
available, summer is an ideal time to get ahead in piano and start
new music. During summers, Ms Leslie teaches over an eight-week
period from June through early August offering a variety of lesson
choices. Students who plan to continue study in the fall are required
to have at least 2 private lessons during the summer. In
addition to the two to six private lessons available, the following
specialized “Piano Camps” are also offered:
- 32 hour “full” camp. This camp
is conducted four hours per day, 4 days a week, over a two week
period in a one–on–one setting with the curriculum
specifically tailored to each student. It is intended for those
who have a competitive goal for the next year, who have a deficit
in some technical area or want just to get ahead. One can typically
gain a year in this sort of camp environment because of the close
practice supervision. Although described by attendees as ‘fun,’ this
camp is somewhat intense and only recommended for advanced students – especially
those who desire to get into competition.
- 16 hour “half” camp. This camp
is conducted four hours per day for four days over a one week
period in a one–on–one setting with the curriculum
specifically tailored to each student. This camp is recommended
for both advanced and intermediate students who want to shore
up on technical difficulties, increase repertory or get ahead.
It is also ideal for those desiring to get into competition such
as Federation.
- Nine hour Junior III and Senior Concerto camp (3 hours
per day over one week). Concertos – pieces composed
for piano with orchestra - are as specialized as they are exciting
to perform. Any student electing to do a Junior III or Senior
concerto in a school year must complete this 9 hour camp the
summer previous.
- Six hour Junior Concerto camp (two hours per day over
one week). Junior concertos (Level IA through
IIB) are shorter and less complex than their senior counterparts,
but still give students valuable experience in ensemble playing
(i.e. putting a concerto together with the second [rehearsal]
piano.) In addition, these concertos provide excellent preparation
for the more complex senior concertos later. Those students
who elect to do a junior concerto during the school year must
complete this 6 hour camp the summer previous.
- As a general note, all camps are conducted in the mornings.
Lunch is provided to students whose camps end at noon on weekdays.
- Both the junior and senior concerto camps can be folded into
either the full or half camps at no additional charge for the full
or half camp.
Attendance
Requirements. Students are expected to be at their lessons
and Master Classes on time. If it
is necessary to miss a lesson for any reason, it must be called in
ahead of time. Lessons missed without calling ahead will
be forfeited without a make-up. As a courtesy to the instructor’s
immune system, students are not to come sick to lessons or Master
Classes. If there is any doubt, call. There is ample
opportunity built into the school year schedule for make-up lessons.
Practice
Requirements: While piano performing is a lot of fun, learning
to do it is a practical skill – like many sports. In
addition, note reading is like learning another language. Piano performing
and practicing represents a lifestyle change which demands
a time commitment to practice regularly – just as one would
be expected to do for a sport. Conservatory students are expected
to practice 6 days a week, using proven techniques and strategies
that are taught at the lessons. While it is understood that this
is not always possible, continuous exceptions to this goal will certainly
diminish progress. Quality practice is not clock watching; however,
as pieces get longer, practice time does necessarily increase. Students
are expected to check their notebooks daily for assignments
and practice directions.
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