Discovering the Joy of Piano from the Beginning
Piano Lessons For All Types Of Beginners
My Specialty
I love teaching piano to beginner level students. No matter the age, sharing the joy of piano is exciting. It’s wonderful to show students how music goes beyond just the keys of the piano but can weave itself through all parts of our life.
Exploring the Piano
Sitting down at the piano is exciting for any beginner–after all there are 88 keys that make sounds at will. It’s important to explore the parts of piano and let the beginner satisfy their curiousity.
Start with the Basics
It’s important for every student to get a firm understanding of the basic techniques used to play the piano. From how the student sits, to the shape of their hands, every details is an important learning block.
Understanding the Theory
What are all those funny drawings on the music? Theory is part of the foundation that every student builds on as they develop their talent in piano: it’s how we learn about melody, harmony and rhythm. It’s important that every student knows that those “funny drawings” each have their own special meaning.
The Lessons
Every piano teacher has their own teaching style and lessons, as gathered from their own days of being a student, as well as their life experiences. I like to use multiple resources in teaching, to offer my student a variety of musical geners as well opportunities to discover new techniques. I like to adapt my lessons to each individual student, as everyone learns a little bit differently, however I do have some key points that I use.
Technique
Technique is how we train our hands and fingers to move while we condition our brain to do it automatically. So the student must learn how to properly hold their hands, which fingers are best to use, and more. This is achieved through practicing various warm-ups and scales and other finger exercises. I always ask my students to start with their warm-ups first.
Understanding
No matter the level of experience of the student pianist, it is important to first look at, and understand, all parts of the piece of music before our fingers touch the keys. I make sure my student understands what they are looking at before they attempt to play.
Sight-reading
One way the student progresses with their piano skills is by sight-reading music. While this skill can take a few years to perfect it is important to begin training at a beginner level and move forward as the skill level increases. I ask my students to try to figure out their music on their own first (with my guidance when needed). The point is for them to learn to recognize instantly notes, key signatures, musical phrases, and other musical constructs.
Homework
30min or even 1hr lessons, once per week, is not enough time to learn to play the piano masterfully. I expect all my students to practice playing the piano at home, as well as completing various theory pages before their next lesson. Each student is to provide a notebook where I jot down simple notes and instructions about what they are to work on during the week.
Performance
What good is it to play the piano beautifully and yet not share it with anyone? I want my students to be involved in various recitals, concerts, or RCM exams throughout their student experience. Knowing that our music will be listened to by others, get us excited and helps us train in a different way than if we are only playing for ourselves.
Rewards
We all like to be acknoweldged when we do something good, and piano students are no different. I believe that when a student tries their best, practices faithfully, and works diligently to improve their talent, then they should be rewarded accordingly. Rewards also help motivate the student and provides a sense of accomplishment which keeps him or her on track to a larger goal.
Inquire About Lessons
If you are interested in piano lessons or have any questions, please fill out the form below and I will contact you with details and any answers you might need. Thanks!
Your privacy is very important to me, therefore this information is used only to contact you regarding piano lessons. Your information is kept confidential and is never shared nor sold.
About Me
I began playing the piano at the age of 5 and I haven’t stopped since. I completed my Gr.9 Royal Conservatory of Music Exam. I have been the accompanying pianist for both school choirs and church choirs and currently accompany a children’s choir. I have experience teaching piano to the beginner student (both young and old) and the intermediate student. I love helping my students develop their skills and talents in playing the piano but not only that, I love to see my students truly enjoy what they’re doing.
I am also a mom to two wonderful boys, ages 9 and (almost) 6.
Lesson Availability
Lessons are available Mon-Thurs with hours both during the daytime and evening in NW, Calgary, Alberta.
Lessons are available in your own home, my home or through online format.
For more details please fill in form above.
Contact Me
You can use the form above to contact me about lessons and any other questions you may have.
Phone: 403-891-6677 Email: beatrice@dacapopianolessons.com
For more details please fill in form above.