Lessons

Alison Barr’s Core Teaching Values:

Learning to play a musical instrument provides a direct connection to the individuality, vulnerability and creativity that make us truly human and unique.

The piano is like no other instrument — a complete musical powerhouse, with the capacity to combine harmony and melody in infinite combinations; to portray all of music theory on its keyboard; to challenge the individual as far as her mind, body and spirit will go; to provide an outlet for the most profound human emotions.

EVERY student, from the youngest beginner through the advanced high school student and avocational adult, can attain technical and musical mastery at the piano.

Each student brings a particular physical, artistic and cognitive skill set to learning. The teacher must recognize, respect and build upon the individual’s skill set.

There is a direct correlation between what the student invests and what rewards he/she achieves. When the teacher expects greater commitment and work from the student, the student reaps lifelong rewards.

Piano lessons provide a complete and contextual music appreciation and education.

Music, in ALL of its many expressions, reflects the humanity of the people who create it.  We must study the context of that creation, the struggles of diverse music-makers and their ability to have their voices heard and understood. 

Every single piano lesson should be a challenging, exciting, humorous and passionate journey for both the student and the teacher.

Curriculum Includes:

Emphasis on an easeful, relaxed physical approach

A foundation of strong music reading, metric understanding and exposure to musical terms and structural forms

Contextual information at an age-appropriate level on music history, stylistic period, composer background and performance practice

Several levels of performance experience, always with the students’ overall personal and musical growth in mind

A component of Social Action – how can our ability to play music on the piano benefit those around us and make our world a better place in which to live

Repertoire drawn from a wide variety of sources – classical, folk, jazz, popular – with the traditional piano repertoire at the core

Ongoing creative exploration, including improvisation and compositional projects

Music listening, ear-training, concert attendance and guest master class teachers on the high school level

Group classes stressing music appreciation, informal playing and community-building aspects

Ensemble playing to promote heightened listening and flow, positive social interaction, and also, to encourage a lifelong habit of music making with others

Thoughtful and genuine support for each child’s musical and personal growth

Humor, compassion and warmth along with high expectations for progress

To Inquire About Lessons:

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