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An Overview For The Parent
Welcome to your child's first in-depth musical experience!
Since your child is between the ages of 11 to 13, it is important
that we stress the basics yet present all this new material in
a manner which reflects that they are a little older than a standard
beginner. This means that new pieces and concepts will be presented
in a concise and swift manner. Students will be exposed to and
taught note reading, counting, dynamics, playing hands together
and a variety of hand positions.
Other than experiencing the joy and satisfaction, there are many
more benefits for a child in the study of music. Please visit
the following article to see how music education can be more than
just simply learning to play an instrument..."The
Mozart Effect" - Music & Brain Research
Lesson Time: 1/2 hour per week
Books: To be supplied by the teacher. Parent will reimburse
teacher at a later date.
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| Alfred's Piano Basic Course, Complete Level 1 |
songbook |
| "Getting Started"; A booklet accompanying
Level 1 |
includes finger exercises, written
theory work and songs by rote |
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Practise Time: approximately 20 to 25 minutes a day. Since
children have difficulty understanding duration of time, I stress
that they play each assigned song or exercise 5 times a day unless
otherwise stated.
How Do I Know What They Are Supposed To Practise?
Pieces or exercises that are to be practised will have their page
number circled and dated. If the piece was prepared well, the
page will be given a "Happy Face" and no longer need
to be practised.
Extras!
- Practise Chart: This keeps track of practise habits since
the student has to check off a spot on the chart after they
practise. Students are rewarded with stars for their weekly
effort. When they complete this level, they are given a special
prize for their hard work!
- Note Card Game: This will routinely end the lesson, a fun
way for students to strengthen note reading.
- Listen & Watch: Students will be given the opportunity
to borrow recordings that will enrich their understanding and
love for music.
- Extra Pieces: Various songs in a variety of styles picked
by the student.
- Recitals: Held twice a year (early December & early June)
for family & friends, these performances encourage students
to prepare a piece (or pieces) in great detail and by memory.
- Masterclass: At this informal gathering, held twice a year,
a week before the Recital, students play their pieces for each
other, make comments, and ask questions. Often, students feel
uncomfortable and nervous playing in front of others. The Masterclass
is an excellent way for the student to try out their piece(s)
in front of their peers in a less stressed atmosphere.
In The Future...
Your child will move on to Level 2 of Alfred's Basic Course; the
last of the beginner books. There they will learn more counting
systems, scales and a variety of new styles of music including
the Classics and the Blues.
» Child Chart
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