Frank Horvat
homecompositionperformancemusic educationbiographymusic links

  Method & Philosophy: Child Chart - Adult Chart | Experience | References | Workshops

contactme@frankhorvat.com  
 

 

Alfred Prep D
An Overview For The Parent

In this fourth book from the Prep Course for the younger beginner, your child will continue to explore new musical concepts and expand their technical abilities. Some of these new components include using the pedal, changing positions in the middle of a song and strengthening their co-ordination of playing with both hands. With the amount of techniques that your child will now have to master, you should see a slight increase in their amount of practise per day.

Lesson Time: 1/2 hour per week

Books: To be supplied by the teacher. Parent will reimburse teacher at a later date.

Name of Book Description of Usage
Alfred's Piano Prep Course, Level D songbook
"What A Small World, Mr. Bach"; A booklet accompanying Level D includes finger exercises, written theory work and songs by rote

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. That is a book which is designed for older children. Since your child will have completed 4 books by that stage, they will be ready to tackle slightly more challenging material. In that level, they will be exposed to scales for the first time and a variety of styles including the Classics and the Blues.

» Child Chart

 

 

 



 
quote