Syllabus

The Music Academy of North Carolina

Dr. Susannah Steele, Instructor

Piano Studio Syllabus

CONTACT INFORMATION

MANC Phone:      336.379.8748 ext. 103

Cell:                        336.847.8651

Email:                      ssteele@musicacademync.org

OBJECTIVE AND GOALS

During lessons we will work on developing piano skills in reading, coordination, and music theory concepts.  We will study technique, music theory, sight-reading, and solo repertoire.  Students can progress from their own level, and every effort will be made to accommodate different learning styles and preferences.  Students will have many opportunities to enrich their musicianship through performance opportunities in recitals, festivals, and competitions.

EXPECTATIONS

Students are to arrive on time and should be prepared for the lesson, having practiced assignments throughout the week and having remembered to bring all necessary materials, most often including music books and a spiral notebook for assignments. 

Regular practice and cooperation is expected.  I will assign weekly technical and musical assignments to fit each student’s needs.  Practice skills are taught in the lessons, and students should utilize these skills at home.  Younger students need parental help in finding time to practice and knowing how to practice.  As students mature, they should be able to take on the responsibility of practicing daily and practicing correctly.

Please refrain from wearing any loose bracelets or excessively heavy jewelry on your fingers, wrists, or arms.  Nails must be trimmed.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

As per the MANC attendance policy, missed lessons will not be rescheduled.  In extreme cases (i.e. death in the family), lessons will be rescheduled at the instructor’s discretion.  Any student who misses three consecutive lessons will be reported to the Main Office and the Dean of Faculty.

Any lessons cancelled by me will be rescheduled at the earliest mutually agreeable time. 

In case of an absence, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance.

METHODOLOGY

Generally, the lesson will be divided into several parts:

Technique:	knowledge of technique, including scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, etc., is essential to becoming a well-rounded musician
Theory:	knowledge of theory helps the student learn and memorize faster, aids in their interpretation of the piece, and deepens their appreciation for the music
Pedagogical Pieces:	many of the pieces studied will present one or more specific pedagogical challenges, which, when mastered, will expand the student’s ability at the instrument
Performance Pieces:	these pieces will be used for public performances, and must be memorized unless they are to be performed as a duet or trio with other performers.

In the case of the young beginner, lessons will cover the same areas of study, but may take a more fluid and age-appropriate approach.

PRACTICE

Regular practice is an absolute necessity if the student is to increase his or her ability at the instrument.  The amount of practice time will depend on the student’s age and skill level.  General guidelines are:

Beginner:           20-30 minutes per day, five days a week

Intermediate:      30-45 minutes per day, five days a week

Advanced:         At least 1 hour per day, at least five days a week

Brief but frequent practice sessions often achieve the best results.  Students will see much more improvement with daily practice than with an entire week’s practice time crammed into the day before your lesson!  I try to be very specific about practice techniques to the student and the parent, so that each knows how to practice efficiently.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parents are encouraged to get involved in their child’s musical development, whether or not they have any musical background themselves.  Opportunities for involvement include:

¯ Sitting with your child during practice time

¯ Noting any special directions in the lesson assignment notebook

¯ Rewarding goals that have been met

¯ Encouraging your child to perform for family and friends

Parents are welcome to come to any lesson, but should use discretion as to whether it will distract the student or not.  Friends should not attend lessons with the student.

Because some students may learn more quickly than others, it is important that we are concerned with individual accomplishments in music.  Therefore, students and parents must be careful about expectations they have for their children or themselves.  Any musical skill takes patience and practice.  Keep goals challenging yet attainable, and remember to have fun!

STUDIO INVOLVEMENT

Students are strongly encouraged, and sometimes required, to participate in various studio events.  These events fall into several categories:

Group Classes

Each student will receive 16 private lessons and up to 4 group classes for fall and spring terms.  Students are welcome at all four classes but are encouraged to attend at least two.   Group piano class dates will be announced at the beginning of each term, as well as two weeks when there will be a break in the regular lesson schedule.

Student Showcase Recitals

MANC holds academy-wide recitals at various times throughout the fall and spring trimesters.  All pre-college students are strongly encouraged to perform at least once during the trimester.  All students who perform at a Student Showcase Recital will receive a CD of their performance.

Students in my studio will also have the opportunity to perform in several holiday or seasonally-themed recitals and collaborative recital during the year.

Please note the attached sheet regarding performance information and etiquette.

Festivals

All pre-college students will have the opportunity to participate in at least one festival held by a professional music organization.  Specific participation and repertoire requirements will be discussed on an individual basis.  A modest registration fee may be charged.

MANC holds a variety of events, including the annual Piano Festival and Recording Days.  Participation requirements and event information will be provided as needed.

In most cases, memorization of performance pieces is required.  I reserve the right to deny any student the right to perform based upon their failure to meet the minimum standards of performance readiness. 

ADULT STUDENTS

In most cases, adult students are exempt from student performance requirements.  However, adult students are strongly encouraged to participate as much as they are interested.  Additionally, special Adult Studio Events may be held throughout the trimester that will be restricted to adults only.

MANC INFORMATION

Please pick up your child as soon as possible after the end of the lesson.  I am not responsible for supervising your child after the lesson is over.  Please make sure that your child remains in the lobby until you arrive.

For safety reasons, all students must exit the building using the front door only.  The back door is used only for emergencies.  Also, MANC policy requires that the interior door be locked after 7:00 pm.  In the event that a lesson occurs after 7:00 pm, I will meet any students at the door before their lesson and escort them back to the door afterwards.

For school closing information due to inclement weather, please watch the local television stations.  I will attempt to contact you in the event of a closing.

QUESTIONS

For information regarding MANC policies or procedures, please refer to the policies posted in my studio or visit their website at: http://www.musicacademync.org

For questions regarding studio policies or procedures, please contact me personally.

RECITAL INFORMATION AND ETIQUETTE

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

I will inform parents and students of performance opportunities, both at the Music Academy and throughout the community, at various times throughout the trimester. I reserve the right to deny any student the right to perform based upon their failure to meet the minimum standards of performance readiness.  Once it is confirmed that a student will perform at a particular event, the student must do so, except in EXTREME circumstances.

REPERTOIRE AND REHEARSALS

Students will often be given special repertoire to learn for a performance, in which case the student will learn the music during their regular lesson time.  In most cases, music must be memorized for the performance.   

RECITAL ATTIRE

Students are expected to be well-groomed and dressed according to the following guidelines:

Boys are to wear a collared shirt that is tucked into their pants, preferably with a tie. Boys should wear ironed dress pants and dress shoes.

Girls are to wear blouses with dress pants or skirts, or dresses. Girls may wear earrings or necklaces, but loose jewelry on the wrists or fingers will make playing the piano difficult.  High-heels are also discouraged because of the pedal.

In all cases: No jeans or tennis shoes!

RECITAL ETIQUETTE

Students are to arrive to the recital 10 to 15 minutes early, dressed and ready to perform.  It is imperative that students are punctual so that last-minute directions can be given.

Students attend a recital to perform for each other and their family and friends.  Therefore, when a student is not performing, they are to remain seated and attentive to their peers.  Talking or other disruptive behavior is prohibited.  Disruptive behavior may result in a student being banned from future recitals.

Students are to remain seated with the rest of their studio throughout the entire recital.  Students will not be permitted to sit with their parents.

RECORDINGS

The Music Academy provides up to two recordings per trimester of student performances at on-site recitals at no extra cost.  Please visit our website for more information.