At THEPIANOANDME we follow MMTA (Minnesota Music Teachers Association)  and MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) standards, providing the best preparation to exams (exams are optional).

However we believe that the musical journey is not only about just preparing for an exam but also to develop musicianship, literacy and versatility, to be achieved through seven main areas of study. We will accompany your students in learning how to practice, incorporating these essential concepts of practice, to become a lifelong, resourceful musician:

 

TECHNIQUE 

Establishing technique begins with establishing the right habits and developing deep practice with proven problem solving strategies to enhance artistic interpretations with confidence.

Technique includes:

- Warming up properly in the right body alignment to prevent injury and optimize focus

- Mastery of the mechanics of scales and arpeggios and motor skills for building speed and range of expression, and being able to analyse new music materials as technical clusters to crack complex problems.

- problem solving tactics

- memorization process

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THEORY

Theory activities will be performed to help student with music litteracy so that they are able to write down the music that they hear if they wish to transcribe by ear, or even compose their own musical creations. Understanding harmony also provides an advantage in boosting memorization and developing freedom for improvization.

Theory curriculum includes:

- Transposing in different keys or modes

- Mapping within the Circle of Fifths

- Being able to write and read music in both Treble and Bass Clef

- Excercises in the form of games to build focus and sense of rhythm

- Emphasis on notes sight reading

- Identifying chords and related scales

and much more

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EAR TRAINING

Ear training is one of the pillars to support and complement the visual dimension of sight-reading.

Ear training is done through:

- Active music listening (even better if supported with parents at home)

- Discussion during music analysis,

- Fun music and interval dictations and guess games

- Musical question-response improvization games

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SIGHT READING

Sight Reading is the capability to read written music from a score or music sheet. Proficiency is useful in the world of accompaniment which is a part of a musician’s life. If strong sight reading skills is key for jam sessions and chamber music in a group, it is essential vizualisation and imaging and a serious advantage to have to speed up the practice phase of mastering a new piece of music. Sight reading is developed through:

- Naming and singing the notes of a piece

- notes recognition tactics for lower levels

- Regularly being exposed to reading and playing new music material 

- Solfege notions

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IMPROVIZATION

Improvization promotes the use of the acquired language from all the six other princiles and foments creativity and self-expression. It is the ultimate artistic expression and may lead to composing as a craft and an art.

- Musical forms and question-response games

- Rhythmic and melodic patterns play

- Lead sheets reading

- Duets 

- Voicings

- Discovery and learning by experience through making “ happy mistakes” 

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IMAGINATION

This is where the craft serves the art. Once all five previous areas of studies are in place, the student can re-connect with the child-like imagination with the know-how to create a link of understanding between the material to be interpreted and the interpretation with musical intention.

Imagination is nurtured through:

- Imaging and visualization tactics

- Vocalizing and singing the music material

- Historical background of genres and composers

- Story-telling for the younger ones as a tactics to help with technical problems

- Themed and seasonal fun!

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PERFORMING

Performing is the finality of all the hard work and dedication of a musician. It gives meaning to the practice.

Recital opportunities are typically being given twice a year in a friendly, supporting environment. These events are an exciting way to share our skills and connect with our audience, as well as a fun opportunity to connect with the other students who are in the same or similar musical path!

- Performance preparation and mock-up recitals

- Building confidence

- Stage deportment and salutation

- Dealing with mistakes

- Receiving honors as well as constructive feedback for improvement.

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