MUSIC STUDIO

“Music teaches a transfer of abstractions (notes) into concrete realities (music); music teaches patience with one's self and with others as well as with tasks; music performance aids in building and refining coordination and grace; music aids in mental coordination and timing; any instruction in the arts advances a sense of aesthetics; music teaches one about history and culture and builds tolerance of and appreciation of other peoples; music offers useful sensory stimulation, so much so that there are music therapists who use music to calm, quiet, and heal patients; the arts foster greater social interaction; music incorporates a spiritual dimension to life; musical performance opens a vehicle for improvising; and performance allows the musician to learn to accept and recognize the value of criticism.” - Ken Petress

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This excerpt from an article by Ken Petress can give you an idea of the contribution a good music lesson can make to your or your child's growth as a person. Although it's not possible or even desirable that we all make music at a professional level, I'm convinced that everybody will benefit from music lessons when they are offered at the person's level of interest and ability.

I love teaching beginners as much as teaching more advanced students. Whether as a singer you perform on stage at least every month or you think you couldn't carry a tune if your life depended on it, whether as a pianist you play Mary had a little lamb or a Beethoven sonata, what I value is your open attitude, commitment and enthusiasm, regardless of your current level of proficiency.

In my classes I like to include ear training and basic theory to enhance understanding of the music you sing or play. I also teach practice discipline and strategies to enable you to tackle new pieces on your own. This way you'll be more independent as a musician. I also emphasize healthy technique and posture. My experience with Feldenkrais technique and Tai Chi has shaped my way of thinking about technique. This is especially true for voice students, since your body is your instrument and I want to show you how to treat it well and use it respectfully. I also sincerely believe that for singers and pianists alike a technique without strain ultimately results in a more personal, richer and more pleasant sound, as well as more relaxed and creative music-making.

Composition lessons obviously include more ear training and theory. Depending on the student's interest, the theory will be more focused on classical composition techniques and traditional harmony, jazz harmony and improvisation or songwriting and setting of text. Some improvisation will always be part of the curriculum as well as writing assignments including counterpoint, harmony, instrumentation and 'free' composition assignments. We also analyse existing works of music (any style) in which you as a student take a particular interest, or which I reckon to be appropriate for you at this point.

In my opinion 6 years is an appropriate age to start private piano lessons. For voice lessons this age is significantly higher, I would say 11 or 12. A younger body is typically not ready for the breathing techniques involved or the development of the vocal chords to extend range. For younger students I recommend group lessons or choir singing. For composition the minimum age is 13 or higher depending on musical experience. For younger students I recommend piano lessons which can include improvisation and the creation of one's own pieces.

I offer private voice, piano and composition lessons at the Music Store in Wayland, in Canandaigua and at our home in Naples, 5 miles from the village and 10 miles from Honeoye. The rates below are for groups of four (weekly) lessons. Payment is due on the day of the first lesson of these four and can be made with check or cash. Since I observe the major holidays, this way payment is due roughly every month.

I also charge a one-time registration fee of $10. For starting piano students this fee is $15 and includes Alfred's Basic Piano Course, Lesson Book level 1A.

Rates are as follows:

You can read a biographical note which lists my experience as a teacher and performer. If you have questions or would like to sign up for lessons now, please send me an e-mail with your name and phone number and a preferred time that I can reach you, or give me a call at (585) 374-2529. I look forward to speaking with you.

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K  Here is a sample of me singing ànd playing the piano in Monteverdi's Quel sguardo sdegnosetto. To hear or buy some of my own music, please visit tehuti.net.