April 16, 2018 0 comments

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Lessons

for Teens 12-17

You can take a teenager to a piano, but you can’t make them play. My role becomes more mentor-like than teacher-tell, as they are developing their own likes/dislikes when it comes to playing piano. They choose more of their own music, expanding out from method books into any style they can think of. Playing piano becomes more self-directed, writing music, improvising, playing from fake books and lead sheets, in addition to already written pieces. Music-making can still be fun. It’s called “playing” for a reason. Let’s discover together the artist within.

[vc_column_text]Piano lessons improve physical coordination. Improve hand-eye coordination since the hands and fingers must work independently. As lessons progress, even the foot becomes involved when the piano pedals are introduced. Playing piano is an activity that will improve coordination.

Reading sheet music requires mental concentration and creativity to translate both notes and musical rhythm. That translation is simultaneously interpreted by playing keys on the piano. Critical thinking skills are constantly being reinforced as the brain quickly interprets and tells the hands and feet how to respond by playing the right notes at the appropriate timing. In other words, reading music and playing it, makes the brain think on its feet, which conditions it to respond the same way in other situations outside of piano lessons and practicing.[/vc_column_text]

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Why teens should take piano lessons

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[vc_tta_accordion shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Improve concentration” tab_id=”1508345566657-035f4ceb-bfc3″][vc_column_text]It’s not easy to sit at the piano and practice every day. It takes patience, focus and discipline. People who know how to persevere when things are difficult are more likely to succeed when they try new things. And the more opportunities teens have to challenge themselves, the more likely they’ll be to push themselves in other areas of their lives.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Improves Speech, Reading Ability, Listening Skills, and Creativity” tab_id=”1508345566760-f17cf998-7763″][vc_column_text]Even if teens only take music lessons for a short period of time, there are benefits. Learning how to play an instrument is essentially the same as learning a different language.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Become Better at Sensing Feelings, Emotions, and Mood” tab_id=”1508345673939-9225dc21-7dde”][vc_column_text]Music allows us to sense/express emotion. Changes in tone, changes in volume, changes in melody. It’s incredible how much “feeling” can be involved listening to, and playing, a piece of music! Piano lessons help teens learn, and experiment with their feelings and empathy in a healthy way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Increase academic achievement” tab_id=”1508345771382-f6735df2-0931″][vc_column_text]Changes in the brain during music training can lead to improvements in general cognitive skills like memory, attention, and reading ability, all of which result in better academic success.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Builds Confidence” tab_id=”1508345818132-25973df9-14e1″][vc_column_text]It takes courage to sit in front of a group of people and trust yourself to play a beautiful melody. Music performances give teens a mind-body connection that helps them develop a sense of self, and an ability to take on challenges in a variety of settings. Teens develop a sense of pride as they develop a skill many of their friends don’t have.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion]

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What You'll Need

[vc_cta h2=”Books” shape=”square” style=”outline” add_icon=”top” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”white” i_on_border=”true”]Teenagers will need Alfred Chord Approach, Lesson Level 1 with Solo Book, Accelerated Piano Adventures, Lesson and Performance Book 1 as well as Snell Fundamentals of Piano Theory, Preparatory Level. Both are available online at various sites or you can get them at your local music store.[/vc_cta]

[vc_cta h2=”Piano or Keyboard” shape=”square” style=”outline” add_icon=”top” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-note-beamed” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”white” i_on_border=”true”]Students need either an electronic keyboard or an acoustic piano, tuned and in good condition. Electronic keyboards should have weighted keys, a pedal and a music stand. The instructor can provide assistance on these, based on quality/price.[/vc_cta]

[vc_cta h2=”Webcam” shape=”square” style=”outline” add_icon=”top” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-camera” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”white” i_on_border=”true”]For those taking courses online, students will need an iPad, laptop, or computer setup near the piano for live, two-way communication.[/vc_cta]

[vc_cta h2=”Other Materials” shape=”square” style=”outline” add_icon=”top” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-pencil” i_color=”black” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”white” i_on_border=”true”]It is helpful to have a notebook nearby for taking notes during the lesson, as well as a pencil to write in music. Music is meant to be used and information recorded directly to help facilitate ideas or additional visual information.[/vc_cta]

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Pricing

DURATION	PRICE
30 minutes	$25/lesson
45 minutes	$35/lesson
60 minutes	$45/lesson

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Testimonials

from students

We were fortunate enough to have Vera teaching our children this last year. We had 4 children (ages 8 through 17) doing lessons and Vera has done well with each age and level. She was able to teach them a lot in her time with them. They each looked forward to their lessons. Vera is well educated and skilled in both teaching and music. She has also done a very good job of balancing encouragement and constructive criticisms. Each of our children and myself recommend Vera Alder highly.

Ondrea K.

I always loved the piano but thought I had missed my chance to learn to play until I met Vera. With her masterful teaching, patience and understanding of adult learning styles (even seniors) I am learning to play piano and understand music at a deeper level than I could ever hoped. Never give up it gives us hope and brings blessings to our lives.

Michaele W.

Mrs. Alder had my 5th grader reading music in no time, and allowed him to choose some of his own pieces from day one. His confidence and love for music exploded under her direction.

Charlotte G. / Post Falls, ID

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Ready to learn?

Schedule your first lesson for FREE! Meet your teacher and figure out your curriculum.

Book Today

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