Our Method
STUDENTS LEARN TO READ MUSIC!
We take pride in being able to teach students to become independent in their reading. We feel it is important for students to be able to pick up any sheet of music and be able to read it on their own. In order to do that…
STUDENTS MAKE THEIR OWN FLASH CARDS!
We provide students with flashcards that we create during the lesson. Flash cards are an excellent way to help students learn to read notes. Flash cards also include Key Signatures for all sharps, flats, or may even be used for many other various reasons such as intervals, chords, outlines for pop songs, etc…
STUDENTS HAVE A SAY IN WHAT THEY PLAY!
Students have opportunities to learn Pop songs! (or any other song they might want to learn by ear). We use this method as a great tool to develop, define their ability to hear music.
STUDENTS GET PERSONALIZED CD’S OF THEIR PIECES!
Each student can receive several CD’s of pieces they learn troughout the year. Most of the time, students will know if they are, or aren’t ready to be recorded. Students are recorded after they have learned and “mastered” a song. And depending on how many songs they record determines the amount of cd’s they receive per year!
STUDENTS LEARN THEORY IN AN INNOVATIVE WAY!
Tara O’Brien has developped and created the Cascade Melody Method which teaches all sorts of theory knowledge. While simultaneously helps develop finger dexterity, it teaches scales, chords, sight reading, intervals, composition, improvisation, and much more, all in a rewarding way for students.
STUDENTS LEARN TO COMPOSE THEIR OWN MUSIC!
Students will be given opportunities to develop their creative side through composition. While composing may be a more natural penchant for some, we believe all students have a creative side that we help come to light. When students write out personal compositions by hand, teachers can bring their laptop to the lesson and help them write their piece on Sibelius to provide them with a finished product (i.e a professionally printed out piece of music!).
STUDENTS HAVE THEIR OWN NOTEBOOKS!
Students get to bring in a notebook they like, in which their teacher will write their weekly homework. Homework mainly includes everything that was focused on during the lesson so that each student (and parent) can refer to what they worked on and need to do for the following lesson.
STUDENTS GET TO PERFORM TWICE A YEAR!
Each student is given the opportunity and encouraged to participate in biannual piano recitals. It is a great way to share all the efforts they work on over several months.
STUDENTS GET A REWARD AFTER EACH LESSON!
Rewards vary between a little piece of candy, or stickers (depending on parents’ say).
