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PROGRAMS |
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PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS (Age 8-adult)
An exciting piano-based early music program for young beginners. Dance and movement, singing, colouring, and creative activities enhance early exploration of the sounds of the piano and basic musical concepts. Centered around the "Music for Little Mozarts" curriculum, classes follow the adventures of Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear through engaging stories and plush toys.
CLASS TIME: 45 minutes, group SCHEDULE: 28 weeks, beginning mid-October to late May.
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Combining the benefits of group lessons with the individual attention of private instruction, this program is an ideal introduction for young students not quite ready yet for full-time private lessons. Students have one 30-minute group lesson each week, followed by a 30-minute private lesson later in the week to reinforce concepts learned at the group lesson, check on progress of at-home progress, and provide supplementary or enhanced materials as needed.
CLASS TIME: 30 minutes group + 30 minutes private per week SCHEDULE: Begins the week after Labour Day, until mid-June.
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PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS (Age 8-adult) Heather's unique program takes students through 4 stages of musical growth and development, which they complete at their own pace.
INTRODUCTION From the first lesson until the level of Grade 1 Piano is reached (usually 2-4 years). Students use contemporary method books and supplementary materials to learn the basics of reading music and playing the piano. Heather uses primarily Celebrate Piano and Piano Adventures series.
FOUNDATION A wide variety of music is studied, covering all historical eras, establishing fundamental skills and a broad knowledge base. Students use the Conservatory Canada graded piano repertoire books, and may take Conservatory Canada examinations when appropriate (usually June of each year). This stage is complete when students have finished Grade 4 Piano.
EXPLORATION This is the Dunham Music Studio difference! In this stage students explore non-graded Unit Study of specific composers and musical styles, with an emphasis on historical context. Required and elective units allow customized programs for each student's strengths and interests. No examinations are taken for a period of 2 or 3 years, allowing freedom to explore and grow outside of the restrictions of any particular syllabus.
ADVENTURE With a secure sense of musical styles, at this stage students are ready to re-enter the examination system at an advanced grade level. Students may take examinations with CC or RCM, and with the appropriate theory co-requisites can even use their examination results for high school credits.
CLASS TIME: Introduction: 45 minutes Foundation: 45 minutes or 1 hour Exploration: 1 hour Adventure: 1.5 hours
SCHEDULE: Begins the week after Labour Day, until mid-June.
At all levels, Heather incorporates Theory, Sight-Reading, History, Ear-Training, and Keyboard Harmony into lessons. Relaxation and ease of motion at the keyboard are of paramount importance, as well as reading skills and expressive playing.
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