The Piano Academy offers individual private piano tuition in the Liverpool area for students from 6 years old and upward, beginners through to advanced students. By offering individual tuition we are able to cater each lesson to the level of each student. This also allows students to commence at any time, at any level. Students are able to work at their own pace for pleasure or may elect to sit for eaxminations in conjunction with the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). The Australian Music Examinations Board offers a series of examinations in both practical and theory subjects for which a grade and a certificate is awarded. These examinations can eventually lead to a diploma and/or further study at university.
The Piano Academy is managed by Tania Rashidi. The Piano Academy was established in 2000 and has been operating in the Liverpool area for 4 years. The Piano Academy offers tuition in piano, keyboard, theory, musicianship, and music craft and offers students the ability to learn for pleasure or for examination, using the Australian Music Examination Board. http://www.ameb.edu.au/
Lesson Fees
Lessons are $30.00 per half hour, paid weekly. Each individual lesson is scheduled in half hour blocks however students may elect to attend a 45 or 60 minute class depending on their level. Students will be allotted a weekly lesson time in which to attend. This will remain consistent throughout the year.
The Piano Academy Studio
Lessons are conducted at the purpose-built private studio which is equipped with an upright Kawai piano and has all the resources of a modern studio including computer aided software, access to a wide range of text and printed music, compact disc recordings, midi files, acrobat files and research material. Students can expect that they will be given such resources to assist them in their learning of the piano.
How long will it take?
Music is a language and like any language there are many basics which must be mastered prior to advancing to more complex applications. During a course of study, with all students, the approach to teaching is to develop a love and understanding of music. Students are taught to read using an intervallic approach rather than by note reading and are encouraged to develop skills in all areas of piano playing including technique, sight reading, aural awareness as well as performance in a progressive fashion. Students are encouraged to sit for examinations however there is no pressure to do so.
Please bear in mind that no two students are exactly alike, and children (as well as adults) learn at different rates. Even brothers and sisters within families differ radically in motivation and temperament. Each student is approached as an individual with challenges according to their own unique potential. To ensure the continued progress of each student, a great deal of time is spent - outside of the students’ lessons - preparing the next goal of each week’s lesson for each and every student. Teachers attend professional development courses, research the internet and music stores to keep abreast of our profession. We must be ready to teach every artistic and technical detail so that the student plays “musically” instead of poorly. We go beyond simply teaching the right notes and right rhythm to provide coordination, expressiveness and artistry. Music is not easy, and may not always be "fun". However, given sufficient time and structured practice, it does become enjoyable to master the many different aspects of this art.
How much should I practice?
Sufficient scheduled practice time on a daily basis is the surest guarantee that you, or your child, will experience consistent progress at the piano. Learning the necessary skills to become proficient at the keyboard will not occur by simply going to piano lessons. It takes committed practice on a daily basis during the week to put skills covered at the lesson into motion. In order to achieve maximum benefit from weekly lessons students must be prepared to allocate a period of time to practise each day. It is expected that students will practise regularly and prepare lessons as assigned. Parents are responsible and should assist the student to arrange a regular practise time free from interruptions and distractions. Practise times will vary for each student dependant on their level however all homework will be clearly specified in their journal. Students will be assigned tasks on a weekly basis with each task being assigned a box for student confirmation of completion. For an indication of your child’s progress please consult the journal. For more detailed information of progress please discuss this with either Mrs Tania or Miss Jessica during lesson time or a suitable time outside of lesson time can be arranged.
Parents of young students may need to encourage and/or prompt students to practice from time to time. It should be noted that practice should not be seen as a chore; it is simply an extension of the music lesson. As much as possible try and sit in on practice sessions and become familiar with the names of the pieces your child is playing and perhaps ask them to play particular pieces for you. It is great encouragement for a child when parents ask to hear them play, know their pieces by name and are familiar with their progress.
Although this is a private piano studio, and is not affiliated wth any school, it is no less an educational institution--and must be regarded as such. It is the position of this studio that piano lessons are to be treated with the same level of importance as any other subject your child may be studying in school. It is also the position of this piano studio that sporting events and other extracurricular activities are not considered valid excuses for not practicing during the week. As an instructor of piano, we would no more accept this reasoning than any other teacher at an educational institution. Please respect our curriculum and our commitment to your child's musical education by maintaining a priority level for piano studies equal to that of other school subjects - regard it as a "private extension" of academics that would otherwise be unavailable to your child.
Examinations
The Piano Academy offers students the opportunity to sit for Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) examinations. Parents are reminded that examinations are not a teaching method but simply a gauge of progress against thousands of students across Australia. Some students work better with examinations than others. Please discuss with your teacher if you wish for your child to sit for examinations as they will not automatically be attempted each year. Students wishing to attempt exams against teacher’s advice must enter privately. Gradings do vary from examiner to examiner and results are not always predictable. In some cases students will fail to achieve the results desired or receive undeservedly expected results, The Piano Academy does not accept the ultimate responsibility.
More Information
For more information please do not hesitate to contact Tania Rashidi via phone or email: 0419 449 733 or thepianoacademy@hotmail.com
