PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTOR & COLLABORATIVE PIANIST
LOCATED IN CAMAS, WA

Lesson Format Example

Copyright©1991, Debbie Lee Piano Studio. All rights reserved.

Debbie Lee Piano Studio

“Anything you think of doing, however insignificant, should be done immediately. Spur yourself on and carry it through without becoming discouraged. If this becomes an ingrained habit, things you thought were impossible will become possible, and closed doors will open, as you will discover in many ways.”
― Shinichi Suzuki, Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education

Private Lessons

Each student is uniquely different, and the private lessons reflect her or his own needs. The following is an example of a weekly private lesson based on an hour session.

Scales, arpeggios, chords- 10-15 min.
Sight reading, rhythms- 5-10 min.
New repertoire, preview- 10-15 min.
Working pieces- 15-20 min.
Polished piece- 10-15 min.
Review piece- 10 min.

WEEKLY LESSONS
Students in Debbie Lee Piano Studio receive well-rounded music education. The curriculum includes general repertoire studies and analysis, performance artistry, technical proficiency, sight-reading skills, ear-training, music theory, music history, general musicianship, and much more. Each student follows an individually designed curriculum to suit the needs to improve his/her musicianship. The length of weekly lessons is determined based on the student's level of training.

LESSON EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to come to lessons well-prepared from the previous week's assignments, having practiced and given their best effort to all instructions. Students are also reminded that they are learning various concepts in every assigned repertoire, and it takes patience and discipline to master skills that produce excellence.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATIONS
Throughout the year Mrs. Lee's students participate in many performances and educational programs to keep them challenged and motivated in learning piano. Such events include recitals, festivals, workshops, masterclasses,

adjudications (WSMTA Music Artistry Program and OMTA Syllabus), and summer institutes. These events are offered through professional affiliations, including Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Washington Music Teachers Association (WSMTA), Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA), Music Teachers Association of Clark County (MTACC), Suzuki Association of Americas (SAA), and Oregon Suzuki Association. Students and parents are expected to participate in all activities recommended by the teacher to enrich students learning. Please check with the teacher for specific events.

WORKSHOPS
Students' private lessons are supplemented by the workshops three times throughout the school year. Participation is a vital part of students' musical development and the growth in general musicianship and motivation. These classes offer students opportunities to play in a masterclass setting as well as fun activities to strengthen music theory and general musicianship training.

ENSEMBLE
Students at all levels may participate in a piano ensemble. The students who are at the intermediate level and above will have opportunities to play in instrumental chamber ensembles in collaboration with students outside of Debbie Lee Piano Studio.

MUSIC LENDING LIBRARY
All students have access to the lending library. The lending library adds variety to student repertoire and gives students access to a wide selection of pieces without the added expense of acquiring music for a one-time event, such as sight-reading and ensemble repertoire. Students may check the music out as often as necessary, but must agree not to photocopy the copyrighted material. Music must be returned in a good condition and the damaged music will be replaced by the student. Also, other books are available in general music studies and music history, music theory, musicians's biographies, etc. All students are required to purchase their primary books.