Aaron's Teaching Philosophy Lessons, Incentives, Playing Classes, and Recitals
Aaron wants all of his students to develop a love of music and to love playing the piano. He treats each student individually in order to meet his or her unique needs as a developing musician, choosing music that is both appropriate for the student’s ability and enjoyable for the student to play. Aaron’s students develop a strong foundation in piano theory, technique, and performance. While he emphasizes classical literature in his teaching, students may also choose to study basic jazz and improvization. Students are free to work on “popular” music of their choice during vacations. Aaron also believes in working with students to minimize performance anxiety and increase their confidence at the piano. He emphasizes ways of practicing efficiently so that students get the most out of their practice time between lessons.
Theory and solid piano technique are easily carried over to other instruments that students may eventually choose to pursue. Does the student want to eventually play in the band or other ensemble? How about a symphony orchestra? Perhaps a student wants to study jazz, sing, or become a drummer in a rock band? Aaron wants his piano lessons to be the first step that the student has taken to other instruments and the possibility of a lifetime filled with music.
Lessons
Each student receives 33 individual (private) lessons per school year. Lessons for beginners (1st year students) are 30 minutes. Intermediate students may decide between 45- and 60-minute lessons. Students also participate in two playing classes, one in December and one in May (more below).
Incentives
Aaron believes strongly in positive reinforcement and applies this through his Piano Points incentive program. With this program, students receive points for, among other things, how well and how much they practice at home. Parents are asked to initial the Piano Practice Logs as either “complete” or “incomplete” before the start of each weekly lesson. Aaron explains this system in detail to his students and parents at their first lesson of the year. Parents are always welcome to contact Aaron if they have any questions.
Playing Classes
Playing classes can be thought of as "mini" recitals. Students perform recital-ready pieces in his studio, in front of a small audience of peers and sometimes parents. Playing classes are a natural extension of private lessons as they help students learn how to cope with issues such as nerves and performance anxiety. Aaron arranges students in groups of 4 to 6. Students take turns playing for each other and are encouraged to provide constructive comments, which helps to promote listening skills. Depending on age and level, during class they may go over the “ins and outs” of piano performance, such as arranging the bench, placing hands on the keyboard, locating pedals, taking time to bow, thinking about the music, playing through mistakes, and leaving the stage.
Sometimes students will begin or end the class with an age and skill appropriate group activity such as music math or other ear-training exercises. The two playing classes per year are held in Aaron’s studio. They take place during the weeks preceding recitals in December and May. Due to limited space in his studio, only one parent per student is welcome and encouraged to attend the playing class.
Recitals
Recitals are another natural extension of piano lessons. Recitals give students the opportunity to perform the pieces they have worked on during the year. Recitals are held at Marylhurst University in December and May.