EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC!
Welcome to Betty Smith’s Music Studio!
This teacher’s approach to music study seeks to develop the whole child, to help unfold his/her natural potential to learn and become a happy, responsible, and caring person. The purpose is not only to develop accomplished pianists, but to help every student find the joy that comes through music-making. Students thrive in an environment of support, developing confidence and self-esteem, the determination to try difficult things, self-discipline, concentration, a lasting enjoyment of music, and sensitivity and skill for making music.
Playing the piano is a wonderful skill. Not only does it involve basic muscle coordination, reading ability, musicality, discipline, and diligent work, but also includes a sense of creativity, achievement, enjoyment, and appreciation for music in general. Recent research indicates that the study of piano can enhance brain development and activity, especially in young children. The following policies are designed to help make your study an enjoyable, worthwhile, and productive experience.
Lessons include solo pieces from the classics, folk tunes, jazz, sacred, and popular repertoire. A combination of private and group lessons enhances other areas such as basic theory, music history and appreciation, ensemble playing, sight-reading, improvisation, transposition, and harmonization.
A binder is provided for taking notes during the lesson and recording assignments. Parents not attending lessons should check these binders weekly for any communication from the teacher. Always feel free to ask questions if something is unclear regarding the teaching points or assignments.
Although practicing is sometimes a chore, playing the piano is a PHYSICAL skill. As such, it requires daily, steady, consistent practice for fast and efficient progress. Only in progressing does a student feel a sense of achievement and enjoyment in the musical experience. It is strongly recommended that the student practice at least 5 days a week. Dr. Suzuki says, “Only practice on the days you eat!” Quality of time is more important than quantity, but it will average 20 minutes for preschoolers (often divided into two 10-minute sessions), 30-40 minutes for elementary and 45 to 90 minutes or more for junior high and up. This time should be scheduled as part of the day’s activities and become a habit not to be broken.
Opportunities are scheduled throughout the school year for students to play for others during group lessons, in recitals (two per school year), in auditions sponsored by music teacher organizations (MTNA, KMTA, KCMTA, KC NFMC), and other events as announced. Participation is encouraged, but never forced. Most auditions are non-competitive in nature and intended to be a positive motivational experience. A calendar of lesson weeks, group lesson weeks, holiday breaks, and activities will be distributed to all students in June and updated in September.
Tuition is based on 38 lessons (33 private and 5 group) from June to May and divided into 12 equal payments for convenience.
Lessons can be in-person (preferred) or online by Zoom.
If you have any would like more information, please email me at bsmithmusicstudio@gmail.com.
THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER
“Music is the language of the heart without words.”
“Art develops a beautiful heart in a person.”
“Every child can learn. Any child can be developed—
Depends on how you do it.”
“Beautiful tone – Beautiful heart.”
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Do not neglect your music; it will be a companion that will sweeten many hours of life to you.
Thomas Jefferson
Don’t play the notes; play the meaning of the notes.
Pablo Casals
Being a musician isn’t about perfection; it’s about passion.
People don’t go to shows to hear a perfect performance; they go to feel something.
Unknown
The music is not in the notes, but in the silence in between.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Your fingers hit the keys; your heart plays the piece.
Unknown