Welcome to the Clive Piano Studio!
I specialize in students who have a true passion for the piano. Focus is on excellence rather than competence. Weekly private lessons as well as monthly group classes are the core of the program.
My main areas of emphasis include learning good practice techniques and habits, developing superior notereading skills, learning and refining a natural and relaxed technique and tone through scales, chords, arpeggios and etudes, theory, as well as the refinement and polish of pieces through musicianship and performance skills.
Families may choose from a variety of activities to participate in throughout the year, including Sonatina Competition, Fall Festival Concertos, Monster Concert, Bach Festival, Certificate of Achievement, Gold Cup "Spring" Festival, and other competitions. Students are required to participate in our 2 annual recitals. Students also perform for their classmates in a monthly group class. Teaching continues throughout the summer. I generally take 4-6 weeks off each summer.
Why piano?
The remarkable set of skills music study and music making teach last a lifetime. And these benefits are applicable to every student, not just those who are gifted or those who want to go into the music profession. An overview of some of these skills might include the following:
- Perception and refinement of aural, visual, and tactile information
- Virtuosity in abstract, conceptual thinking
- Ability to program and develop physical responses
- Expression of emotion and attention to balance and individual identity
- Dealing with the preparation, disappointment, and triumph of performance
Taken in its totality, the package is unbelievably powerful, so much so in fact, that it has virtually no competition in any other academic discipline or human endeavor. The benefits begin from the first lesson and continue working through every musical experience in the student's life.
What to Expect when taking Piano Lessons
The decision to study piano should not be made on the spur of the moment or without considering what to expect before lessons begin.
Tuition: expect to get what you pay for. In particular with beginners, I urge you to select the best teacher you can afford, scrimping in other areas if necessary to pay the fee. Laying a good foundation is the most important thing. Beginners are very sensitive to poor teaching and bad habits are nearly impossible to fix.
Materials and fees: materials and festival fees will average around $150 per year. Make a deposit in the summer for the upcoming school year.
Time: You might find a great teacher next door, but chances are you won't. Expect to spend at least 30-45 minutes each week in drive time. Probably it will be more like 45-60 minutes in total drive time. This is in addition to the lesson time. Group lessons require extra time.
Other commitments: If your child has scouts on Monday, church on Wednesday, gymnastics on Tuesday, and soccer twice a week, will they be able to add piano practice every day? Will they be exhausted enough to focus? How will other family members meet their scheduled obligations? A great guideline is: one activity at a time besides piano per child. As the child gets older, you may be able to add a second activity in addition to schoolwork and piano. Over-scheduling is a major cause for burnout in children studying music. Be wise!
Instrument: you will need a regularly tuned acoustic piano (not the plug in kind). You can buy or rent one from Dunkley. Craig's list is a great place to snap up a good piano. It shouldn't be too old. Do not place it where it will get direct sunlight. Plan to have the instrument tuned regularly, every 6 months.
Space: put the piano in a space where the child can practice without having to struggle to concentrate. Perhaps family members will need to vacate the room. Family members need to agree to honor practice time by not distracting the student.
Parents and practice: parents should plan to sit with the student and practice for the first several years. Many children grow to hate piano because they are left at the piano by themselves.
Time: I strongly urge you to plan a regularly scheduled practice time. Home practice will go much more smoothly for everyone this way. Also, children make the best progress if they practice every day, not just cramming on weekends. Most kids do best if practicing is right after school (after a snack and bathroom break), or before school in the morning. This leaves plenty of time to play.
Interest: if your child was not interested in piano in the first place, you should probably choose another hobby to purse which engages their passion. However, with children who had/have an interest in music and the piano from the beginning, you can still expect that interest will vary with their age and other changes and life stages.
Attitude: it should be made clear to all family members that music study requires effort on everyone's part. At times, there might even be inconvenience. The money has to come from somewhere, furniture may have to be moved around, the daily schedule must be arranged so there is quiet during practice time, etc. Siblings should not nag to come play when a child is practicing. Lead by example. With structure and support, your piano journey will be well worth the time and effort!