with Lori Cummings

I start taking children as young as Kindergarten-aged.  We use various methods to learn the notes on the keyboard and the notes on the staff, a few at a time and expanding once out they are confident in playing with these notes.  Most of the music used in the beginner stages is music Lori has composed or arranged and has for sale (see below for the link).  As the students become more confident in their reading, we expand into various song styles and songs they may request that are in the same note range.  We follow basically the same style of counting as the school system (Kodaly) for consistency, although we sometimes add our own fun words to help us in some challenging spots.  Proper fingering is insisted to set up good habits for when we progress to more challenging music.  We also used a variety of games and send games home to use when practicing. 

 

We eventually expand to using two hands, using two different positions and learning all the notes on the staff as the student is ready to progress. 

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All lessons are designed based on the level of the student, their needs musically, their interests, their learning style and any challenges they may have.  

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Games are frequently used to reinforce a concept. 

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Parent participation is encouraged for the younger children in this age group during online lessons.  

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Practice requirements:  For students in K-2: 15-20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. 

                                  For students in Grades 3-5: 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.