Rebekah Carter's Piano Studio

I offer classical piano instruction with an emphasis in strong musical literacy and development of a core foundational technique to facilitate and support artistic playing.  To achieve this, students study repertoire from a variety of composers and eras; study musicianship skills including scales, arpeggios, and chords; develop technique intentionally through exercises; learn musical vocabulary within the lesson and through memorization; and develop central music skills in the areas of sight reading, ear training, and rhythm.

Students learn best when they feel ownership over their own learning and musical development.  I encourage students to engage in their learning during the lesson and during at-home practice, to ask questions, to speak up when clarification is needed, and to provide their own examples and ideas.  As the instructor, I model practice strategies and provide broad concepts as well as detailed instruction.  I teach the student not only what to practice, but how to practice, developing the student’s mind in the area of problem-solving which will lead to eventual self-directed practice for life-long musical learning and enjoyment.  The student’s responsibility is to respond to instruction by mastering lesson content weekly, ensuring progress and satisfaction.  The student will attend lessons prepared to learn and demonstrate their best playing from the prior week’s practice.

Parents support the student by providing a quality instrument and a focused, stable environment and consistent schedule for the work of practicing.  Parents can encourage the student to perform for them on occasion and can check that assignments are completed prior to the lesson.  Parents of young children will need to read lesson notes to the student and facilitate practice of specific concepts or goals.  The instructor provides regular opportunities to perform throughout the year; parents will stay informed of these opportunities, register students for events, and ensure students are on time with all necessary materials and dress attire.  The instructor will communicate regularly with parents about events, policies, and any updates, utilizing email, in person communication, phone calls, the studio Facebook page, and website.

It is the instructor’s responsibility to create an atmosphere of openness in which the student can safely make mistakes and learn confidently.  The instructor will communicate weekly practice expectations clearly, while respecting each student’s individual learning needs and pacing.  The instructor is committed to the continual practice of her discipline through her own training and performing, and will remain current on best teaching practices and curriculum offerings through regular attendance of professional development opportunities, thus presenting a dynamic, current, and genuinely artistic lesson to her students every week.