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HOW TO PRACTICE SCALES:

Practice hands alone until the fingering feels natural, then slowly play hands together being careful to use the correct fingering. Your fourth finger only plays one key, so make sure you remember what key that is. This will help you to play correctly.

Play your scales at different dynamic levels–each hand playing the same dynamic level, or each hand playing different dynamics.

Play your scales in different rhythms. Be creative.

Play scales with different touches;  i.e., staccato or legato.  When playing legato, be sure each key connects to the next so your playing will sound smooth. Do not punch the keys.

As you practice, use the metronome to gradually increase the tempo of your scale playing. Increasing the tempo one increment at a time is more successful than trying to play allegro all at once.

For the advanced student, be sure your arms are moving your hands, not the other way around. Float over the keys.

Lesson Length:  I give private 30-minute lessons once a week all year round.

Lesson Content:  My students learn scales, chords, and arpeggios. Beginning students work in a lesson book, a performance book, and a theory book. Fun pieces are included often. More advanced students study classical literature, theory, and fun pieces.

Performance Class:  I hold a 45-minute long performance class once a month for my students with a goal of having them learn and memorize a composition to perform for their peers. After everyone performs, we play a game to review theory facts. And, to top it off at the end, we have refreshments.

Piano Recital:  I give my students a piano recital once a year in the spring. This is a big dress-up event when my students refine their pieces and show what they can do. Parents, family, grandparents, and friends are invited.

If you are interested in piano lessons, please contact me by e-mail at bkegroberts@hotmail.com.

If you are inquiring about lessons for your child, please tell me his age and if he is a beginner, or how much piano instruction he has had. Include your telephone number and I will call you.

Thank you.

The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is among one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal. Although not portable and often expensive, the piano’s versatility and ubiquity have made it one of the world’s most familiar musical instruments.