There are several benefits to having In- home lessons. For piano and keyboard students, there is the advantage of having the lesson on their own instrument. Every piano and keyboard sound and feel different. It can be very difficult and frustrating for students who practice at home all week to have their lesson on another instrument that sounds and responds differently.
We have found that students are more relaxed and less nervous having their lesson at home. The result is fewer mistakes, better performance, more confidence and a more successful overall experience.
Students are able to practice right before and after their lesson. The advantage of practicing right before the teacher arrives is great for the student. They can warm up and have the music fresh in their minds and fingers. It is advantageous to practice right after the lesson while it is still fresh in the student’s mind. This will help the student to remember important information that the teacher is trying to convey to them.
One of the main reasons families choose In-home lessons is the convenience. Families are busier than ever with many commitments and activities. It can be difficult to manage your time. Having music lessons in your home is great for you to free up more time that you would be spending driving and waiting during the lessons. This is especially true for families who have several children in lessons.
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At Academy Music, we belief it is important to offer programs that are balanced in their approach between learning the basic fundamentals of technique and theory while keeping it exciting and enjoyable. We have found the Alfred Basic Piano Program to be the perfect balance. There are several beginner books depending on the age of the student.
Alfred Prep Course for 4 and 5 year olds
This course takes into consideration the normal attention span as well as the small-sized hands of the younger beginner. The basics of music are introduced through the use of tuneful but simple music that advances at the proper speed for small children to comprehend and enjoy. There is a theory book that supplements the lesson book. The theory book reinforces the concepts learned in the lesson book.
Alfred Level 1A for 6 and 7 year olds
This course is an easy step-by-step method that emphasizes correct playing habits and note reading through interval recognition. It gives a solid foundation in music theory with its supplementary theory book. The student plays satisfying and entertaining pieces from the very first lesson. Each new challenge brings enjoyment to the student and the teacher, and because the material progresses so carefully, it is problem free.
Alfred Complete Level 1 for 8 year olds and up
This course is especially designed to appeal to the student who starts piano study later than the average beginner. It is also useful for the young student who shows an unusually high musical aptitude. This one book fully presents all the principles introduced in the regular lesson books 1A and 1B of Alfred’s Basic Piano Library. The student moves more quickly to the grand staff, and the book progresses at a faster pace. The student will also work in the theory book that reinforces concepts learned in the lesson book.
Alfred Adult Piano Course
Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course is designed for the adult beginner who wishes to learn the piano quickly by using chords. The course has a number of features that make it particularly successful in achieving this goal. It progresses very smoothly, with no gaps that cause the skipping of hard sections. In addition, it teaches chords for both hands. Because of this, the pieces are more musical and make playing a richer, more rewarding experience. The choice of song material is outstanding, with some popular and familiar favourites mixed with timeful originals, all adding to the fun and enjoyment of making music.
Royal Conservatory Piano Course
The Royal Conservatory Piano Course is a classical piano program for the serious student. Students must have several years of piano background before they can start this course. Each grade level consists of repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century periods. Students studying the Royal Conservatory Piano Program may take examinations once they have met all the requirements. Our instructors will ensure the students are fully prepared for examinations. Students may use their Royal Conservatory examination certificates for credits in high school. Students successfully completing the Royal Conservatory Program may pursue a career in performing and/or teaching.
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The Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method
The Alfred Basic Guitar Method is one of the best beginner guitar programs available. It is designed for students of all ages interested in learning basic popular guitar styles. (For electric and acoustic guitars) It guides the students step-by-step by, teaching them proper technique and theory for both Rhythm and lead guitar styles. This course also comes with an enhanced CD that can be played on the computer or CD player to assist in the practicing. There is a supplementary theory book that works hand in hand with the methods book to reinforce the concepts learned. Teachers will tailor this program to suit the individual student’s needs and interests.
The Hal Leonard Fast Track Guitar Course for 10 years old and up
The Fast Track Guitar Course by Hal Leonard is a new guitar method for older children and adult students that incorporates the use of a play along CD. This CD has many of the songs in the book recorded by a professional band. Pan the CD right to hear the guitar part emphasized. As the student becomes more confident, pan the CD to the left to eliminate the guitar! This will give the students a great opportunity to practice along with a band! Cool! Besides learning to read music, the Fast Track course also teaches power chords, tablature, rock style, blues style, riffs, strumming and scales.
The Royal Conservatory Classical Guitar Program
The Royal Conservatory Classical Guitar Program is a classical guitar course for the serious guitar student. Students must have several years of guitar background before they can start this course; each grade level consists of repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century periods. Students studying the Royal Conservatory Guitar Program may take examinations once they have met all the requirements. Our instructors will ensure the students are fully prepared for examinations. Students may receive high school credits with their examination certificates. Upon completion of the Royal Conservatory Program, students may pursue a career in performing and/or teaching.
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The Academy Music Voice Program is tailored to each individual’s needs and interests. If the student is more interested in formal classical voice training, we offer the Royal Conservatory Voice Program. If the student is more interested in musical theatre or contemporary vocal styles, we can work with them to come up with a program best suited to their individual needs. We recommend that students have a piano or keyboard at home.
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The Suzuki Violin Method for beginners
The Suzuki Violin Method is recognized as one of the best beginner violin methods in the world. Developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the program emphasizes ear development from the very beginning. Dr. Suzuki believes that students should develop basic technical competence on their instrument before being taught to read music. Music is a language just like our speech. Similarly, we learn to speak before we learn to read and write.
The Royal Conservatory Violin Program
The Royal Conservatory Violin Program is a classical violin course for the serious violin student. Students must have several years of violin background such as the Suzuki method before starting this course; each grade level consists of repertoire from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century periods. Students studying the Royal Conservatory Violin Program may take examinations once they have met all the requirements. Our instructors will ensure the students are fully prepared for examinations. Upon completion of the Royal Conservatory Program, students may pursue a career in performing and/or teaching.
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The Hal Leonard Fast Track Drum Course
The Hal Leonard Fast Track Drum Course is a new course that implements the use of a play along CD. This CD has many of the songs in the book recorded by a professional band. Pan the CD to the right to hear the drum part emphasized. Pan the CD to the left to eliminate the drum part. This will give the students a great opportunity to practice along with a band. Cool! Students will learn to play traditional drum notation as well as rock beats, funk grooves, fill patterns, solos and more.
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At Academy Music we offer student opportunities to perform in recitals twice a year in December and June. The recitals are not mandatory, however, we strongly encourage students to participate. Recitals are a great way to build confidence and self esteem in children. Students may use their music books in the recitals. We are aware of how nervous most students get during recitals therefore we try and create a low-pressure atmosphere. There is no cost for our recitals.
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