TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

1. It is my belief that all students have a seed of ability which, nurtured by patience combined with a method conducive to the learner's ability, can unearth the innate talent and accomplishment of the novice pianist.
2. We must embrace the fact that music is the universal language of sound, the only language which can be understood and expressed cross–culturally, and that exposure to music education and its possibilities may lead to a great understanding of all peoples and developing of a fuller and richer quality of life.
3. Exposure to music education and its possibilities is essential to (i) a great understanding of all peoples and (ii) developing a fuller and richer quality of life.
4. eaching music as a second language - the language of sounds will naturally develop the importance of listening to the interpretation of sound created when the source of sound is heard. With this foundation?–?expressive performances, musical compositions, tone, touch, voicing, memorization and other skills become naturally imbedded.
5. To develop perceptive strength and strategy for learning this art, making the process one of ease and discovery. Therefore from the inception of learning, the skills of analysis, practice, perseverance and memorization are encouraged. These skills are essential in moving the young pianist to great heights.
6. Memorization frees the artist to feel the music. We can each experience the passion, tranquility and joy of music. It is part of our Divine inheritance, just waiting to blossom.
7. A pianist playing from the soul can touch the heart of man. Music is peace. Peace brings joy.
8. Developing respect for repertoire and performance must begin as early as the elementary level.
9. Functionality and repertoire must partner together to incorporate not only the experiences gained from recitals and competition, but also to embrace practical life experiences.

MUSIC EDUCATION/LEVEL CLASSIFICATION

Music Education
Classes are offered for all ages and levels. The teaching program is divided into 2 curriculum plans - (i) beginning kindergartners through musically advanced pianists and (ii) adult sessions for beginning and continuing music education. Adult classes are customized to fit the needs and goals of the individual.

Plan #1 - Student levels comply with the guidelines of both the National Federation of Music and the American College of Musicians. These Levels apply to both General Music Studies and the Hobbyist Program.

Classification Levels
Pre-Primary; Primary (I-IV); Elementary (I-IV);
Intermediate; Moderately Difficult (I-III); Difficult (I-II);
Very Difficult (I-II); and Musically Advanced (I-II).

Plan #2 - Adult classes are catered to fit the individual needs or goals of the student. Alfred's Adult Teaching books Levels 1-3 are recommended for use in conjunction with other learning materials recommended by the tutor.

Teaching sessions are a bit more aggressive and fast-paced. Usually (with attention to practice and homework assignments) an adult student can accomplish great feats of learning within the first 6 months of classes.

TEACHING SESSIONS

Private one-on-one sessions are offered both in-Studio and in-Home. Weekly lessons are scheduled for either 1 hour or 45 minutes time frames predicated on the student's level, age and style of learning. Please note that 30 minutes sessions or Group sessions are not offered by the Studio. It is impossible to conduct a well rounded learning session in 30 minutes.

Therefore in TWO or more-Sibling households, more often than not, time will be alternated during weekly sessions. This is called the "ALTERNATE ROUNDED SPLIT"-45 minutes and 30 minute sessions resulting in each student receiving at least 2-45 minute and OR 2-30 minute session per month.

The ideal plan would be for each student to have FOUR-45 minute or 1 Hour session per month.

Note: A student who receives weekly 1 hour lessons tends to advance at a faster pace than those limited to 30-minute sessions.

Note: When time is split between siblings, it is essential that parents supervise and encourage homework practice sessions. There is not enough time for drill-practice during lesson time.

Note: A balanced lesson consists of :

1. Finger dexterity exercises-scales or Schmitt or Hanon etc; work on posture, body and hand position.
2. Technique reinforcement
3. Review of written Home Work and marking of previous lesson Home Work.
4. Repertoire-New or refining of the Old
5. Lesson Review with student to ensure that everything covered is understood and home work assignments clearly defined.

Note: The last 5-10 minutes of the teaching session is allotted for review with the student, and parents are welcomed, to sit in on the lesson summary.

STUDIO RECITALS

All students are encouraged to perform in studio recitals. This gives them the opportunity to show off their accomplishment and skills before their peers, parents, friends and relatives.

There are three recitals each school year:

1. The Annual Grand Recital Dinner & Awards Ceremony held in the Fall ~ [open to family and friends per invitation]
2. Annual Theme Party-developed to motivate the younger learner. Themes vary from 'Tea for Two" Duet Parties; or Masquerade Piano Parties, etc. ~ [private party open to only immediate family]
3. Winter Serenade-End of year performance and celebration festivities held separately for the Junior and Senior groups of students ~ [private party open to only immediate family]

Note: The latter 2 events are usually hosted by a student family and attention and respect is given not to over populate the Host Home.

ANNUAL GRAND RECITAL DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY

The Annual Grand Recital & Dinner is scheduled for the First Saturday OR Sunday in October each year. This is the Studio's formal and most important annual event. It is the Grand Recital, Student Awards Ceremony & Dinner. Each child is expected to attend and perform one piece from memory. Please schedule this event on your calendars and be sure to attend. [Note: Festival or Guild participants select either a required or choice piece for this performance, and Hobbyists select 1 piece from their repertoire list.]

WINTER SERENADE RECITAL

This is the end of year party and celebration held on the first Saturday or Sunday in December each year. Students' performances are open to immediate family only. Memorization is encouraged and Festival participants are obliged to play their second festival selection. (Selection must differ from that performed in October). This event is sponsored and supported by both teacher and parents, and is hosted by volunteer parent.

UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

Each year, students are selected to participate in a teacher workshop conducted by retired University of Central Florida Professor of music Gary Wolf. Each student performs before several teachers and officials from the Local Federation of Music Teachers. Each session is followed by constructive comments and tutoring by Dr. Wolf.

TEACHER CLINICS

Clinics are held first OR second Saturday in January OR November each year. This is a Performance Master Class. Students preparing for the Guild and Festival auditions are the main focus of each study day. Separate sessions are held for Advanced and Junior students. This is a pre-event warm up workshop and reality-check, the goal of which is to develop focus and help student to refine performance and technique.

This is an interactive workshop designed to develop awareness. This Master Class is hosted at the teacher's studio or a Local Music Center and lasts from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please refer to the Annual Studio Calendar for exact date.

ANNUAL JUNIOR MUSIC FESTIVAL

Music Federation of Florida Festival is held in February each year, usually on the first or second Saturday of February and held at the University of Central Florida. Music selection is based on student Level and ability. The following are required for all entrants: Memorization of 2 pieces of music - a required selection from Federation Syllabus and a Choice piece taken from current student repertoire.

Note: A festival Gold Cup is presented to students accumulating 15 points. Students are encouraged to maintain consecutive Superiors for 3 years. Three years of Superior Grades equate to 15 points.

A 15 point score is the qualification to obtain the first level Federation Gold Cup.

ANNUAL STATE COMPETITION

This event is usually held out of town-University of North Florida, Jacksonville. Eligibility for state competition is dependent on the following: (i) Obtaining a score of Superior at the District Level Junior Music Festival mentioned above. (ii) Musicianship and outstanding performance capability (iii) and Maturity.

ANNUAL NATIONAL GUILD OF PIANO TEACHERS AUDITION

The primary function of the GUILD is to establish definite goals and awards for students of all ages and abilities. Auditions begin 2nd week of May each year. Students are encouraged and groomed to participate in this event. However, only serious students will be given the opportunity for entry. Repertoire and solid command of scales, cadences, and other skills are important and necessary requirement for entry.

SCHOLARSHIPS & OTHER COMPETITIONS

Scholarships and non-Federation competitions are open to all qualified students prepared to work hard towards repertory excellence and personal advancement. (See instructor for Listing of Available Scholarships.)

The Ruby Holland School of Music awards full and partial scholarships to students with financial need. Further information on qualification requirements can be obtained by checking directly with the school.