THE FOUNDATION LESSONS
SPECIAL COVID ONLINE/GROUP IN PERSON LESSON FEES (SEPT. - JUNE):
Breakdown:
| 9 week term of beginner classes: | $99.00 |
| Registration fee: | $46.00 |
| Location/services fee: | $55.00 |
| Music song/theory books: | $34.00 |
| First term beginner fees total: | $234.00 |
Cash, cheques or e-transfers will be accepted (N.S.F. charges on cheques will apply).
Every nine weeks of one hour beginner classes is $99.00. Minimum enrolment is one full term.
The beginner book fee includes music & theory (writing) books and the practice agenda that the piano students will be using in the first term.
As students continue and progress they might require additional books throughout the year. These would be available when needed and charged at that time.
Each subsequent beginner term of 9 weeks would be $99.00 plus any additional books as needed. Terms run consecutively from September until June.
ONLINE/IN PERSON PRIVATE LESSON FEES:
Breakdown:
| Annual registration fee: | $46.00 |
| Music song/theory books: | $34.50 |
| Lessons per week: | $30.00 |
All lessons are paid in advance by the month.
An e-transfer can be sent to payments@howmars.com with the password: piano1 before the start of the lesson or cash or cheque at the beginning of the first lesson of the month. Please include your child’s name on all payments to ensure that they are credited. There is a late fee of $4 a week.
As a courtesy to the other students before and after you, please be punctual with your arrival and departure times to avoid disturbing the lessons of others. There is a $2 a minute fee for late pickup.
If reasonable notice is given (24 hours or more), a lesson can be rescheduled to an alternate time. Any missed lessons not rescheduled in advance will not be made up or refunded.
THREE TIERED CURRICULUM:
Rudimentary
Introductory - level 4
GROUP LESSONS
We will focus on:
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The keys, mainly around middle C, using the correct finger numbers
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The correct hand position and a smooth, musical touch
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Note names as well as the note values
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Developing the ear to recognize intervals and rhythms
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Using the voice to sing the note names, note values and count the beats
Intermediate
levels 5 - 7
GROUP LESSONS
We will focus on:
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An expansion of the understanding of music theory and notation
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More intermediate concepts studied to further develop fluency in reading and writing music
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Heavier focus on technique and fluidity
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Exploration of intricate rhythms and polytonality
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Futher development of musical interpretation
Advanced
levels 8 - 11
PRIVATE LESSONS
We will focus on:
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High level of proficiency
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A wider range of styles and historical periods
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Curriculum includes RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music)
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Technique increased to support the complexity of the pieces
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Striving towards a well-rounded musical interpretation for a polished performance
SONGS:
All piano class students should bring their song books and music writing books and a pencil, ruler and colouring pencils to every piano class. If possible the music writing books will stay at the school so that we will always have them available to us.
Piano class students will get a date stamp in their song book on each new song to indicate what is expected to be practiced.
For every song that is played properly, a merit stamp will be given. All dated songs without a merit stamp should continue to be practiced.
REPORT CARDS:
A music progress report card will be given to each student at the end of each term. Your piano lesson report card will be thorough and will contain your grades in multiple areas along with comments.
PIANO EXAMINATIONS:
First year piano class students should manage to be well prepared for their first year piano examination. There are two parts of the piano examinations, music writing called: theory and the playing part called: practical. The exams are held in May. Two quality frameable certificates are issued with your children's names printed on them.
RECITAL:
For students that are prepared there will be a nice piano class recital one evening in June for the piano class students to perform for their parents, other family members and friends that may wish to attend. Students must know their song(s) to be invited to perform in the recital.
OVERVIEW:
Usually, students that give up did not bring their music books to class and did not practice at home. You can do it! Bring your books! Practice! Practice for at least 10 minutes at home every day.
These piano classes have been in various schools across Canada for ninety years! Most beginning piano students have managed to have a great success with learning to read music to play the piano!
What About You?
Many piano class students have become very successful composers, performers and even piano teachers!
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Warmest Regards,
Your Piano Teacher's