Services

 

Suzuki piano lessons

I offer Suzuki piano lessons for young children, aged 3 and older. Not all children are ready to start formal lessons at the age of 3 and in, some cases, are better suited to toddler and pre-school music classes as preparation for individual lessons. In such cases, I can offer a referral to an appropriate service, and prospective students are always welcome to re-establish contact when the child is "ready". Suzuki lessons involve learning music by ear at the beginning and then when confidence, technique and fluency are established, reading is gradually introduced. The method focusses on technique, producing a beautiful sound, and creating a positive and nurturing environment for the student. It relies heavily on parental support. For more information about Suzuki lessons and what they involve, click on the "for parents" link at the top of this page.

 

Duration: 20-30 minutes

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Traditional piano lessons

Traditional piano lessons involve reading music from the time a student commences lessons. This method is suitable for older beginners or more advanced students who have already been learning for some time. Unfortunately, places for traditional method  lessons are limited due to the priority given to Suzuki students.

 

Duration: 30-40 minutes

 

Music theory lessons

Theory lessons are normally conducted on a one to one basis. I have experienced an increasing demand for lessons of this kind due to the additional requirements for AMEB practical exams (see below) and the desire for students to move quickly through the grades with a high level of support. Lessons are usually 30 minutes long and involve working through a specified theory of music text, practising Italian terms every week, revising with traditional paper-based and/or online practice exams, and receiving personalised feedback during lessons.

 

AMEB examination*            AMEB additional requirement

G6 Practical Pass                G2 Theory of Music or Musicianship or Music Craft

G7 Practical Pass                G3 Theory of Music or Musicianship or Music Craft

G8 Practical Pass                G4 Theory of Music or Musicianship or Music Craft

AMusA Practical Pass        G5 Theory of Music or Musicianship or Music Craft

LMusA Practical Pass        G6 Theory of Music or Musicianship or Music Craft

 

* Table from “Additional and Prerequisite Requirements”, ‘Regulations’, Australian Music Examinations Board , accessed on 15 April 2014, http://www.ameb.edu.au

 

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Research & essay consultations

I provide research and essay consultations for VCE and university-level students wanting feedback on music history projects and essay writing. Feedback is limited to what can be acheived in one hour and the priorities or needs of the student but it can involve locating appropriate resources relevant to the student's topic, forming an effective research strategy, citing sources (formulating footnotes or endnotes) and constructing bibliographies, feedback on writing and structuring essays, editing and proofreading.

 

Duration: 1 hour