 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Piano Lessons
Piano Lessons with Rucksack Music.For 13 years, now, I have been running music groups for little ones and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Watching the children develop has been enthralling for me and, being a reasonably good pianist, I have decided to take this on to a further step to teach the piano as well. A general rule of thumb for teaching little ones; let them just enjoy the music that they experience. Surround your child with as much music as you can; experiment with sounds and generally “experience” as much as you can with them – so that if, as they get older, they have a desire to learn an instrument – their innate sense of musicality has been nurtured, giving them a head start. As a child, I learned to play the piano from an early age ( I think I was about 5 when I started). I had the basics in letters and numbers and this really helped me to grasp the music notation. My style of teaching is through exploration of sound and symbol; taking small steps with all aspects of the technique of playing and listening and is based on the idea that pupils will learn more if they are HAVING FUN! The emphasis is on learning music through the piano and that’s what my starting point is. When you choose a teacher for your child – make sure that, as in all aspects of life, you feel comfortable with that teacher and that your child does too. Different teachers suit different pupils and, as with my approach to my music groups, my style will hopefully suit your child – but it may not! Come to the lessons and expect to join in. Clap along to the rhymes that we do; sing with us and make noise. Be prepared to participate and to encourage and support your childs’ development with each lesson.
Lessons:Lessons will last for either 30 or 60 minutes depending on your child. A detailed notebook will be kept outlining the lessons aims and objectives; the homework to be done and the progress of your child. As your child progresses – new material will be introduced and this will include books – for both practical piano playing and theory. All materials will be charged to the parents – but these will not be huge and will be spread out throughout the term.
Rates:
Fee Payments:I am happy to accept cheques made out to Amy Maguire. If you wish to pay weekly, this is fine, but generally, I will ask for a payment of 4 lessons in advance. All lessons are held at my home address in Kirk Michael.
Expectations:As with the expectations that you will have of me; I will have expectations of you and your child. In order for your child to progress with their lessons; they need to be encouraged to practice and to do their homework. As the lessons begin – this will not be too onerous but without the regular practice and encouragement – the time spent teaching and, therefore, learning in each lesson – will be somewhat wasted. Stars and rewards for progress will be a regular feature of the piano lessons and, in order to encourage practice and development, a small concert will be held once a term for parents and other pupils.
Cancellations:I would be grateful if you would give me at least 24 hours notice if your child (or you) cannot attend a lesson; although as a parent myself – I DO understand if you are unable to attend for health reasons. A general rule of thumb would be that if less than 24 hours notice is given – I will charge half the fee for the lesson but if I am given no notice that the pupil cannot attend; then I will charge the full fee. If more than 24 hours notice is given (ie the day before I am rung or emailed to cancel the lesson) then no fees will be charged and we will try to sort out, together, another lesson that week.
A little about me:As I said, I started learning the piano when I was 5 years old and attained Grade 8 when I was 17, as well as an A Level in Music that same year. I went on to get a Diploma in Higher Education – but decided, at that time, not to go on to teach the piano, as I had aspirations to work in the community and did so for several years – before coming self employed; working with children (as a childminder at first) and then setting up Rucksack Music (in 1997) where my love for music AND working with children developed. Moving to the Isle of Man (in 2007) gave me a calmer pace of life and so I realised that my love of sharing music could also be attained by teaching the piano. My skills in this area are growing and in order to attain more and teach to a more advanced level – I will be seeking to learn more and gain more certificates in teaching. The Royal School of Music has several courses and, of course, my own personal development as a pianist is ongoing. I make no bones about the fact that I am still learning as a teacher but my love of music is something that I hope will come across to the pupils that I teach.
Courses taken to date:
I have a family of my own. A teenage son in Yr 9 and an electrician husband. We have settled well on the island and are pleased to call it our home. I also run Family Manx Magazine – which is a passion of mine and my other “day job” so to speak. If you would like to discuss the idea of your child learning the piano or if you would like to learn yourself – just give me a call on 225577 and we can take things from there. Many thanks . |
