Marty M.

In piano/keyboard class, we'll start at wherever the student already is, including at the very beginning, if necessary. First, we get to where the letter names of all the keys, black and white, are automatic; then we dive into both streams at once: using notes on the lines and spaces, while developing a working knowledge of scales, intervals and chords--in other words, "music theory." This starts off pretty informational and mechanical, but soon the student has that "Aha!" moment when we're really making MUSIC with the piano. One of the strengths of this program is the repertoire, the library of excellent music the student is exposed to and participating in. With just 15 minutes or so of practice a few times a week, plus our weekly lesson, the student should eventually be able to perform simple songs as a soloist or more advanced songs when playing along with other instruments and singers. (Performing as part of a larger group/band/ensemble is an exciting and rewarding experience, so it's always a "down the road" goal.) And since most of our songs are well known and have lyrics, I encourage my piano students to SING what they're PLAYING! (optional, of course)

In drum class we strive for feeling the movement of the song and using the drum set as a truly musical instrument, to enhance the overall power and beauty of what everybody else in the band is doing. Splitting the brain into the four body parts (two hands, two feet) starts off seeming impossible, but then the student feels the exhilaration of actually doing it. We will explore a little formal drum notation, but then (as with most drumming environments) mostly play without conventional drum notation, using our own, simpler shorthand. We start with playing along to a lot of recorded music, but the goal is to get together with other musicians and play live with other instruments and singers. By the way, it's OK if a family isn't ready to buy a full drum kit right away--there's a whole semester class we can do with just a snare drum. I also like to introduce my drum students to other percussion instruments, so we usually tap some bongos and shake a tambourine (etc.) once in a while.

In singing class, students will be coached through a variety of motivating, popular, singable songs that will give them a love of singing and the self-confidence to participate as singers in many environments, such as concerts, musicals and in-class activities at school, as well as choirs at church or bands formed among friends. We will start with some basic body mechanics and vocal articulation, and then pursue our main goals of: * understanding the written "SCORE" of the sheet music, * hearing/singing the right PITCH, * being part of multiple pitches (singing in HARMONY), * and being able to PROJECT with conviction and enthusiasm. Students will learn to break through all kinds of limitations/inhibitions/stage fright, etc., as they discover that they love singing!