Piano can be the starting point of the music education for every person beginning from the age of 2 years old, because the piano is considered to be the ‘king’ of all instruments. The piano is the perfect tool for children’s development at the preschool age and elementary school age:
- To produce a sound on the piano and a keyboard is not as hard and challenging as on other instruments.
- It doesn’t require an established music ear to produce a correct sound, like the violin, but it is able to develop the music ear.
- The linear and regular placement of piano keys helps one to understand the rules of music notation.
- To play the piano, both a professional musician and young musician in training has to use both hands equally, and every finger has to work as hard as the others.
- The necessity to apply the vertical placing of music notes to the horizontal layout of the piano keys promotes spatial thinking in the piano player.
- Playing piano has the ability to develop symphonic thinking, like in an orchestra of multiple sounds. Because our perception of music is the perception of space in sounds, and vice versa, melody gives the feeling of time.
- Considering all of these advantages, the piano could become a tutor for every child learning the music language from early childhood through young adulthood.
Weekly Lessons
The core of your child’s piano instruction takes place during the weekly half-hour lesson. These lessons are one-on-one between your instructor and child.
Weekly Practice
Each student is expected to work on the skills and pieces as appropriate for their skill level during the days between their one-on-one lessons. (To make the repetition of regular practice more enjoyable we have a reward-based incentive program for our eager learners.)
Performance Classes
Throughout the year, students meet in small groups to practice performing in front of a live audience. Performance practices are studied and reviewed with a few musical games played just for fun!. Classes are an hour in length. Private lessons are not held during Performance Class weeks.
Annual Performance Class Schedule
- September – Summer Star Pieces
- October – Halloween Music
- November – Holiday Program
- February – Student’s Choice Repertoire
- April – Recital Repertoire
- May – Recital Repertoire Rehearsal
Student Recitals
Formal student recitals are offered twice during the school year. Holiday Recitals in December and Spring Recitals in May. The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria hosts both events. Recitals are not mandatory. Only students who are prepared to perform in public are encouraged to participate. A dress code for all performing artists must be followed. Girls, dresses and Boys, coat and tie. Parents, guests, friends and fans are all invited to be a part of our audience. A reception follows to honor our young musicians.
To enroll your child in private piano lessons or for additional information, please contact:
Julie Zupan, Instructor
Alexandria Piano School
18 W. Cedar Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22301
tel: 571.257.5959
email: julie@alexandriapianoschool.com.