Private lessons are taught by our conservatory educated Piano Faculty. Students are placed with a teacher after meeting with the Instrumental Department Head. Lessons take place once a week and are typically 30 minutes or 45 minutes in length. Students are required to have a piano or full-size keyboard at home for daily practice.
The relationship between a student and his/her private teacher is often one of the most formative relationships a child will have with an adult. Our teachers have a deep interest in their students’ artistic and personal development and dedicate themselves to helping your child reach his/her potential. This commitment from our teachers requires a reciprocal commitment on your part to support your child in practicing every day and attending the weekly lessons.
Group Class & Juries
Piano tudents also participate in weekly Piano Group Classes which meet for 45 minutes and include work with music theory and ear-training and a chance for each student to perform a piece in progress and receive feedback. Group classes help to motivate and inspire our students as well as cultivate connections between students and with our entire piano faculty.
At the end of the year, students are invited to play on a yearly jury which includes polished pieces, scales, and sight-reading. Juries help students work towards a goal and mark their progress each year.
Recitals
Student Recitals which include string and piano students are held in the the Fall Semester at our school on West 72nd Street. Our Spring Recitals take place at an outside venue, including The Dimenna Center for Classical Music, OPERA America, and Steinway Hall. Recitals are formal performance opportunities for all students to perform a solo piece for friends, family, and the Silver Music community.
Piano Festival
Piano students perform at our Winter Piano Festival which includes a masterclass and a recital performance featuring all our piano students and faculty. Students perform a combination of solos and four-hand pieces.
Outreach Concerts
Outreach concerts are opportunities for our students to play solo and group pieces for neighborhood audiences who may not otherwise have the chance to hear a live music concert. Outreach concerts are organized throughout the academic year to give students the opportunity to connect with the community and share music.
“My teacher is very funny and makes lessons a joy.” -Thomasina, 10 years old, piano