All study at the Gray School of Music is done in private or group lesson format. Individual attention is given to each pupil’s learning rate and needs. The amount of time needed for a lesson is determined by the age, ability of the student, practice habits, and number of extra-curricular activities. Periodically, performance classes will be scheduled with children of the same age to practice performing for recitals and festivals. Parents are invited to attend any or all of their child’s music lessons. Children learn faster if music is a family affair.
Private piano for children features an optional 15-minute self-paced theory lesson using workbooks or computer programs. Festivals are offered twice a year as well as solo recitals in December and in May. Participation is optional. Teachers are specialists in leading the student through creative, engaging, enjoyable lessons that yield pianist that can read and perform well.
Lessons are usually taught on campus. Gray School of Music now also offers an optional In-Home Piano Service for busy families needing this convenience:
| DAY | CLASS TIMES Summer & Fall 2016-17 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 4:30 | ||
| Tuesday | 2:15 | ||
| Wednesday | 2:30 | 3:45 | 5:00 |
| Thursday | 2:45 | 3:30 | 3:45 |
| Friday | 2:45 | 3:30 | 4:15 |
| Other days and times are available. Classes can start at any time during the year, whenever a group is organized. You can join a pre-existing class. | |||
Keyboard Kids provides a piano education in a fast-paced class setting for children ages 4 to 7. Piano class provides a format of theory games, fun sheets, and engaging music in groups of 3 to 6 students. The musical curriculum is specifically written for piano groups ages 4-7.
It is fun to begin piano lessons with new piano friends. Keyboard kids focuses on piano while building a foundation in music which can later be translated to any instrument as the child matures. Students learn to correctly count rhythms, names of keys on the piano, as well as the fundamentals of staff note reading
Students progress over several years through a graduated course of staff note reading which ultimately creates musical independence. Various class piano curriculums are used depending on the age and ability of each class. Carpool with a friend and enjoy the fun of learning to play the piano together.
Beginning group classes for Keyboard Kids are taught by Ellie Zeng
We now teach ages 4 and up in guitar with our new Suzuki guitar instructor Erin Johnson.
Lessons are taught in a private 30-45 minute lesson. Private and partner lessons are available. Basic to advanced concepts and techniques will be taught. Teachers are proficient in all styles of guitar from electric to acoustic, rock to classic. Performance opportunities with solo and ensemble experiences are offered periodically during the year. Students are required to bring their own guitar to lessons.
Lessons are taught in a private 30 to 45 minute lesson. Basic to advanced concepts and techniques will be taught. Students are required to bring their own instrument except in drums where students needs only mallets. Performance opportunities with solo and ensemble experiences are offered periodically during the year. (Applies to all instruments except piano and voice)
Voice lessons are taught in a private 30-minute or 45-minute lesson. Basic to advanced singing styles and techniques will be studied.
Children’s Singing is taught in a private 30-minute or 45-minute lesson with occasional group activities. Basic to advanced singing styles and techniques will be studied.
Lesson length for adults is based upon time required to cover necessary material. Both adult beginners and adults who have had previous lessons earlier in life will find lessons a wonderful stress-reliever and very rewarding. Flexible scheduling is offered for busy adults.
Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Did you quit piano as a child and now wish that you had not? Are you looking for ways to enrich your life through the arts?
Do you want to learn the basics to better help your children with their music practice?
Adult Class Piano provides a way to accomplish all these goals and more. Our philosophy is that anyone, regardless of age, musical background, or talent can learn music in a fun, relaxed, and pressure-free environment. Groups are limited in size, and classes are held on digital pianos in one of our keyboard labs studios.
All classes meet once per week for one hour.
The first lesson is a free trial class to meet the teacher as well as potential class members and try out the group experience.
Call us at 214-369-7772, or enroll online today.
It is important that all students continue their musical studies during the summer. For the beginning student, constant review of the fundamentals is needed for continued progress with their instrument. For more advanced students, the summer is a time to begin new repertoire for fall festivals and recitals for the fall. For piano students, it is also the best time to review for the state theory test.
Lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes in length. A 15-minute computer component is optional in the summer for piano students in grades 3 – 6. See the tuition chart at the back of this handbook for current rates.
Each student enrolled in the Gray School of Music must participate in at least SIX private lessons during the summer term, in order to enroll the following year. Each individual teacher will schedule private lessons from from June 1 to August 15 in an appointment book available at the school. Parents can sign up in the appointment book at different times in order to accommodate different camp and vacation schedules during the summer. During the summer, families are billed by the lesson rather than by the month.
Scheduling of days and times is flexible to allow students to plan around camps and family vacations. Families who have plans in the summer that prevent them from taking summer lessons need to discuss this with their teachers. Each request will be reviewed individually.
Separate from private lessons, Gray School of Music also offers several summer camps for grades K-12. These camps offer broader instruction in a variety of instruments. Summer camps have a different set of policies and tuition than private lessons. See the Camps page for details.
PLEASE REFER TO THE CALENDAR ON THE INSIDE FRONT COVER WHERE WE HAVE LISTED SPECIFIC DATES OF EVENTS, HOLIDAYS, AND SCHOOL TERMS.