Private Studio

We offer thirty minute, forty five minute and one hour piano training in both private and group classes. Children may begin private instruction at the age of 3. Parents also wishing to study with their child may enroll as well. Private lessons consits of a minimum of a half hour of private one-on-one study with a private teacher and a half hour of theory trianing on computer. Theory training also includes dication, pitch and ear training.

Private Lessons - are given to children starting at the age of 3. Parents must accompany children to all lessons. Students may participate in the MTAC, Certificate of Merit Program, The National Guild Program, the Contra Costa Sonata Contest, and the Contra Costa Baroque Festival, as well as Kids Play the Darndest Things, through their membership in this studio. These students participate in one formal recital.

Group Lessons - are offered to children between the ages of 3-12. These lessons utilize self paced computer tutorials with integrated keyboards. Each child may progress at their own pace and is not pushed forward or held back based on other students learning styles. Students in group classes may participate in all of the same programs as private students. These students participate in one formal recital.

Piano Symphony - is offered to students who are level 1 and above. This class teaches students to play in organized groups on orchestrated music. This is a wonderful way for students to learn band skills in preparation for band in school, to learn ensemble skills, and to follow a conductor. These students participate in one formal recital.

Goals of Certificate of Merit:

• To provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear-training and sight reading skills, and understanding of music theory
• To provide practical goals to help students maintain a steady and focused appreciation of their musical studies
• To encourage students to strive for musical excellence
• To create opportunities in which students may share their music

General Information:

Any teacher who is an active, provisional, Cal Plan or student member of MTAC may enroll students in the Certificate of Merit program. There are two categories of enrollment. Path A and Path B. Enrollment in Path A is limited to teachers in good standing who are California residents and who are affiliated with a local branch of MTAC. Registration in Path B is open to any MTAC member teacher in good standing. Path A students are evaluated on an assigned date at a site determined by the local branch of MTAC. These evaluations are administered by state-appointed evaluators. Path B students are evaluated in their home studio by their teacher. Path B evaluations are flexible and may be administered at a time determined by the teacher. Both categories include all elements of the CM program: performance, technique, ear training, sight reading and written theory tests.

Student Opportunities:

• Annual evaluation covering performance, technique, ear training, sight reading, and written theory (Path A and Path B)
• Annual Certificate for passing all phases of the attempted level (Path A and Path B)
• Senior Medallions for graduating seniors who qualify (Path A)
• Branch honors recognition (Path A)
• Convention program performances (Path A)
• Convention Honors programs for Advanced-Panel students: Panel Honors Recitals, Master Classes and Young Artist Guild (Path A)