ONLINE AND IN-PERSON LESSONS
ONLINE AND IN-PERSON LESSONS
Natale creates tailored lessons for each student to fit his or her interests, goals, abilities, budget and schedule. The methods used are based on the ABRSM curriculum; however, Natale pulls from many different sources to bring her students a well-rounded piano education. To keep costs down, Natale tries to find free, legal, online music or creates the music using music software. She already has a large database of original compositions that she uses in her lessons. There is no need purchase books and sheet music for the first two years of lessons. Natale has high expectations for her musicians and always wants to challenge them with new pieces and concepts.
Natale has taught piano to students of all ages and levels for over 30 years. She has an Undergraduate Degree from the University of Missouri and a Masters Degree in Teaching through the University of Southern California. She enjoys teaching, composing, performing, accompanying, and reading, and writing.
Technology is used during the piano lessons. Students are encouraged to take audio or video of themselves throughout the week for feedback and encouragement! Weekly lesson plans are kept up to date using shared Google Docs for parents and students. Besides owning a beautiful grand piano, Natale has two electric Yamaha Clavinova pianos in her home studio that keep students engaged with the hundreds of sound samples and recording options. In addition, short music theory videos with worksheets are introduced into lessons, as well.
Recitals are held twice a year in Natale's home, which gives students a chance to perform in front of others and to demonstrate what they have learned. In addition, she hosts Soirees for adults and Piano Parties for kids as a means for students and friends to gather socially and share their enthusiasm and appreciation for the piano. Additional opportunities to perform include venues such as senior homes and the Steinway Gallery.
Piano recitals for school-aged students are scheduled twice a year in Natale's home. This year there will be two VIRTUAL recitals(All Girls and All Boys).
The dates are still to be determined.
CANCELLED due to COVID-19
Soireés are scheduled for adults and older teens on occasional Sunday evenings for students and music lovers in the nearby community. Natale's older students prefer to play in front of other adults at these fun, social gatherings. It is not just piano being heard , but all kinds of music; singing, guitar, violin, etc.- and there are even poetry readings and story telling! All are welcome simply by sending an RSVP to pianonatale@gmail.com or to the contacts page of this web site.
The next VIRTUAL Soiree is scheduled for :
NOVEMBER 8th, 2020 at 5pm
To request an invitation please contact Natale at:
Accepts
SUMMER SEMESTER (JUNE 1st- mid-August 2021)
Summer semester lesson times are flexible and can be arranged by sending an email to pianonatale@gmail.com with suggested times and dates. Current students who want to reserve a spot for the following school year must take at least eight lessons (minimum 30 minutes) during the summer semester. Students can already reserve their next year spot once the eight summer lessons are chosen, confirmed, and paid for.
When should my child begin piano lessons?
Five to six years is the best age to start piano lessons. Of course, there are always exceptions! Children should at least know left from right, letters and numbers, and be able to sit still for 10-20 minutes at a time.
How can I prepare my child for piano lessons?
To prepare your your child for piano lessons, listen to all kinds of PIANO music, dance, clap, and sing with him or her! There are tons of OPPOSITES in piano music that you can teach your child at home: black vs. white keys, groups of two black vs. three black keys, numbers vs. letters, loud vs. quiet, fast vs. slow, up vs. down, high vs. low, right vs. left, sharps vs. flats, treble clef vs. bass clef, lines vs. spaces, melody vs. harmony, major vs minor. You can also teach your child that each finger is a number. For example, Thumb is #1, Pointer is #2 , Middle Finger is #3, Ring Finger is #4 and Pinky is #5. Check out the Lesson Plans for beginners on this website, too!