When I took piano lessons throughout elementary, middle, and high school, my options were limited. Our small town, Astoria, Illinois (population 1200) included only two teachers. My parents chose Anita Kost, an elderly lady who was kind but rather untalented.
Mrs. Kost’s typical assignment included a scale, three pieces from John Thompson’s piano course, and a “fun” classical piece. Her students never played in a public recital. We never reviewed pieces, either: once they were played, even badly, during lesson time, we moved on. I always thought this a shame.
By Rhonda Barfield
After graduating, I moved on to a demanding college piano professor, an Austrian-born perfectionist who played professionally with a symphony and A string trio. She had little sympathy for my sloppy training. Ms. Suppan demanded that I work on pieces until they met her high standards. This new music was then added to my ongoing repertoire, which she expected me to be able to play up to snuff whenever she asked for it.
This history may help you understand why our studio emphasizes in-class recitals and building a body of work your child can play at any time.
It takes awhile to conquer a piano piece. That’s why we think it’s worth polishing and reviewing.