AUGUST MUSIC STUDIO is the premier location in the Petoskey, Michigan and formally in the Las Vegas Area to study and develop your musical ambitions. Here we specialize in expert piano instruction in styles from classical traditional methods to improvisational jazz styling's. We teach beginners to advanced students from all walks of life. All that is necessary is that you have a desire to learn and advance on your instrument. You decide what style you want to focus on. Beginners to serious professionals are welcome to take their playing to a higher level of development. Each student is treated as an individual, with a unique set of skills and attributes that are taken into consideration when tailoring each student's lesson plan.
◦ Learn the favorite SONGS styles that interest you the most
◦ Learn from a PROFESSIONAL seasoned musician saving
you learning time
◦ Styles ranging from Classical to Improvisation
◦ Know you Chords = the key to easier playing
◦ You don't read music? = No problem
◦ ZOOM / SKYPE internet lessons are available
Classical Piano Study:
Classical piano study consists of playing the works of the master including BACH, CHOPIN, SCRIABIN, MOZART, BEETHOVEN, DEBUSSY and others.
Depending upon the level that the student first brings to the lessons a recommended course of study is conceptualized. Particular piano pieces are recommended for each student to challenge and to develop particular aspects of his or her playing. Technique development is emphasized to master the fundamental difficulties that are encountered in playing classical piano music.
BEGINNING level: The student learns to play the easier piano pieces of popular and traditional music at a basic level. At this level of training and learning the student is encouraged to start a traditional course such as the Alfred Adult Piano Method books Level 1, to assure a complete foundation of learning the essential aspects of technique, musicality, and to setup a positive practice routine. Note reading, rhythm studies, recognition of musical symbols, development of hand coordination are studied.
• Technique development is started at this level
INTERMEDIATE level: The student studies and plays the intermediate level piano pieces by Bach, Chopin and Beethoven, Debussy. The following pieces are examples of pieces at this level.
• Claire De Lune - Debussy • 1st Arabesque - Debussy • Solfegetto - C.P. E. Bach • Gavotte and Variations - Rameau • Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven
• Fur Elise - Beethoven - Easier Chopin pieces -
ADVANCED level: The student play more advanced works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ginastera: The following piano pieces are examples of pieces students can study at this level.
• Italian Concerto - J.S. Bach
• Goldberg Variations - J.S. Bach
• Fantasia in C minor - J.S. Bach
• Pathetique Sonata - Ludwig Von Beethoven
• Nocturnes - Frederic Chopin
• Etudes - Frederic Chopin
• Etudes, Preludes - Alexander Scriabin
TECHNIQUE:
• The VIRTUOSO PIANIST, Hanon complete 60 exercises
• CZERNY • EFFORTLESS MASTERY PRINCIPLES - Kenny Werner
Jazz, Blues and popular Piano Styles - Intuitive Piano Playing
The development of a Jazz Piano technique is dependent on many factors such as the pianist's technique,
the desire to play, his/her internalization of specific chord structures and movement, a great sense of rhythm,
a knowledge of the repertoire of Jazz piano including standards, bebop, and a deep immersion with intense
listening to jazz piano in particular. All aspects of Jazz piano playing can be improved upon thru practice.