THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASSIGNMENT BOOKS

When lessons are held in person, the assignment books I use are the main source of information for you, and your child, and me. Not only is it the place where the student’s assignment is written, but it is also the place where students keep track of their practice time, and where I will document information pertaining to financial matters (the cost of a new book, confirmed payment for a book, confirmed payment for tuition, etc.). Please look at these on a weekly basis to make sure your child understands his/her assignment, but also to see when new books/music are needed, confirmed tuition payment, some recital details, and other relevant information.

Lessons are offered, and priced, in three single-semester 'packages' as follows (for 30-minute lessons). The number of lessons, and tuition, can vary each semester and year, depending on how holidays and school year-ends fall. The cost of books and materials are charged separately. (The initial set of books and materials are $25.)

FALL SEMESTER (September to late December) - About $400
SPRING SEMESTER (January to mid-June) - About $550
SUMMER SEMESTER (mid-June through August) - From $25 - $250, based on the number of lessons you choose.

The cost of piano lessons is $25 for 30 minutes (and $50 for 1 hour).

Private lessons are offered, and priced, in three single-semester ‘packages’ listed below… **HOWEVER, THIS CAN VARY EACH SEMESTER DEPENDING ON HOW HOLIDAYS AND SCHOOL YEAR-ENDS FALL.** Lessons typically follow the beginning and ending of the Bangor school system calendar.

The FALL SEMESTER - September to late December (usually 16 weeks)
- $400 for 30-minute lessons
- $800 for 60-minute lessons
The SPRING SEMESTER - January to mid-June (usually 22-23 weeks)
- $550 for 30-minute lessons
- $1100 for 60-minute lessons
The SUMMER SEMESTER - runs from late June through August (summer vacation)
- You choose how many lessons you would like to take (from 1 to 10)
- $25 - $250 for 30-minute lessons (depending on how many lessons you choose)
- $50 - $500 for 60-minute lessons (depending on how many lessons you choose)

Although the cost of piano lessons breaks down to $25 per 30-minute lesson (and $50 per 60-minute lesson),

GROUP LESSONS

Have you always wanted to play an instrument? Now you can!

Learn to play the piano and read music in a relaxed, fun, and very low-stress setting!

Fulfill your dream

No need to practice during the week if you don’t have time

Laugh and play,

Improve your mental health, quality of life, and personal well being, Add to your healthy, balanced life

fun atmosphere - beneficial to your health and well-being

No recitals! :) Perform only at your discretion. No performance required! :) solo playing is always voluntary

learn without stress

environment for learning,

Did you give up on music lessons when you were a child and wish you could learn again, (but without all the stress of practicing and recitals!)?

What you’ll get:

All students succeed because you create your own attainable goals!

Guaranteed success because you’ll help create your own attainable goals!

An ideal setting for meeting new friends and having fun! Social/make friends!

Learn to play your favorite songs!

A trained piano teacher who will help you learn without frustration!

Accessible to anyone with a computer

LEARNING to play the piano does not require talent - it only requires the desire to play

(use words that give hope of success to those who have always wanted to play the piano)

DORLA: Stop wasting money on piano lessons your kids don’t enjoy. Private piano lessons can be lonely and boring but at Dorla’s Piano Studio kids learn to play the piano and read music right along with their friends. We know that it is every parent’s dream for their child to have the opportunity to make music. This shouldn’t be difficult or frustrating to attain. Learning to play the piano at Dorla’s Piano Studio is easy. We will help you fulfill the dream of gifting the piano world to your child. Group piano. Easy for kids to learn.

Requirements

High speed internet with a wired connection, if possible
A good sense of humor
Book
A laptop or large tablet to you can see any text and video shots of my piano keyboard
Access to YouTube
Classes are a minimum of 4 students
Adults, teens, 7-12, 5-7 = 45 minutes
$25 per class x 8 classes = $200

Why group lessons are better than private lessons:

Humans have the need to belong, to be a part of a group of individuals who share interests and come together for a common purpose. Such needs are as important to children and teens as they are to people in midlife and senior adults. In fact, it’s being understood that it’s the need for connection that ‘others’ may be the most important component contributing to a quality of life.

After a long time of talking to other teachers and researching, this will be good for each individual student. Moving and grooving to a new beat.

Part of a band. Sound will be fuller, more rewarding. Be part of a piano team. Be more motivated to practice, stay interested longer. Not getting the burnout that some students see. Excited about attending lessons. They are motivated by their peers. Active partners in a group which compels them to do their best. Enjoy the chord and pop style so they’re motivated by the music itself. Not isolated. The feel responsibility to their team and fulfillment in their roles. Others are counting on them to do their part and they don’t want to let them down. I don’t have to fight them to practice, they love it!

Set expectations early on. What it means to be a part of a team - they’ve done teamwork at school or in sports. Do your part. Help out your teammates. Be a good friend, stay positive, encouraging each other. This applies when you’re part of a piano team, too. Have them pick a team name to give them a sense of identity and community. While they are waiting for me on the zoom call ask them to find 5 things that they have in common that’s not related to music - this helps build connection and community.

We currently have 130+ students and teach mainly group piano classes to our beginning and intermediate students and then move them into private lesson slots as they advance. Besides being a lot of fun, group piano classes have so many benefits--positive peer pressure to practice since students constantly play in front of each other, the ability to play with a group, accompanying skills, increased confidence and counting skills--just to name a few. But most importantly, our students love making music with their friends! Please visit our studio Facebook page to see the latest photos, videos, reviews and studio happenings!

Four Arts Approach

We teach a Four Arts approach to learning to play which includes: note reading, improvising, composing and arranging. This allows us to reach all styles of learning -- visual, aural and kinesthetic -- and provide confidence building experiences for our students. Class Schedule

Piano classes are held weekly for 45 minutes each. We run a 12-month calendar, holding 8 weeks of classes in the summer. Our summer schedule is very flexible and easy to work around your family vacation plans.

Performing Opportunities

Students are invited to perform at our Halloween street recital in October, class recitals in December and larger spring showcase recitals in May which include awards, student solos and group ensembles. Our studio participates in Junior Solo Festival at UNLV in the spring and Ensemble Festival in the fall.

Dorla:

Stop wasting money on piano lessons your kids don’t enjoy. Private piano lessons can be lonely and boring but at Dorla’s Piano Studio kids learn to play the piano and read music right along with their friends.

We know that it is every parent’s dream for their child to have the opportunity to make music. This shouldn’t be difficult or frustrating to attain. Learning to play the piano at Dorla’s Piano Studio is easy. We will help you fulfill the dream of gifting the piano world to your child.

Group piano. Easy for kids to learn.

The Benefits of Group Music Lessons

Why We Need Group Learning Today

Humans by nature continually seek to form connections, build communities, and foster bonds with one another. We need these connections as much as we need food, water, and shelter.

But today, it seems as though society encourages us to become ever more isolated from one another. With the increased role of technology in our daily lives, we seldom find the time to truly listen and connect with one another.

Humans naturally choose to do things in groups, and often times, we learn the most essential life skills by working with one another. It should come as no surprise that our children are mainly taught in group settings – the classroom at school, the baseball team, the youth orchestra. So why should music lessons be the exception?

Ensemble students continue with their musical education longer, spurred by the social bonds they form with other students

Music has always been meant to be played as a group

Every great composer has written solo masterpieces that have stood the test of time. But these composers – Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, among others – have also written music meant to be played in ensembles. Music has always been meant to be played as a group. The desire for ensemble playing is not a novel concept. Fortunately, the opportunities for students to learn in group settings are now readily available.

Students who learn in an ensemble learn so much more

In the beginning stages, both private and ensemble students are expected to learn certain skills – these abilities are fundamental to the future success of any musician. All musicians work towards excellence in note reading, technique, rhythm, and the ability to interpret music in a stylistically appropriate manner.

Students who learn in an ensemble, however, develop so much more.

For the ensemble to be successful, they must learn when to lead and when to provide support. Most of all, ensemble students develop their ability to effectively listen not only to themselves, but to their classmates around them. Students work towards the well-being of their entire class, learning that their personal success goes only as far as the success of the group.

Healthy competition also provides a motivating factor in each group. Generally, students come to class better prepared, wanting to play as well as their classmates.

Due to the friendships and camaraderie with other music students, ensemble students continue their musical education for a longer time.

Ensemble Playing Reduces Performance Anxiety

Stage fright often times begins in childhood, and if not addressed properly may carry on into adulthood. Within the safety of their group, students become accustomed to performing in front of an audience under pressure. That skill is imperative for any adult – whether for a job interview, presentation, or any leadership role.

The Uniting Power of Ensembles

Ensembles, like any other extracurricular activities in group settings – have the power to teach our children some of the most basic life skills such as cooperation and communication.

These skills have never been more needed in an age where technological advancements have largely diminished the importance of human interaction. Desire for that interaction is more acute than ever, and music – that has and always will connect people – has the power to provide it.

10 Reasons why you should consider group piano lessons

There are several fundamental benefits to why you should consider group piano lessons, though it primarily comes down to the stimulation and interaction that is generated in such group environments. Studies have shown that students in group learning environments tend to thrive faster than those working alone. Generally speaking, this can allow for a higher level of critical thinking and problem solving, while helping build performance skills and confidence. This article observes 10 reasons why you should consider group piano lessons.

Reason #1 – In a group piano class, you will learn new perspectives

Throughout your experience as a piano student, you’ll slowly and gradually develop your own approaches to playing the piano. This will be supervised by a piano teacher that is there to guide you through his/her own knowledge and experience. While this may, at times, work well, there are other ways to thrive faster and more effectively. Group piano lessons can help you learn through the perspectives and approaches of other students. In a group environment one has access to the learning successes and mistakes of other students. As such, you can improve your own regiment through the learning experiences of others while evaluating learning approaches in a variety of ways.

Reason #2 – You will develop consistency in your piano playing!

As with most things, an essential aspect of becoming a more proficient pianist involves frequent practice. We all have different schedules and different priorities, and it may sometimes be difficult to develop self-discipline to practice consistently. Taking group piano lessons tends to motivate students to prioritize attending classes and practicing (as most will not want to lag behind their peers).

Reason #3 – Bypass the monotony of practicing alone!

Practicing piano by yourself is a necessary process in every pianist’s journey. This, however, can at times become a monotonous activity with little stimulation. Group piano lessons can help bypass the monotony of practicing alone, and can also be highly motivational. Because of the social aspect of group piano lessons, you always have access to other players around to discuss issues whenever you’re struggling with something.

Reasons #4 – Find peers in your piano group class to emulate

One of the biggest advantages of taking group piano lessons is that you are able to study with other students who may inspire you to become a more proficient player. This can happen from a variety of factors: you may be inspired by another student’s approach to learning, technique, phrasing, or combination thereof. Being inspired by another player is a good thing, but learning together with that player is even better. Being around that player in a group piano lesson environment will allow you to mimic and emulate strong players around you, and this will make you a better musician.

Reason #5 – Improve your speed and quality of learning through the group class experience

Group piano lessons not only allow you to give and receive feedback on your playing, it also allows you to hear feedback on the playing of your peers. Through this dialogue, one can challenge assumptions, share diverse experiences, debate learning practices, and pool together knowledge and skills. On the other hand, if you practice piano by yourself you will always approach piano playing from the same perspective. Although this may at times be fine, having access to new perspectives can help you learn things quicker and more effectively. This will lead you to think in more depth about your own position within the group. As a result, you’ll develop critical thinking skills while developing your performance practice.

Reason #6 – Group piano lessons is an encouraging and challenging environment

In a group piano lesson environment, students will often encourage each other, and will also challenge each other as well. Encouragement usually happens when lower level students witness the accomplishments of higher-level students. Students will also share personal opinions and goals. They will talk about their own experiences, successes, and struggles in the learning process. This is a great way to learn tips and tricks. Students tend to get caught up in the collective learning pace of the group, and get inspired to work at the pace others are working.

Reason #7 – Accountability

If you know others are relying on you, then you will do what you have to do to get the job done. As such, it becomes difficult to procrastinate in the group piano lesson environment. When taking piano lessons alone, students may often lack the initiative or motivation to practice. When in a group piano environment, other students will often hold you accountable if you fail to attend class or practice. This often helps motivate students who may need the extra push.

Reason #8 – You will learn more about yourself and your ‘hidden’ piano talents and abilities!

Learning in a group piano environment will allow you to identify your own strengths and weaknesses. Sharing experience and knowledge in a group setting will not only help you develop your own piano skills, it will help you better understand what, how, and why certain practices make you a better pianist. This enhanced self-awareness will sharpen your overall approach to learning and performing on the piano.

Reason #9 – Learning to play the piano in a group builds confidence

Learning and playing the piano in a group setting will allow you to practice and perform in front of other people. We tend to use music as a form of expression and communication. As such, becoming comfortable with playing in front of others is an essential aspect of learning to play any instrument. Although this is usually harder for music students that practice alone, in a group setting this becomes an organic process.

Reason #10 – Group piano lessons are cheaper than individual lessons without losing quality!

A practical thing about group piano lessons is that they are cheaper than individual lessons. Group piano lessons give you access to a piano teacher as well as feedback and knowledge from other students in the room without having to make a big financial commitment.

“I say, play your own way. Don’t play what the public wants. You play what you want and let the public pick up on what you’re doing – even if it does take them fifteen, twenty years” – Thelonious Monk

Potential benefits include (but not limited to):

improved: spatial/math/reading skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills
ability to: think on the spot, take on responsibility, perform under pressure
better: attention to detail, listening skills, time management, coping/stress management
dedication, perseverance, and seeing the benefits of their own hard work
increased patience, creativity, confidence, discipline, self-esteem, and respect for others/other performers