Studio Philosophy
Wendler Piano Lessons

I believe music is best taught, and learned, through nurturing.  All students will be treated with kindness, respect, and courtesy.  It is my goal that the student discovers joy, and a life-long love of music, through their music education.

 

I believe all students should have a well-balanced program of study which should include a reading skills book, repertoire, technique, scales, and theory.

 

Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of music fundamentals through the study of theory and its relationship to the repertoire being studied.  Understanding will be reinforced through weekly lesson drills on notes, key signatures, chords, and rhythms as needed; weekly written assignments; and weekly ear-training assignments.

 

Emphasis will be placed on technical skills through the weekly study of all major scales, arpeggios, and chords progressions and standard technical exercises and etudes.  Care will be taken to provide the proper sitting and hand positions in order to accomplish the greatest skill and fluency possible for each student.

 

Emphasis will be placed on music reading through weekly sight-reading studies and the study of repertoire appropriate to the student’s abilities.  Special care will be taken to accomplish a final performance which reflects an understanding of musical phrases and form, stylistic characteristics, expressive elements, and musical fluency.

 

Students will be expected to give equal preparation to all areas emphasized in each lesson.  Careful preparation of weekly lessons will instill a sense of responsibility and discipline which applies to all aspects of life; a thorough understanding of music which should increase the student’s appreciation of music in general; and a basic life-time skill for future enjoyment and outlet for basic emotions.

 

I believe each student derives great benefit from an incentive program to insure steady progress.  Special activities will be offered in the studio to motivate students to establish goals for their musical study.  Included in these activities are the MTNA National Achievement Program, Royal Conservatory (Celebration) Program, and the events offered by the local chapters of MTNA, National Federation, National Guild, and Mid-America Music Association (MAMA). Pre-school and elementary students work on a sticker chart program to earn prizes.

 

Participation in such programs enhances the students’ interest and participation in musical activities and teaches them to set goals and standards for achievement throughout their lives.  It helps them to develop good practice habits and to develop their ability to follow instructions.

 

I believe each student should receive an outside evaluation by attending at least one musical event where written critiques are given, when the student is sufficiently ready.  Many opportunities are made available through the studio:  NFMC Festivals, Guild Auditions, KCMTA Auditions and Festivals, MAMA, MMTA / KMTA competitions.

 

Critiques from qualified musicians offer valuable suggestions and comments for both the student and the teacher.  Such evaluations challenge students to achieve their best effort and to respond appropriately to opinion of others.

 

I believe each student should play in a performance situation.  We hold two recitals each school year, a Holiday Recital in December and a Spring Recital in April.

 

Such performances enhance the students’ poise and confidence and increase their social awareness and sensitivity.  This is an opportunity for students to share their music with their families, friends, and with the other students in the studio.

 

I believe students have the right to study music they enjoy and to develop their talents in areas of interest.  Students will be given the opportunity to select their choice of appropriate repertoire and to develop their interests, talents and skills in composition, improvisation, ensemble, and various genres of music.  Programs will be offered or developed to fulfill their desires.

 

The above emphases will help students become more independent and will provide a creative outlet for their personal feelings and talents.