PRACTICAL SKILLS is a plan to introduce music theory and proper technique to all ages.
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CLASSICAL DONE MODERN
It is difficult for parents to know what to expect from music lessons; and it is difficult for teachers to be certain they are making the best choices for their students. There are countless differences in students such as their temperament, demeanor, behavior, home-life, education, aptitude, interests, focus, deficits, etc. Some may say that lessons should be tailored to these differences. This is unfortunate, for if we become focused on the differences in students, we lose track of their similarities, and the most basic educational expectations become overlooked. Music is a subject that has developed over hundreds of years and is an important subject to study; but it has suffered a weakening in its educational value and many teachers, parents, and students are looking for help.
The Conservatory Course is unique. It is a standard curriculum that is paced by grade, just as students are taught in school, and suitable for all ages and abilities. We have developed a proactive approach that enables both students and teachers to work toward objective goals and accomplish more than they think is possible.
THE MUSIC BOOK
Did you know that, historically, piano methods contained theory, technique, tunes, and classics in one book, not several different books as is popular today in America. Each level of The Conservatory Course is an all-in-one Music Book that works equally well for everyone. Without being daunting, it provides a resource for lessons that will renew the knowledge, skills, and appreciation of music that are now often forgotten and overlooked.
Our Music Book is divided into five sections: Skills, Duets, Etudes, Repertoire, and Amusements:
DUET EXERCISES are classic melodies played in unison to develop finger strength and dexterity.
ESSENTIAL ETUDES are melodic and technical studies to develop technique and touch.
PEDAGOGICAL REPERTOIRE is standard piano literature that every student should know.
CLASSIC AMUSEMENTS are famous themes from major works arranged for appreciation and improvisation.
Sample Music Book Pages from Level 2, Course 8
THE COURSE BOOKS
Each Music Book has a companion Course Book. The Course Book organizes skills and pieces into five courses per level. The skills and pieces to be learned are listed on a course progress page, which provides clear goals and expectations and saves time in lessons. This system of defining objectives provides accountability and transparency that all students, parents and teachers can easily follow.
Each course also contains eight weekly Theory Homework assignments. These are to be learned at home using the online lesson videos at www.imahovland.com.
Sample Course Book Pages from Level 2, Course 8
IMAHOVLAND.COM
At www.imahovland.com students have help at home to play their lessons and do their homework. Videos are provided to demonstrate the theory, technique, and pieces in the course. From the videos, students read and play slowly and deliberately to avoid making mistakes. Once the muscles are trained, students play again gradually faster until easy. By playing along with the videos between lessons, students progress quicker and learn easier. Each piece is started by learning patterns followed by a passage.
Once this has been mastered with the correct movements the student will play the entire piece first in Slow Time and then build up to Real Time.
Read our blog and Do's and Don'ts to learn more about what makes The Conservatory Course unique.