Our Goal
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My goal is to encourage students to reach their own goal:​ to become well-rounded musicians with a life-long appreciation for music.  Together, we explore exciting piano literature spanning the classical music periods, as well as any genres and styles of interest to the student, while incorporating skills in piano technique and music theory.
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Lessons

I welcome aspiring and experienced musicians ages 5 through adult, beginning to advanced level. My teaching style is friendly, lively, and interactive. I enjoy finding ways to motivate and inspire students, showing care and respect for them always; they are expected to be respectful and attentive in return.

The core of lessons covers music from all the classical periods, music theory, and technique.  Folk, worship music, popular music, jazz, hymns, seasonal music, and more are included alongside.  Harmonization, transposition, aural skills, and ensemble playing are cultivated as well, in a spirit of adventure.
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Getting to Know Each Other

I invite families to meet with me for an audition visit before registering for lessons.  There is no fee for meeting.  We get to know one another, view my portfolio and materials, and asses the potential student's readiness or abilities at the piano.  It is a chance for you and I to see if we feel that lessons with me are a good fit for your family.
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Schedule

I teach lessons Wednesday afternoons from 12 to 3 PM.  Lessons are 30 mins for beginners/intermediate, 45 mins for intermediate/advanced, and are offered in my home studio.

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Commitment

In any sport or activity we enjoy, we progress according to how much we practice. A musician's biggest source of motivation is being able to play better each day.  When taking lessons, you set aside a special time each day to practice: this is your time, your chance to make amazing music!  Length of practice per session matters less than consistency (practicing each day).  I provide a checklist for you to mark your practice (aiming for improvement each week, rather than for a specific amount of time).
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Performances

Performances are exciting milestones for students!  Taking place seasonally, they give students the rewarding occasion to perform for one another, families, and friends.  I encourage students to perform in venues available to them - in their churches, talent shows, nursing homes, exhibitions - the more a musician performs, the more natural and enjoyable it becomes.
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Students may also participate in Piano Guild festivals, where they have the opportunity to play from one to twenty pieces (with music or by memory). Piano Guild gives a great sense of achievement at each level, and students receive an assessment card, certificate, and lapel pin keepsake. This event is held each spring (about $25 per student - varies slightly by level), and is open to students of every age.
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Curricula

Beginning students use Nancy and Randall Faber's Piano Adventures method (younger or older version), supplementing with Succeeding with the Master's Festival Collection and Keith Snell Piano Publications as they progress.

Repertoire albums, method and technique books, music theory workbooks, and music of every kind can be purchased online through Sheet Music Plus and Amazon (please see Resources for links to these and other recommended materials).
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Instrument & Materials

~ Acoustic or digital piano (rather than an electronic keyboard)
   Please be sure that the piano area is free from distractions during practice sessions.

~ Notebook for weekly assignments; Folder for sheet music; Metronome
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Tuition

Tuition for each month is paid at the first lesson of the month.  Lessons are $25/30 min. and $40/45 min (this includes a discount for helping watch my children if needed during lessons).
Since tuition is based on enrollment, it guarantees each student his or her own individual lesson time throughout the school year, and is not transferable or refundable.

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Missed Lessons

If a student is out of town and missing school or work, his or her lesson may be rescheduled if notice is given at least one week in advance.  Lessons may also be rescheduled if there is an illness or family emergency (for these, it is okay if short notice is given, as advance notice often isn't possible).  Makeup lessons are not offered if lessons are missed for any other reasons.

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Calendar for 2018-2019 Academic Year

Thanksgiving Break        Nov 21
Winter Break             Dec 26, Jan 2
Spring Break             Apr TBA
Piano Guild Auditions     Mar TBA
​Spring Performance        Homeschool Talent Show 
Summer Break            July 3​


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Studio Policy
Andrea Stroot, M.A.
 Piano Studio
"Musical training can improve problem-solving skills, physical coordination, poise, concentration, memory, visual, aural, and language skills, self-discipline, as well as... self-confidence and ability to learn.

Acquiring musical knowledge and skill can imbue [children] with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and increase their personal and social awareness.  Playing music... provides children with a creative outlet for self-expression."

- Dale Gausman, "Sensorial Development and Music Enrichment," NAMC: 2002