Curriculum
I use a variety of curriculum for piano students. I have a solid, systematic teaching method. I teach people how to read the language of music! My students are very well versed on music knowledge/terminology. As the student progresses out of the basics, I customize according to interest and needs. I usually insist on technical exercises and classical selections. We can add jazz, hymnology, pop, easy listening, etc. I like variety so I teach many different styles of music and love to create and improvise. I can teach improvisation of hymns. Many of my students learn hymn arrangements early on to be played for church services and special occasions. Publishers that I use regularly are Alfred, Faber & Faber & Hal Leonard.
I use a curriculum designed especially for 4-5 year olds. It is especially designed for kindergarten age and includes piano skills, singing, dancing and coloring. Starting at a young age must be a family activity and will not guarantee a better musician any quicker. An alternative at this young age is Kindermusik. I highly recommend for parents of preschoolers to find a Kindermusik teacher. It is an excellent introduction to the world of music.
Theory is very important to me and one of my strengths. I teach theory in the lesson and the student has theory homework each week. I reinforce theory skills with a computer program of games and in group lessons. We have group lessons at least two times a semester. During group lesson, we play song selections for each other to reinforce performance skills and note reading and rhythm games. If time allows, we study a composer and composing.
Voice student's curriculum is customized around student's preferred style of music with emphasis of breathing techniques, intonation/pitch, diction and enlarging range.