Students
All ages and levels are welcome!
Location
Lessons are taught in your home.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the student’s age, level and personal interest; usually 45-60 minutes, once a week.
Lesson content
Repertoire (learning pieces), theory, keyboard skills (for pianists), ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, composition and music history.
Musical genres
Rubato teachers are open to all genres, including Classical, Boogie Woogie, Ragtime, Jazz, Pop, Musicals, Film Music, Improvisation, etc. Starting with late beginner to early advanced levels, at least one piece a term will be an original Classical piece and at least one piece a term will be from another style. If you or your child are interested on a particular style, we will of course accommodate that interest.
Learning styles
Rubato teachers are comfortable with all learning styles. Students will mainly learn pieces by reading notes, but at least one piece a term will be learned by ear or by imitation (copying the teacher). Jazz and some Pop are taught with chord charts. Improvisation will be used for various exercises in each lesson. As with the music genres, if students have a special interest, like learning by ear or by imitation only, we will of course accommodate this interest.
Chamber music
Students are highly encouraged to play chamber music with a family member, friend or other Rubato Music School student living close-by. This can either be a duet with another instrument or 4-hand music with another pianist. There is no minimum level required, as students are capable of learning easy canons, like Frère Jacques, in one of their very first lessons. At least one piece a term will be a chamber music piece.
Practice sessions
In addition to weekly instrumental lessons, students may take practice sessions (30 minutes), ideally scheduled 2-3 days before or after their lesson. Supervised practice sessions are extremely helpful in refining practice habits and will greatly contribute to their progress.
Student recitals
There is a student recital near the end of each term. All children and teenagers are highly encouraged to participate. Adults may participate in adult student recitals.