Repetoire

This could be "Mary had a Little Lamb" for very early beginners, "Fur Elise"
for more advanced beginners, or "The Entertainer" for early intermediate
students. Whatever a student's level, it is important to have a personal
"library" of songs that can be played from memory.

Technique

This is where a student develops the actual motor skills and listening skills
that are needed to play. Early beginners may work on developing finger
dexterity and dynamics while more advanced students move on to scales,
arpeggios, and phrasing.

Theory

An essential element of the lessons, theory pulls together everything being
learned and helps the student to see and hear music on a broader level. At
first, basic skills like note reading and timing are learned. Advanced
students may move on to harmony, ear training, and improvisation.

Sight Reading

The ability to read new music easily is a necessary skill which should be
developed from the beginning stages of lessons and continued through the more
advanced levels.

Music Appreciation

It is important for students to learn about the history of the music being
learned, as well as develop an appreciation for different styles. I keep my
lessons basically traditional in approach (Classical, Contemporary, etc...),
but also touch on modern popular music as well as blues, jazz, and standards.
Students are encouraged to make suggestions as far as the styles being
learned.