Lessons for 2023-2024

Currently taking names for my waiting list for fall lessons. I will contact those on my waiting list after August 16. Contact me via email at mary.cumming@hotmail.com or by phone at 613-347-3428

Private Lessons:

    Cost:   There is a studio fee of $30 each year which covers printing, binders, access to my music library, incentives and the year end recital. Theory and lesson books are extra.

 Lessons are paid per semester, with the option to pay by installment based on the following rates:

• 30 min lessons - $27.50
• 45 min lessons - $41.25(required for those 10 years and up)
• 60 min lessons - $55

    In-person Option

• all lessons in person, one-on-one, at my home studio. Students must agree to flip online when needed due to illness (if they are well enough for a lesson), weather, or for any other reason such as lack of transportation

     Hybrid Option

• all lessons are online with the option of one lesson per month in person at my studio 

**Make-up weeks are available for missed lessons 3 times during the year. No shows are not eligible for make-up lessons. Please let me know asap when you are not available for your lesson so that someone else might take advantage of your spot and we might be able to reschedule.

Adult lessons:

•  group of 10 one hour  private lessons at a cost of $570
• this comes with the flexibility to "miss" and reschedule 2 lessons during a 12 week period. Prior notice is required. However students must commit to completing the 10 lessons within  12 week period.
• lessons may be in person or online
• no studio fee but books are extra
• alternatively, adults may sign up for regular lessons as described under "private lessons", but must adhere to the policies that give less flexibility.

A la Carte Lessons:

• lessons arranged at a convenient time for both student and teacher
• no commitment required since you sign up for one lesson at a time
• Cost : $75 per hour - no extra costs unless you decide to purchase books
• recommended only for busy adults that have some experience playing and are looking for specific guidance.

Group Lessons:

       Group lessons provide students with the experience of learning with other students. 

• Groups of 3 students enjoy a 45 minute lesson
• Groups of 4 students enjoy an hour lesson.

 Advantages 

• parents save a significant amount of money with this option (about $250 per year compared to a regular 30 minute private lesson)
• no annual studio fee
• books included at whatever level the student needs
• students enjoy engaging in the learning process with others present creating a fun atmosphere of sharing achievements
• students must be willing to work somewhat independently and be able to focus with other students around them.
• Longer lesson time for less cost

Disadvantages

• no makeups available for missed lessons

Each student works on their own keyboard with headphones, with assistance from the  rotating teacher for approximately 15-25 mins.  The remainder of the time is spent learning through games that specifically target areas to help the student move forward in their own independent work. A small amount of written theory work will also be done. Duet work, and performance within the group environment create a co-operative atmosphere. Students are expected to practice and be prepared for these group sessions.

When:  It depends on my schedule and the situation but will be at a regular time every week.

Who:  Any age up to age 12

Experience: none required.  These lessons are best suited for beginners to level 2 RCM 

Cost: based on a rate of $25 per lesson

Billed per semester: fall semester for example would be 13 x $25 = $325

Note: Minimum of 3 students required for a group to run.

Practice Tip

Set a regular time

each day to work

through your assignments.

Lessons for Fall 2019

Fall 2019 Lessons

If you are interested in becoming a part of the studio, you can call me at

613 - 347-3428

or email

mary.cumming@hotmail.com

Some fun things you will experience as part of our studio:

Piano Ready! Set! Go!

A series of  three semester group classes designed for 4 and 5 year olds
where they experiment with rhythm and music, do crafts and build
knowledge that prepares them for regular private lessons.
Only 4  places in this dynamic group are available and
3 are already filled!  One opening left on Fridays at 3:45 pm!

More Group Lessons!

Do you have a family that would like to take lessons, but you find it rather expensive?  

Ask me about group lessons.  A family of 3 or 4 can sign up and take a group lesson.

There are many benefits to this approach - ensemble playing and games

being one advantage, as well as the fact that the group meets for a full hour each week.

Less expensive per student than private lessons, this could be the answer to 

your search for inexpensive yet good solid lessons for your children.

Groups of three or four students.

Tree of Success 2019!

This exciting new activity will engage all students in
a Studio Challenge for the entire year!
I want to keep this one a surprise - so I'm not going to
share too much here.... 

40 Piece Challenge!

This started a number of years ago and has grown bigger each year!

Beginners start with a challenge of learning 40 pieces in a year. The first year, a few did not

complete the challenge, so I said - let's just keep going and when you earn it, then you

will get your reward at the next recital.  As soon as you finish, you can start the 80 piece 

challenge. Soon, it became 120 piece challenge, then 160 piece challenge.

This year, some students will be starting their 200 piece challenge!

So much fun and each level is rewarded with a medal at the recital!


Mad Minute Challenge

This started as a challenge to name all 22 notes of the staff within one minute and
has morphed into a leveled game where many theory concepts are reviewed
and honed - all within the space of one minute!  Rewarded of course with - what else?
 - a few sweet treats in the number of cards you have successfully named!
Yup - the candy incentive is real folks!

Festival Opportunities

There are a number of opportunities to participate in local festivals each year if 

one wishes to do so.  Kinsmen Festival in Cornwall is a non-competitive

festival in a workshop format.  Great for kids that thrive in that environment.

MCM Festival in Alexandria is a more competitive environment and also available to 

those wishing that format.  Further afield, one can participate in the Kiwanis Festival

in Ottawa as well.

Exam Opportunities

For those wishing to pursue exams, preparation for exams are available up to and including

Royal Conservatory of Toronto Level 8. Those who are dedicated to honing their 

skills to this level of performance will find a teacher that will support them

in all areas of their endeavour

End of Year Recital

By far the most exciting time of year is our end of year Recital.  We do the celebrating right by

having each student perform 2 pieces.  Often there are duets!

We end the night with awards and goodies!

Variety of Styles

Nothing is out of the question to try at the studio.  From jazzy music to classical, 

video game music, chording and  popular music.  Even composing your own music - 

all this is available if you wish to put in the work.  
All you need to do is make your desire known and I will do my best to make it happen.

Cedar Grove Piano Studio is moving!

As of September 2017, the studio will be in a new location!

19793 Kenyon Concession 1

Alexandria

Ontario

only 10 mins north of Williamstown

only 10 from Alexandria

a great location

I'm taking names now for September lessons

you can email me at

mary.cumming@hotmail.com

for more information or to book your lesson time

Music Camp 2017

to register for this camp, please go to the link below

Music Camp 2017

More pictures from past Music Camps!  Come and enjoy games, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, trying out various instruments, singing, and many many other fun events.

All located at the studio on Cedar Grove Road, Williamstown!

Another great link

another link to a great article if you have some time to read it.  It is very well written...

10 Things you might not realize makes your piano teacher happy...

Sitting at the piano

This is a great link for developing great posture at the piano:

Posture at the Piano

Let's Talk about Being Interested

Be interested.  If you, as a parent, are interested in what your child is learning, then your child will also be interested.  Your enthusiasm is crucial to their success. Why is this so very important?
It's important because, no matter what we might think, we have much greater influence over our child and their likes and dislikes than we realize.  If we display our dislike for brussel sprouts - we can be assured our child will as well.   They pick up our lack of enthusiasm over something much easier than our enthusiasm... so if you are not enthusiastic about piano lessons and listening to them practice - they are going to pick up on that right away.

I often get parents who expect that all the initiative for learning piano or any instrument should come solely from the child with no input from the parent.  It is entirely the teacher's responsibility to "inspire" - and a child who is inspired, they think,  will be interested in practicing - no matter their age. This is only partly true - parents can inspire too.  Learning an instrument is hard work, so  your inspiration is crucial

So - what to do.

Be Interested.  How?  If you know nothing about music, how do you do that?

Besides providing a good instrument and getting them to lessons every week, there are lots of ways to encourage your child in the learning process.

  Here is a list of practical things you can do - and you don't have to know a thing about music.

1. Read their assignment book and know what has been assigned.
2. Ask how the lesson went.
3. Ask to hear each of the pieces assigned.
4. Be nearby when practice is happening.
5. Make positive comments such as:

• Hmmm... I like that piece - can you play it again?
• What is that one called?
• That sounded good!  I think I recognize that one!
• Oh! that is going to be a favourite of mine!
• Can you play that again?  I love hearing you play!
• You know I am so proud of how hard you are working - I know it's not always easy
• I'm always listening you know....  :)
• Wow - that is sounding better and better!
• you play that really fast!  I wonder what it sounds like if you slow down a bit?
• I'm sorry you feel discouraged... would it help if I just sat with you? 
• Here, we can use these (raisins, chocolate chips, m&m's etc) to help you keep track of the repetitions..... 
• You are doing so well!
• I'm proud that you remembered to practice all on your own!

I'm sure if you involve yourself in a positive way in the practice time, your child will be much more willing to go practice.  Often kids are keen to please you - and if they see practicing is pleasing to you, you have just won most of the battle!

Let's talk about setting a regular time to practice

From my last post, I stated that one important thing a parent can do, is to set a regular time for practice.  Why is this so important, and why does it seem to be something every parent struggles with?

Teach your child to be responsible for being prepared for their next lesson. The very best thing you can do for a beginner student is to make sure they know that part of their responsibility in having the privilege of learning an instrument is to go into their next lesson, prepared for their teacher.  Instilling this idea of being prepared early on, will save a parent a ton of issues as the years progress.

The parent must set the routine. We set routines for our children all the time.  Get up at a certain time, dress, wash, eat, brush teeth and head off to school where there are more routines that are set in place to create an efficient environment for learning.  Then, catch the bus at a certain time to get home, and then, that is often when things begin to fall apart.  Perhaps Mom and Dad are not home and a babysitter is in charge.  Perhaps there are other activities to get to, homework to get done, supper, and a bath and bed in good time  - all to get up and do it over again the next day.  But routines, help us to get many things done in an efficient way.

Balancing other activities with piano is always an issue.  Piano is not a "once a week" activity.  It is an every day activity. It seems many families do not realize this.  But daily practice is a must when learning this particular skill.  A person can learn to swim by going once a week... a person can learn to play soccer by going once a week. But you cannot learn an instrument by just going to your lesson once a week.  It just will not happen.  That is why daily practice is important. And you cannot cram all the practice into one day, either - our brains just do not learn that way. Having that regular time, just makes it easier to "get it done".   Each family will have to find that sweet time when practice fits in their routine.  It might be early morning before school, or right before supper, or right after school, or right after supper....

So what is a practice goal?  Seven days a week?  Well, in an ideal world, that might be possible.  However, that doesn't usually work.  I ask my students to aim to practice 5 days out of 7.   One day is their lesson day, so they do not need to practice on that day.  One day should be a day of rest - that might be a day when there are other activities that take so much time that it is impossible to practice.  That leaves 5 other days, two of which might be the weekend - which hopefully allows more time for practice.

Every family has to find their own routine - but it must be a routine and not random "whenever"  - because then practice is left to the end of the day when the child is tired and really just wants to either chill out for a while, or head to bed. And of course, that is when the parent will find that the child balks.  First, the parent is tired and suddenly realizes - yikes! we forgot to practice AGAIN!  Sometimes, in our frustration, we end up inadvertently placing the blame on the child - "you didn't do your practice - go get it done now before bed!"  We set our kids up for failure when we do this, because we raise our expectations that they should have remembered themselves.  Well - reality is that they are kids.  They are not going to remember.  It is up to us.  They "might" remember better, if we have a routine - and they know and we know that at 4 pm, after a snack, they need to sit down and practice for 30 mins.

Be kind - make that time for your child to practice.  Schedule it into your day.  Help them by making sure it is a time that they are fed and somewhat rested.  Help them by not over-scheduling them with other activities.  And you will find that they will progress quite well, and there won't be so much fighting over whether it is time to practice or not.  And then both you and they, will be much happier campers!

Tips to make Practice time more enjoyable

When learning an instrument - any instrument - probably the biggest reason that students quit, is that practice has become a battle ground.  The teacher expects it - the parent tries to "make" practice happen - and often, the student refuses.  How to make this less of a battle.

1.  Set a regular time for practice each day.  Establishing a routine is crucial to success.  Pick a time when the student is relatively rested and fed, and a parent can be around to ensure practice actually happens.

2.  Be interested.  If you, as a parent, are interested in what your child is learning, then your child will also be interested.  Your enthusiasm is crucial to success.  Read their assignment book.  Reveal your interest by listening and making positive comments on their playing.

3. Reward.  Some may disagree, but for certain ages, small rewards can make learning fun.  It can be as simple as a sticker chart to record practice - or more involved if you have the time and energy for that.

4. Keep communication lines open with the teacher.  Sharing difficulties with practice early on with the teacher can give an opportunity for the teacher to address this with the student and provide more individualized solutions.

In future posts, I will expand upon each of these suggestions with more concrete ideas and explanations as to why these three main points can make all the difference in how motivated and happy your child is, when learning their instrument.

Signing up for lessons

It's that time of year again - to get signed up for lessons.  I will be taking names over the next few weeks, and making a schedule toward the end of August! Lessons will begin September 12th!  I am excited to get going!

New Program for 4 and 5 year olds:

If your child is 4 or 5 years old, and would like to give piano a try, but you are not sure if they are ready, I am offering group lessons for piano readiness.  See below for more information.

Piano Ready Class 

10 classes starting September 28 - November 30th
 Wednesdays at 5:15 pm
 45 min class for group of 3 - 5 students. (if only 2 students sign up, the class will be 30 mins)
Cost: $125
This class will focus on fine motor skills, rhythm, and introduction to the keyboard using games, and interactive materials.

Note: Students will be evaluated for readiness for private lessons throughout the "Piano Ready Class"  For those that are not quite ready there will be another session called "Piano Set"  and a third session called "Piano Go" that will build on the skills needed to pursue private lessons.


Private Lessons

Please give me a call to arrange private lessons.  My phone number is 613-347-3428  I prefer to discuss rates etc over the phone - they are quite competitive for the area and as well, we can also discuss my teaching philosophy to see if it is a good fit with your parenting style.  You may also contact me by email at  mary.cumming@hotmail.com although I will encourage you to call so we can discuss details.

Lessons are weekly with your spot held exclusively for you. Payment is by semester with the option for installment payments.  Semester payments allow me to use all of the lesson time for teaching rather than discussing payments so that your child gets their full lesson time. Lessons are discounted to allow for weather and illness and therefore makeup lessons are not guaranteed but will be allowed on a case by case basis.  No makeups are given for lessons missed with no notice, Family rates are available. Receipts are issued once per year.  Books are extra and cost between $30 - $50 per year per student.

Please call to arrange for your lesson time.   613-347-3428

Spaces for adults are very limited, but are very flexible allowing for "as you go" payment.  Please call for rates and policies for adult students.

Great article for parents about practicing.

This is a great read... short and to the point.  Well worth a parent's time to read.

How to tell when your child is not actually practicing.

Music Camp 2016

Music Camp 2016

Date:  July 11 - 15, 2016

Time:  9 am - 4 pm

Where: 19758 Cedar Grove Road,

Williamstown

Ages 6 - 12

Cost:  $165 

($150 for each additional family member)

Camp Co-ordinator: Pamela Cumming

To Register call - 613-347-3428  or 343-370-6858

Come join us for a week filled with fun, games, dance, instrument exploration, and crafts!

Here are some pictures from past camps!

no previous music experience required!

Inspiring!

Such an inspiring story... take a moment to listen:

http://www.viralvo.com/born-blind/

https://youtu.be/9xwCG0Ey2Mg

So important to keep our children practicing

Imagine how much difference this makes over a year - or two - or three - or more.  

Right from the start, parents need to supervise and encourage this commitment

It is the only way their child will have success!

Back to Lessons

It's back to lessons on January 4th!  

Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

If you are looking for lessons, I have a few spots open.

Just give me a call or email me

mary.cumming@hotmail.com

Happy New Year!

Mrs. Alvey's Opus

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful piano teacher... one can only hope that they can be such a positive influence.... please read...

Mrs. Alvey's Opus

Practicing!

This is such a great article on practicing!

How Pro Suzuki parents get their kids to practice

The take away from this is:

Make it a part of your routine.

Music

If you happen to be on the lookout for some music for your child or if you are a teacher, for your students, you might check out my other blog:

Piano Noodles

There you will find:

Free music you can download

and

Music you can purchase:

"The Celtic Collection for beginner piano"

"Tunes for Littles"

"Whispering Winds"

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Perhaps you have a few questions about lessons.  Read through the following, and maybe your answer will be there!

1.  How much are lessons?

           Lessons are charged as a semester rate, based on the going rate for lessons in this area which is approximately $20 - $25 per half hour.  There is a studio fee of $25 per year which covers incidentals such as assignment books and binders, incentives, music library, photocopies and recital.

2 .  Do you give discounts?

          Yes!  There is a discount for illness and snow that amounts to about 2 - 3 lessons per year. It is to your advantage to attend all lessons.   There is also a family discount when a family or even ONE student signs up for 60 mins or more.

3.  How long are lessons?

          Generally lessons are 30 mins for beginners up to Level 2.  45 mins for Level 2 to level 5 and 60 mins for Level 6 and up.  Beginners that are 10 years old or adults are required to take 45 min lessons.

4.  Do I need a piano?

          Yes, definitely you need a piano or a full sized (88 key) keyboard.  Good used ones are available on kijiji.  You would be wasting your money, to not have a keyboard or piano to work on daily.  It would be like asking for skating lessons and refusing to buy skates.

5.  How long before my child will be playing songs?

          Children learn songs right from day one.  However, fluent playing and reading abilities only come with dedicated daily practice, and after about 3 - 4 years of lessons, depending entirely on how much your child works at it and how much natural ability they have.  Think of it like learning to read words... it takes daily practice with lots of books to make a good reader and an interested reader.

6.  How much practice is required?

            Children start with 15 mins per day and work up to 30 mins in the first year or two, depending on their age.  Anyone that is 10 and up should manage 30 mins per day easily.  As they progress to higher levels, practicing should increase according to the length of their lesson time.  A 45 min lesson should require 45 mins of practice, daily.

7.  What is the best age to start lessons?

           This is totally dependent on your child.  Some start at age 5 quite easily and some should wait until they are 7 or 8 years old.  And anyone can start at any age (ie you are never too old to start lessons)  Good indications for starting lessons are if your child can sit for 15 mins and focus on an activity, has a good knowledge of their letters and numbers and is interested in learning to read.  Some children show a particular musical talent, for example the ability to sing in tune, or the ability to pick out little tunes on a piano.

I hope this has helped to answer your questions.  Feel free to give me a call to speak further about lessons.  Mary  613-347-3428