Lesson Time 45 – 60 minutes/week
Practice Time @ 45 minutes/day
Middle school is a time when schoolwork and extra activities that were sustainable in elementary school must be re-prioritized. The increasing difficulty of academic subjects and a higher level of skill expected in extracurricular activities and sports often means that students can’t keep up with everything. It’s a time when many students decide to switch to band or orchestra as their primary musical pursuit. Some students may decide to discontinue piano study and focus on their new instrument, some may decide to continue on a less intensive basis, and others may find that it’s a time when they start to flourish, since they are able to learn new pieces independently and lesson time is spent on interpretation.
Parents should be aware of this fork in the road, and help children plan how to choose a direction in piano study before middle school begins.
Books and Materials
- Royal Conservatory Series: Levels 5-7. Technique, Etudes, Repertoire, Sight Reading, Theory, Aural Skills.
- Ensemble repertoire (piano duets, piano and other instruments),
- Practice assignment book provided – students should write their own lesson notes,
- Metronome,
- Access to a computer for listening and research.
Goals for high achievers
- Facility with major and minor scales, 4 note chords and arpeggios in all keys.
- Attention to gesture, phrasing, dynamics and articulation when learning new music.
- Understanding of basic differences in the main periods of music literature.
- Progress in listening and analytical skills through RCM Theory and Four Star materials.
- Performance in group lessons, local recitals and competitive opportunities, formal assessments (if desired),
- Ensemble participation when possible.
Devonshire Piano 