Piano

Joanna Pearman A.L.C.M.
Dogs & Birds – Kódaly method – Teacher

Piano Lessons in Ardagh, Co. Longford. In person and through Zoom.

Mihaela Adžić M.A. Mus Ed
Dogs & Birds – Kódaly method – Teacher

Piano Lessons in person in Longford town.

Prices start at €10 for 20 minutes, duration increasing as per concentration level and ability.

Regular Recitals for friends and family in a small, relaxed environment.

Why learn the piano?

The benefits of any musical education to childhood brain development are very well documented, stimulating both the right and left sides of the brain.  Ongoing learning develops pathways and connections within the brain improving performance throughout schooling and on into later life.

There is also the sheer joy of being able to play – to sit down with a sheet of music and slowly but surely decode it and figure out the tune – then play it back!

Studying the piano also develops a level of personal discipline and self-control, requiring an ongoing commitment and investment of time.

What is the level of commitment?

  • Children – starting to learn any instrument is an adventure into another world with a new language and secret codes that only a dedicated few understand!  In order to break that code you will need to learn symbols and signs using a much smaller alphabet – it could take anything from 3 or 4 weeks to a year – depending entirely on your commitment.
    Once you crack the code – your task is to take your knowledge and ability and work with it playing increasingly complex patterns – developing mathematical, logical, creative and artistic skills in just one activity.  Over the course of your school life – you can progress through Graded Exams to Diplomas to use your skills and talents later in life, either professionally or for fun and relaxation.
  • Parent/Guardian – as the parent/guardian and primary educator of your child/ren, your role is fundamental to successful musicianship – irrespective of whether you play an instrument.
    When your child was learning to read – did you leave it all to the school or did you sit and make sure your child did homework and reading?
    Ardagh Music Room provide a note-book into which practise guidance and focus for the week between lessons are written.  Ensuring your child is following the notes and showing an interest in their playing will be rewarded.
    The expectation a 5/6/7 year old beginner to practise and learn on their own initiative is a big ask and if your child is not practising between lessons then they will not progress.
    Practise at the beginning is not for hours and hours but 15-20 minutes a day – possibly less depending on the note-book, but if it is done every day from the start it becomes a habit – part of the daily routine.

What age to start?

Children are able to learn the piano from as young as 4 years, however this takes commitment from parents/guardians to ensure that lessons are followed up at home.
Pre-school piano lessons using the Dog & Bird method is successfully used in Pitch & Pulse – helping children to learn to read music before they can read letters.

The usual age for children start is around 8 years, when they can be a lot more involved in the decision and possibly understand the required commitment to practise – however, parents still need to be involved – who would learn something in 20 minutes per week without follow up at home?

How is progress assessed?

Piano follows the Royal Irish Academy of Music Examinations which start from Elementary, Preliminary, Primary on to Grades I to VIII, followed by Sr Cert then Diplomas.  These take place locally in Longford with three Examination sessions over the year.  Ardagh Music Room does not enter any student in for an exam unless they are absolutely ready and there is no pressure to even sit exams.

If you or your child want to just play for fun that is fine too!  We can progress through pieces and develop a wide repertoire of well known pieces both classical and modern.  We invite our students to play in small, informal recitals to enjoy playing for themselves and for others.

What is Music Theory?

Music Theory is as the name suggests the written aspect of music; notation, dynamics and expression, majors and minors, harmonics and melodics, and much more all of which provides a foundation for future music study, many exam boards will require a minimum of Grade V theory before moving onto Grade VI, or taking Diplomas.

Choosing the right teacher

A big step, especially if there is no musical experience to draw on.  Perhaps these questions could be on the list of asks for any prospective teacher:

  • What is your professional and educational experience and qualification in music?
  • What is your teaching experience?
  • What age groups do you teach?
  • What types of ongoing professional development do you participate in?
  • Do you have a written studio policy? Will you review it with me?
  • Do you regularly evaluate your students’ progress?
  • What instructional materials do you use?
  • What kinds of music do you teach?
  • What other elements are part of your teaching curriculum?
  • Do you offer group lessons?
  • Do you require students to perform in-studio recitals during the year?
  • Do you offer other performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals and competitions?
  • How much practice time do you require each day?
  • What do you expect of your students?
  • What are your certifications?
  • Can I get references and testimonials?

If you have any queries or would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact

Ardagh Music Room –  Email:  jo@ardaghmusicroom.com

Mobile:  086 237 2616

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