Piano Lessons

Piano lessons should be fun! The HKPVS provides a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment, where students are guided towards their musical goals at their own pace. Every student is unique, so lessons are tailored to their own individual strengths, challenges, and interests. Musical preferences are incorporated into lessons, as students are more likely to practice music which truly inspires them. Heather provides a solid foundation in keyboard technique and musicianship, so students have the tools to explore any kind of music. Students make music from the first lesson, and are introduced to note reading and musical notation through games, and fun, interactive activities.

Which aspects of piano are taught at the HKPVS?

Piano lessons at the HKPVS cover a broad range of aspects, including:

• posture, hand position, fingering, and technique
• understanding musical notation, rhythm, and harmony
• playing repertoire that you enjoy
• sight reading
• phrasing, interpretation, and musicianship
• playing by ear

Lesson Structure

Lessons typically begin with music games, and fun, interactive activities, in order to improve musical knowledge and understanding. This is followed by working on specific exercises that develop various aspects of good piano technique. Scales are also covered, in order to better understand key signatures and fingering, and improve fluidity and strength. The majority of the time is mainly spent working on pieces, learning new repertoire, and working through lesson books. Heather also incorporates sight reading in lessons, as this is such an important skill for any pianist to have! Music theory, preparing for exams or performances, playing by ear, aural, and improvisation, can also be integrated into lessons, depending on the student's individual needs and wishes. Lessons are taught in English, but Heather also speaks Dutch, and is able to translate wherever necessary.