Private Lesson Assignments for Conservatory Students
Private lessons are the essential foundation of a good musical performance program. At Conestoga Christian School, every student has the opportunity to begin their journey into the world of instrumental music by taking weekly private lessons that are held during the regular school day. Piano instruction may begin as early as first grade whereas band instrument instruction is available to students in grades 3 - 12.
On a regular basis, conservatory students will receive one 30 - 45 minute lesson each week. In order to be successful during these lessons, students will need to practice at home several times each week.
How much time should a student practice at home?
Most people think 30 minutes a day! But that is not reality in the 21st century!
Grades 1 - 2: these students should practice 3 - 5 times per week for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. Parent supervision, even if it simply means sitting beside the student and listening to the child practice, is important to help the child focus and stay on track. Assignments are simple enough that adults who have little or no musical training can easily help their child.
Grades 3 - 4: these students should practice 3 -5 times per week for 15 - 20 minutes at a time. Within three or four months of starting lessons, band students should be practicing at least 20 minutes. Occasional parent supervision might be necessary.
Grades 5 - 12: these students should practice 3 - 6 times per week for 25 - 45 minutes at a time. Band students should be able to practice at least 30 minutes at a sitting since they will need to build up endurance for hour long rehearsals and public performances.
Lesson Assignments, i.e., What music should a conservatory student practice at home?
Students playing band instruments will use method books that are appropriate to their age and musical development. In general, students are expected to complete about one page of the primary method book each week. However, actual assignments will vary according to the progress of each individual. The parents or guardians of each band member will need to purchase this lesson book.
Students will also be exposed to age appropriate solos to be played at the child's private lesson with piano, CD or "Smart Music" accompaniment. Some of the solo methods are provided at no charge whereas others will need to be purchased by the student's family. All students will more than likely present these solos at either the February or April Recital whereas middle school students will be able to present an adjudicated solo at the TCS Fine Arts Festival.
A portion of private lesson time will be devoted to band literature that will be performed at a concert. Since the concert literature is a natural outgrowth of the musical skills learned during private lessons, a large amount of time will not be devoted to this aspect as is the common practice in many school settings.
Band & String Lesson or Method Books Currently in use at the Conservatory
Mallet Percussion, Brass and Woodwind Instruments:
First Year Students: Accent on Achievement, Book 1
Second and Third Year Students: Accent on Achievement, Book 2
Third and Fourth Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 2
Fourth Year Students: Rubank Intermediate or Advenced Methods
Supplementary Methods: Standard of Excellence, Essential Elements 2000, Learn to Play
Solo Methods: First Recital Series, Tons of Tunes for the Holidays, Belwin Master Solos,
"Smart Music" Solos, and solo books selected by students
Battery Percussion:
First Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 1
Second Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 2
Third and Fourth Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 2; Alfred's Snare Drum Method;
Rhythmic Compositions Levels 3-4
Supplementary Methods: Haskill Harr, Book 1 & 2
Solo Methods: First Recital Series
String Instruments:
First Year Students: Essential Strings, Book 1
Second and Third Year Students: Essential Strings, Book 2
Third and Fourth Year Students: Essential Technique for Strings, Book 3
Solo & Supplementary Methods: depends on the ability level of the player
On a regular basis, conservatory students will receive one 30 - 45 minute lesson each week. In order to be successful during these lessons, students will need to practice at home several times each week.
How much time should a student practice at home?
Most people think 30 minutes a day! But that is not reality in the 21st century!
Grades 1 - 2: these students should practice 3 - 5 times per week for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. Parent supervision, even if it simply means sitting beside the student and listening to the child practice, is important to help the child focus and stay on track. Assignments are simple enough that adults who have little or no musical training can easily help their child.
Grades 3 - 4: these students should practice 3 -5 times per week for 15 - 20 minutes at a time. Within three or four months of starting lessons, band students should be practicing at least 20 minutes. Occasional parent supervision might be necessary.
Grades 5 - 12: these students should practice 3 - 6 times per week for 25 - 45 minutes at a time. Band students should be able to practice at least 30 minutes at a sitting since they will need to build up endurance for hour long rehearsals and public performances.
Lesson Assignments, i.e., What music should a conservatory student practice at home?
Students playing band instruments will use method books that are appropriate to their age and musical development. In general, students are expected to complete about one page of the primary method book each week. However, actual assignments will vary according to the progress of each individual. The parents or guardians of each band member will need to purchase this lesson book.
Students will also be exposed to age appropriate solos to be played at the child's private lesson with piano, CD or "Smart Music" accompaniment. Some of the solo methods are provided at no charge whereas others will need to be purchased by the student's family. All students will more than likely present these solos at either the February or April Recital whereas middle school students will be able to present an adjudicated solo at the TCS Fine Arts Festival.
A portion of private lesson time will be devoted to band literature that will be performed at a concert. Since the concert literature is a natural outgrowth of the musical skills learned during private lessons, a large amount of time will not be devoted to this aspect as is the common practice in many school settings.
Band & String Lesson or Method Books Currently in use at the Conservatory
Mallet Percussion, Brass and Woodwind Instruments:
First Year Students: Accent on Achievement, Book 1
Second and Third Year Students: Accent on Achievement, Book 2
Third and Fourth Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 2
Fourth Year Students: Rubank Intermediate or Advenced Methods
Supplementary Methods: Standard of Excellence, Essential Elements 2000, Learn to Play
Solo Methods: First Recital Series, Tons of Tunes for the Holidays, Belwin Master Solos,
"Smart Music" Solos, and solo books selected by students
Battery Percussion:
First Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 1
Second Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 2
Third and Fourth Year Students: Breeze Easy, Book 2; Alfred's Snare Drum Method;
Rhythmic Compositions Levels 3-4
Supplementary Methods: Haskill Harr, Book 1 & 2
Solo Methods: First Recital Series
String Instruments:
First Year Students: Essential Strings, Book 1
Second and Third Year Students: Essential Strings, Book 2
Third and Fourth Year Students: Essential Technique for Strings, Book 3
Solo & Supplementary Methods: depends on the ability level of the player