The Benefits of Music Lessons

Thirty Reasons You Should Take Music Lessons
Self-Expression* Poise* Confidence* Concentration*
Perseverance* Appreciation* Enjoyment* Achievement*
Alertness* Fortitude* Self-Improvement*
Coordination* Involvement* Discipline* Self-Respect*
Pride* Sociability* Comprehension* Self-Control*
Awareness* Release* Patience* Pleasure* Endurance*
Satisfaction* Character* Relaxation* Memory* Lower
Blood Pressure*
And Fun!

About The Lessons

Jim's main focus is on the violin, but he also teaches cello. Both private and group lessons are offered. He teaches children as young as 4 and adults of any age (even senior citizens).

METHODS USED

Age appropriate music is chosen for the students. He teaches classical to fiddle and everything in between. He also assists students with orchestra auditions and orchestral music.

Joyce teaches not only piano, but also voice, guitar and toddler music for ages 16 months to 3 1/2 years. I almost exclusively use the ALFRED MUSIC METHOD with my piano students. There are many different courses that are age and ability appropriate:

At age 3 1/2 to 6 I use MUSIC FOR LITTLE MOZARTS. This is a series of four books that usually takes about two years to complete. The children need only to be able to recognize, and place in order, the numbers one through five and the letters A through G to begin this course.

Alfred has many different student courses and they also offer several Adult Methods as well as methods for all of the instruments. "We incorporate other music as the student progresses enough to choose the music that appeals to them," Jim said assuringly.

Jim and Joyce have met the Mortons, owners of Alfred Music on many occasions. We have become friends with many of the composers and have come to appreciate and understand their accomplishments. Joyce was in on the launching of MUSIC FOR LITTLE MOZARTS when E. L. Lancaster presented the program (paper copies only) to the teachers attending the Yamaha Summer Digital Technology course at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Lancaster's wife, Gail Kowalchyk co-wrote the series. Joyce quipped "having young children of their own to experiment with was immensely helpful." Their studio walls are adorned with pictures of many of their composer friends.

Recitals

Recitals are held two times per year. With more than 75 students, five to eight small recitals are presented on the first Saturday and Sunday of December. In the spring the recitals are usually on the last weekend of May.