Piano Lesson Level 1A Parent Letter

Contact Information
Instructor: Mr. Scott Hamilton
Address: P.O. Box 607
535 Cottonwood Lane
Chinook, MT 59523
Home Phone #: 406-357-2138
Cell Phone #: 406-357-8138 (Text or Call, whichever you prefer!)
Email: piano96scott@hotmail.com
Lesson Objectives:
Students will learn basic note reading from C below middle C to the G above middle C.
o Learn bass clef first to prevent them from becoming weaker bass-clef (LH)
readers.
o Learn to recognize important landmark notes, instead of relying on hand
positions.
o Tested on their learning through little sight-reading exercises in order to make
sure they are learning to read, instead of simply playing by ear.
o Learn to use varied fingerings.
Students will learn basic rhythm reading, including quarter notes and rests, half notes
and rests, whole notes, and dotted half notes.
o Learn to read rhythms in multiple-note patterns, rather than as single notes.
o Work toward playing with a steady pulse.
Students will learn basic and proper technique.
o Develop technique equally in both hands.
o Engage in short, effective technical exercises where needed.
o Learn to move effectively to explore the entire range of the keyboard.
o Learn technique principles including: firm fingertips, natural, rounded hand
position, strong hand arch, level wrists, good posture, finger coordination, and
movement up and down the keyboard
Students will begin developing creative thinking and musicality.
Required Materials:
Alfreds Premier Piano Course: Success Kit, Level 1A
Item #: 00-23215 Price: $34.95
Can be purchased on Alfred.com *This will have just about everything you need!

Alfreds Premier Piano Course: Notespeller, Level 1A

Item #: 00-42680 Price: $6.99
Can be purchased on Alfred.com

Optional Materials:
Alfreds Premier Piano Course: Technique Book, Level 1A
Item #: 00-27627 Price: $6.95
Im letting you decide whether or not you would like to include this book, too. As a child,
I was taught from this book, as well as the above required materials. A description of
what the book includes is available on Alfred.com
Any easy piano pop tunes, religious music, etc. Anything that will help your kid
LOVE piano!
Instrument:
If you have a piano, GREAT! Thats all you need. If you dont have a piano, dont worry. For
this level of material, all your child will need is a standard keyboard that has around 60-70 keys.
If you are considering buying a piano, I would be more than happy to help you in your choice
(after all, these are expensive investments).
Lesson Fees:
$10 = hour lesson
$20 = 1 hour lesson
I accept cash or check only.
Lesson Scheduling:
I am available M-F at any time. Im pretty flexible for whatever fits your childs schedule.
Because I will only be around during the summer, I am open to the idea of doing 2 lessons per
week. It is up to you whether you would like to take this option. You also have the option of
where your childs lessons will take place. I would be more than happy to teach from my home,
or I would be open to traveling to your own home and teaching the lesson there. Whichever you
prefer!
We will need to schedule a time to meet and discuss these items before lessons begin.
Awesome NEW iPad App:
Do you have an iPad at home? Well then, wait until you hear this! Alfreds Premier Piano
Course has joined with this new app called Piano Maestro by Joy Tunes. This is an awardwinning lesson assistant and practice motivation app. This app, designed for iPad, iPad Air, or
iPad mini listens to an acoustic piano or keyboard (no wires or cable required). Music is
displayed on the screen while the student plays along with background tracks. Graphics are
designed to help students look ahead while playing. The app slows or speeds up the tempo and
shows or hides fingerings and/or note names. I, as a teacher, receive weekly progress reports to
track progress in between lessons. I can assign Home Challenges, to have students practice
songs and exercises as homework with Piano Maestro. And, its FREE as a student under me!

If you have any questions, please

contact me!