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Fees
Private lessons usually take place at Don's home
in Wanli, Nanchang.
Lessons:
Don tailors theory lessons to be applicable to the student's instruments.
Teachers of piano and other instruments are encouraged to explore having Don
provide supplemental training for their students.
Private rates are 80元 per half hour (25 minutes), and
150元 per hour (55
minutes). Please call for available times.
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Teaching Philosophy
- First things first...
- The first meeting is usually at the student's home. Don likes to get an
idea of the student's practice environment. (Subsequent lessons are at Don's
studio in Wanli.) It is an opportunity for Don to interview the student,
and if one or more parents are involved, to interview them with and without
the student. It is also a good time for the student to interview Don!
Don can travel to teach at the student's home; however, the above hourly
rate applies to travel time. An option available to parents is that if two or
more students can be taught at the same location, the additional charge can
be reduced per student, and depending on circumstances, sometimes waived.
- Innovation
- Lesson One: Whether you're in kindergarten or are a professional
musician, the first thing we'll do is spin a jump rope. This allows us to
see in slow motion how sound is created at the source, in this instance, a
vibrating string.
For the youngster, it is purely experiential; for the professional, we may
even go so far as to look at the math formulae in back of the motion. For
everyone, it provides the ultimate solid foundation for appreciating the way
music is put together. And for everyone, it is fun and exciting.
- Music as Language
- In the past 25 years, science has proven what most suspected all along,
that music is essentially processed in the speech centers of the brain,
right along with English, French, and other languages, spoken and unspoken.
Teaching music only to students who are expected to excel professionally
would be like teaching English in the schools only to those expecting to
become professional writers, actors and storytellers. Music, like English
and any other language, must be taught first and foremost for the
appreciation of the language; in any language, those who choose to excel
will naturally emerge provided they are taught in a supportive environment.
- Adapting to the Student
- Some music students learn best by listening, others by seeing, others by
touch. Some wish to learn classical; some only gospel. A good teacher trims
around the edges instead of trying to reshape the round peg to fit the
square hole. At the same time, a good teacher also inspires, and may
introduce the student to regions previously unexplored. Thus one interested
in Eminem may discover enjoyment in the ancient Gregorian Chant that is
embedded in his music.
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Students currently studying with other teachers
- Supplementary Theory and Composition
- Students currently studying piano, voice, and other instruments may have
a need for and an interest in advanced theory and composition instruction.
Teachers are encouraged to explore utilizing Don's talents and experience to
provide their students with the additional training. He tailors the
instruction to the student's instrument and style interests, and consults
with the teacher as needed.
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