Lessons with Dr. Catherine Millis
D.M.A. Piano Performance, M.M. Violin Performance and Pedagogy
Studio at
908 Snowberry St. Longmont, CO 80503
303-818-7868
Piano and Violin lessons are taught in Longmont, CO from beginners to very advanced students.
Teacher's Goal
My goal is to teach in a way that the student enjoys and learns to love music. I teach many different ways for a student to learn how to “sight read” music easily, so that the end goal is for students to learn music on their own and feel comfortable doing so. Some of the ways I work with students, are to have the student pick out some of their music that they would love to learn like jazz, Celtic, Broadway shows, favorites, hymns, or contemporary music that they might be listening to on their IPOD. I also include drumming in the lesson to help make learning rhythms easier, and we have fun learning to improvise to different moods and familiar sounds, while learning ways to use different theory and musical techniques in each improvised song. I have students that are now in their 20’s and 30’s that still call me, thankful that they learned with a positive approach that they can now use in their adult life for pleasure.
Students' Goals
Students learn to “read” music quickly and how to practice efficiently. The student’s time is very precious so I teach the student how to practice so their practice time is focused and rewarding. Students can participate in MTNA, Federated, Piano Guild, Achievement Day and other competitions, if so desired. Regular performances will be scheduled, and the student can partake if so desired. Practice time is required and time should be set aside each day for the student.
Lesson Description
Lessons are held every week. Depending on the age of the student; 30, 45 and 1 hour lessons are given. Students are given written assignments that should be completed for the next lesson. Using theory lessons and music history lessons, the student will be able to understand the “entire picture” of music, which will help put everything into perspective.
Student Requirements
Students need to have a grand piano or a digital piano. Students also need some quiet time to be able to practice on their own to achieve their goals. Students must be at least 6 years old. Goals are given to each student in a 6 week period. If the goal is met, the student can then pick a prize.
Studio Setting
A grand piano and a digital piano are used for lessons. Two piano duets can be played with other students, as well as concertos and sonatas needed with an accompaniment. A DVD recording studio is set up for use at each lesson. Some students use the recording to take home, as it has been found in psychological studies, about 80 percent of what is taught at any lesson is forgotten, unless notes are taken, or a recording is taken home to review the techniques that were learned in the lesson. DVD’s can also be recorded for competitions and admissions into colleges.