Do-Re-Mi School Of Music & The Arts
About
For Piano, we represent a famous Russian tradition. All our piano teachers are trained in Russia. For other instruments, we only invite university-trained teachers with major in his or her teaching area. We still adhere to a comprehensive, traditional approach that covers teachnique, reading, memorization, performance, and ear-training.
We offer several instruments at the same location, which is very convenient for working parents with two or more children.
For more than 10 years in Livingston, we earned a great reputation in the area. Our retention rate many times higher than national average.
Our children's world is becoming more and more virtual. We love to create some area which is face-to-face, which is really hands-on, because to play an instrument you must use your hands :) We also love that we can adjust our expectations and program very individually. A very advanced child who's above his or her grade level and is bored in school can find reading music challenging, or a rather slow school student whith not a great analytical skills and reading abilities, but good musical ear, may thrive at the piano, because this will be the only area where s/he feels strong and above average.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on a student's age, we may be more or less "playful". With young children, we open a grand piano to show a young musician how hammers, dampers and pedals work. We play music to young students, to show them where they can go.
After initial introduction, we teach "piano geography" and basic concepts of directionality of melody and rhythm patters and values. We find age/level appropriate way of playing (whether it's one, two or all fingers) and teach hand position. We are trying that at the end of first lesson even young student could play at least some recognizable tune or motif - we believe knowing how to play something recognizable is a real motivation, not stickers.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All teachers are university-trained; majority with Master's degree in his or her instrument.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$270 per month for weekly 60-min. lessons
$205 per month for weekly 45-min. lessons
$145 per month for weekly 30-min. lessons.
Rates are subject to change; usually $5 a month every other year.
How did you get started teaching?
Going to students' homes was a typical way to earn some money for conservatory students. We all passed through this stage.
What types of students have you worked with?
With several teachers on the faculty, we can offer a teacher who is the most warm and patient and playful with young beginner, and the one who is experienced with davanced concert repertoire.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Back in 2016, we organized a Recital-fundraiser for The Myocarditis Foundation, dedicated to the memory of our young student. The atmosphere of the concert was very special; love for music, sincere desire to support the boys' parents and each other, and cherish of every moment of life were prevalent. This event became annual, we had 2017 fundraiser in May of his year.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think of your own goals and time commitment. The teacher may be great for ambitious student who's willing to practice two hours daily and perform in competeitions, and terrible for amateur, and vice versa. It is not only a question of age. When you honestly define your goals and time commitment for yourself, make sure to clearly communicate them to your prospective teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is my goal to learn to play instrument?
What kind of music do I like?
Do I have time to practice? How often? How long? Can I arrange my weekly routine so I could practice at least 5-6 days a week at the same time of the day?
Do I have an instrument? If not, am I going to buy, rent? To go to my grandma's home?