Music theory, ear training, and historical context are naturally woven into every piano lesson at Acacia. For students and families who wish to pursue a particular area more deeply, concentrated 15-minute elective studies may be added according to the student's interests and needs.
Elective studies are concentrated 15-minute modules added to the weekly private lesson. Parents and students choose the area of study, preserving an individualized learning path.
| Elective Study | Integrated in Standard Lesson | Concentrated 15-Min Study |
|---|---|---|
|
Theory
15-Min Depth
|
Concepts encountered in pieces, basic written work | Systematic theory, comprehensive exercises, preparation for ABRSM/graded exams |
|
Solfa / Aural
15-Min Depth
|
Ear training incorporated naturally into keyboard practice | Intensive singing, sight-singing, interval identification, and musical dictation |
|
Music History
15-Min Depth
|
Composer, era, and musical context of assigned pieces | Chronological study of eras, major composers, structural forms, and movements |
|
Music in History
15-Min Depth
|
Context of individual pieces | Music connected to broader world history: wars, revolutions, nations, folk traditions, social movements |
|
Composition
15-Min Depth
|
Occasional improvisation and creative keyboard work | Structured composition, notation, melody writing, harmony, and musical form |
|
Poetry & Lyrics
15-Min Depth
|
Occasional text analysis and creative alignment | Meter, rhyme, imagery, lyric writing, and setting poetry to music |
Concepts encountered in pieces, basic written work
Systematic theory, comprehensive exercises, preparation for ABRSM/graded exams
Ear training incorporated naturally into keyboard practice
Intensive singing, sight-singing, interval identification, and musical dictation
Composer, era, and musical context of assigned pieces
Chronological study of eras, major composers, structural forms, and movements
Context of individual pieces
Music connected to broader world history: wars, revolutions, nations, folk traditions, social movements
Occasional improvisation and creative keyboard work
Structured composition, notation, melody writing, harmony, and musical form
Occasional text analysis and creative alignment
Meter, rhyme, imagery, lyric writing, and setting poetry to music
While Music History asks "What happened in music?", Music in History asks "What was happening in the world, and how did music exist within it?"
Congregational singing, sacred traditions, psalmody, and Lutheran chorales.
Work songs, spirituals, ballads, fiddle traditions, and frontier music.
Lessons are held weekly in Rogersville, AL. Every student receives individual instruction on a quality grand instrument focused on musicality, healthy movement, and clear progress.
Comprehensive 30-minute private piano lesson. Naturally integrates foundational theory, healthy technique, and musicality.
Enroll 30-Min LessonPrivate piano lesson with the option to dedicate 15 minutes of the lesson to concentrated study to an elective study of your choice.
Enroll 45-Min LessonExtended private study for students who wish to pursue two elective areas, or for siblings learning together.
Enroll 60-Min LessonNew students are invited to a complimentary introductory lesson before beginning regular study. This gives us an opportunity to meet, discuss the student's experience and goals, and explore the piano together.
Each student's repertoire and learning materials are selected according to their age, experience, interests, and developing abilities. Lessons may draw from different methods and materials rather than following a single curriculum from beginning to end.
Beginners first spend several weeks becoming comfortable with the keyboard through rote pieces, trios, listening, improvisation, and musical games. Formal notation is introduced gradually as students connect what they hear with what they see and play.
Parents are always welcome to stay and observe lessons. This open-studio policy supports transparent communication and allows families to be present as their child develops musical skills.