Katz Piano Studio

Parent Information

Celebrating the joy of creating beautiful music for over 35 years

Kimberly A. Katz
Website address: www.katzpianostudio.com

Dear Parents,

I am very excited about the opportunity you are giving your child to learn the beauty of one of the world’s greatest and most important instruments and how to make wonderful music! Learning to play the piano is very challenging. I am looking forward to developing a close rapport with your child so we can work together effectively. With your support, piano lessons will provide your child with a life-long skill and love for music. Learning to play any musical instrument requires a great deal of practice and consistency. A strong commitment by parents to oversee your child’s daily practice habits is the key to ongoing progress. I view piano lessons as an important extension of your child’s education. Just as you are willing to assist your child with school homework, your participation in sitting with your child for daily practice sessions is helpful and recommended at the early stages of the learning process.

My approach to learning is classically based. Your child will be trained to read notes proficiently on the staffs, how to count rhythms, technique (scale work and finger strength-building exercises), music theory, sight-reading and classical repertoire. As a member of the Music Teachers National Association and its local chapter in Kansas City (KCMTA), I can offer your child many opportunities to perform in competitions locally and statewide. Not all students will excel to this level of performance, of course. My goal is to cultivate and fully develop your child’s innate talent as well as instill self- confidence. Your child will be encouraged to perform in a public setting only when fully prepared.

Many factors contribute to the success of your child’s efforts such as consistent practice habits, parental support and supervision and your child’s own natural talent for the instrument.

I highly recommend having a set practice time daily as a part of your child’s routine. Your child should understand that practicing is part of his/her education and cannot be treated as an optional activity. As a beginner, ideally your child should practice approximately 30 minutes, six days a week. As your child becomes more advanced, daily practice needs to increase. Taking several days off from practice through the week is very detrimental. CONSISTENCY IS A MUST!

Practicing is hard work and challenging. However, with your commitment, learning to play the piano will be very rewarding for your child and a skill to enjoy for a lifetime!