Beginning to intermediate recorder lessons, starting at age 8.
The recorder is offered to young music students because it is relatively easy to master simple songs on this instrument, but it has also been an important instrument in Western Art Music history; it can be played very expressively and at the virtuoso level.
When taught effectively, recorder studies can prepare young musicians for rapid progress on band instruments once they reach 5th and 6th grade, such as flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and French horn.
This is a semester-long program (September-January). Lessons can be private or semi-private (2-3 students together). Offered on Monday or Tuesday evenings (after Music for Little Kids or Children’s Choir), between 5:00-7:30pm. Private lessons are 1/2 hour while small group lessons may take 45 minutes.
Pricing depends on number of students per lesson, ranging between $30-$50.
Steve Peisch has taught music at several schools, including the New England Conservatory, Deerfield Academy, Lawrence Academy, The Indian Hill Music School (now called the Groton Hill Music Center) the Bromfield School, and Hildreth Elementary School.
Most recently, he has focused on providing excellent and enjoyable music classes for the youngest elementary school age children, having learned from first-hand experience that providing a strong foundation at this level will strengthen the music programs that follow in both middle and high schools.
Peisch is committed to developing curiosity and creativity in young people, to sequencing instruction carefully and in conversation with other music teachers, to broadcasting high expectations in music and other arts classes, and to encouraging music students to make connections with other subject areas.
Peisch also discovered through experience that music programs at low-SES schools are significantly weaker than programs in more affluent communities and private schools. He has committed to combating this problem with his advocacy and his volunteer work.
Peisch’s music is available on his website, http://hundredsrecords.com/index.html, and his recommendations for arts educators can be found on his company’s website, http://www.newdirectionsinartseducation.com/