Lesson Content Policy

The general music lesson goal at GILLESPIE STUDIO is to provide each student with a well-rounded music education with particular focus on piano. Additionally, instruction in contemporary genres will be provided in guitar, bass guitar, and various computer sequencing applications (such as arranging and orchestration). Other instrumentalists may take instruction in theory and improvisational method, but we would not be responsible for technical instruction on their instruments. We will emphasize proper technique as well as creative musicianship. We also plan to feature students' progress at one or more performance events throughout the year (contest, recital, etc.). We realize every student is not destined to become a concert pianist or even a full-time musician, but we want to provide proper instruction so that those who wish to pursue music professionally will have access to appropriate tools, and those who don't still will be able to enjoy the benefits of music-making in their personal lives.

1. Lesson Length: Each lesson will last either a half-hour or full hour. 4-5 minutes will be allowed each lesson for transitioning and for conferencing with parents.

2. Eligibility: Generally, no one under age 6 will be accepted as a GILLESPIE STUDIO student. ANYONE of any age who demonstrates continued lack of discipline, commitment, or a cooperative attitude will be asked to relinquish their lesson time to those who are waiting in line to begin lessons (see STUDENT EVALUATION POLICY).

3. Assignment Notebook: Each student aged 17 yrs and under will be required to maintain an assignment notebook (spiral). Siblings may share this notebook. This notebook must be brought to each lesson. The instructor will make each week's assignment clear. Parents are expected to check this notebook each week to help monitor the student's progress and practice. We also employ a "point" system (see STUDENT EVALUATION POLICY) to help monitor and evaluate ongoing progress.

4. Drills and Exercises: Each student will be assigned some drills and exercises appropriate to their skill level and goals. Proper technique is deemed an important aspect of musical training. Anyone can play music on their own any way they wish, but GILLESPIE STUDIO students are expected to cooperate with proper technical methodology, at least while they are at their lessons and while they represent GILLESPIE STUDIO at contests and recitals.

5. Rhythm, Note-reading, and Fingering: These skills will come into play throughout all parts of the lesson. Often these skills will take precedence, in the sense that until they are mastered adequately, many other aspects of music-making remain stifled.

6. Creative Musicianship: Interpretive skills such as dynamics, legato/staccato, tempo, etc., will be emphasized increasingly as the student makes progress in areas covered under points 4 and 5 above.

7. Classical Repertoire for Piano or Guitar Improv and Chording: Much of the repertoire goals we set for piano students will involve standardized beginning texts and classical literature which have become standard fare for serious piano students. For guitar students, basic note-reading, playing chord accompaniment, and improvising leads on chord charts will constitute the bulk of repertoire.

8. Theory and Improvisation: These aspects of musical training will be emphasized for all students--even for those who wish to pursue strict classical training. TH Gillespie's FIT series (FIT TO BE PLAYED) will be included for all piano students, and many of those same principles will be applied for guitar students as well. This training may include ear training (listening and singing) as well as written work and discussion.

9. Arranging and Improvisation: At least one portion of every piano lesson (exception: we might delay this for some beginning situations) and most of guitar and bass guitar lessons will involve playing lead sheets and chord charts--including some opportunity for arranging and improvisation.

10. "Student's Choice": Toward the end of each lesson, particularly when all other assigned materials have been covered adequately, students will be allowed to pursue practically ANY aspect of music making they wish. This can include the student's choice of a piece (including sheet music) as well as music games or singing.

11. Sequencing Option: Those who wish may opt to include at least a few minutes of synthesizer sequencing training as part of their lesson time. All the above emphases will be included, but we will add considerations such as orchestrating (e.g., for backup tracks for use with vocal solo).

12. Recording Option: Subject to instructor approval, some students will be allowed (even encouraged) to spend some minutes of lesson time working on recording projects of various sorts.

13. Student Brings Required Materials to Each Lesson: Each student is responsible for purchasing all required materials and is expected to bring ALL current method and repertoire books and any other assigned materials to each lesson.