Creative & Intergrative Music Education

Lessons

Learning to play the piano builds confidence, teaches you to read music, sharpens your musical ear, encourages self-expression and most importantly... it's FUN!

A balance between learning to read, hear and understand the logic of music whilst developing improvisation and composition skills is important to create a rounded musician who will embrace music and enjoy playing for life.

Lessons are taught individually on a recently restored magnificent parlour grand piano in Camberwell, or can be taught remotely via skype and are tailored to each student’s learning style, age and previous experience.

Each lesson is imbued with Susan’s natural enthusiasm and playfulness allowing students to feel comfortable and able to express themselves with ease.

Why Piano?

1. Piano is the BEST first musical instrument to learn, because it lays out the ‘how, why and where’s of music in the most straight forward, logical manner.

2. Piano is ALL encompassing... it has the widest range of sounds from low to high and is a melodic, percussive and harmonic instrument all rolled into one! Thereby fulfilling the roles of a single 'voice', a (less ear piercing!) drum kit, an orchestra all in one, or a combination of all three!

3. Piano gives you GOOD sounds instantly! Most other instruments require good breathing / bowing & solid posture before pleasing sounds are made. Piano develops fine motor skills (improves hand-dexterity) and healthy posture progressively as you learn without the ‘ugly' starting sounds associated with other instruments.

4. Many SCIENTIFIC studies show learning piano develops stronger left / right brain hemisphere interconnections that support healthy brain functioning throughout life – regardless of whether you continue long term.

5. Piano is PERFECT for alone and together play time, as a solo, duet and accompanying instrument and is the most useful instrument to compose music upon!

6. A solid foundation in piano can be applied to any other instrument, helping you to become competent much FASTER!

Performances

Two concerts are held annually, these offer students a forum to share their musical adventures with each other, their family and friends in a safe and supportive environment. Further, regular concerts help to develop the ability to deal with nerves, build self-esteem and encourage confidence.

Extra performance opportunities such as school concerts, plays, eisteddfods and community service are encouraged and assistance where appropriate can be incorporated into lessons.

As students advance they can, if they wish, sit for AMEB Piano for Leisure practical and theory exams. The fun syllabus offers students an achievable goal to work towards, helps to develop an enjoyable repertoire of pieces and gives a sense of accomplishment upon successful completion.

About

SUSAN GAMBLE
B.P.A, B.F.A, Grad Dip & M.A (AIM) A.MUS.A
Fully Accredited Member of the Victorian Music Teachers'Association
Current Working with Children Check Victoria

Susan has successfully taught piano for over 15 years, ranging from Kindy to VCE and parents! Some of her former students are now tertiary educated professional musicians too!

She has inspired and entertained 1000’s of primary school kids performing in musical theatre in education productions throughout Victorian schools and has extensive experience engaging with kids as a children’s entertainer.

Susan is a composer, pianist, violinist, experimental film-maker and co-founding member of audio/visual collective 'The Spheres.' The ensemble has performed up & down the East Coast of Australia in a variety of music venues, art galleries, music & media festivals, locally including: The Recital Centre, Melbourne International Film Festival @ Australian Centre for the Moving Image, The Sustainable Living Festival @ Federation Square and recently collaborated with The National Film and Sound Archive.

Susan is also a classically trained soprano having studied both in Australia and Italy on scholarship and regularly performs in concerts, opera productions and creates and performs original arrangements with her duo 'The Lyrebirds'.

When not making music, Susan is also a successful fine artist, having won many awards and exhibiting regularly.

Payment

Lessons are weekly during school terms and payment for the whole term is due in the first TWO weeks of each term by cash or direct deposit.

Hourly rates are in accordance with the Victorian Music Teachers' Association.

Absences

Susan realises things can and occasionally do go wrong and people get sick – but please let her know!

To allow for life’s mishaps Susan offers one make-up lesson on a Friday at the end of each term – however if this does not suit she will not be held accountable.

No term fee reductions will be made if students miss multiple lessons during the term. If a student wishes to cease lessons please let Susan know at least two weeks before the new term.

Contact

Ph: 0417 363 936

Email: mail@pianolessons4kids.com