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We are located in Apple Valley, Minnesota
Links to Essential Topics
Important Notices for Prospective Students
18 Reasons for Studying Piano and Guitar
at Our Music Academy
Buying a
Guitar (read this before you go to the
store)
Buying a Piano
(read this before you go to the store)
Testimonial of an Amazing Transformation
Letters from Students and
Parents
Recorded Proof that Our Teaching Methods Produce
Extraordinary Results
Studying Fine-Art Music Improves Intelligence
The A-B-Cs of Learning Music at Our Academy
A.
B
Important Notices for
Prospective Students
1. You must own an electronic keyboard*, acoustic piano or acoustic guitar** so you have an
instrument to practice on between lessons. An appropriate purchase
must be made before lessons begin.
*We recommend keyboards with velocity-sensitive keys
to allow changes in volume on individual notes, weighted keys for
an acoustic piano feel, an on-board damper pedal, and built-in
music desk. See
Buying a Piano
below for more information.
**Electric guitar is taught at a different location.
2.
Prospective students (and parents of those who are minor children)
are invited to attend a free introductory lesson. During that time,
both will have a chance to interact with the teachers
and evaluate the studio environment.
Since we frequently receive referrals from current, happy lesson customers,
we are confident that all involved will be pleased with their experience.
To schedule your free introductory lesson, please call us at the phone number above.
3. Please note that we offer music lessons only. We do not sell any
musical products, equipment or replacement parts, and do not repair musical
instruments.
8:30 AM to 8 PM Monday-Thursday, 3:00 PM-7:00 PM Friday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM Sunday. Closed Saturday.
Apple Valley
Guitar & Piano Academy of Apple Valley, MN offers private and semi-private
lessons for
Adults, Teens, and Children ages 4-12 in:
The issue of cost is only meaningful when you know exactly what you will receive
for your money, and the hidden fees or expenses involved.
Four questions that should be asked instead are: What is the
long-term price of learning to play the guitar/piano properly?
What is the quantity and quality of the instruction received each
week? Can the teacher effectively explain complex musical and technical
concepts to children and other beginners, so they can practice properly at
home and make fast progress? What do learning materials cost?
Response to questions 1-2:
Teachers with our level of experience, using detailed
lesson plans, our own custom, commerical-quality learning materials perfected for every skill level, and
the most effective method books on the market, will provide a substantial amount of effective instruction
in each lesson.
On a daily basis, our head teacher is adding to our music knowledge base
by researching new and innovative teaching methods, solutions to underlying
technical problems in guitar and piano study, discovering additional "hidden
treasures of the piano repertoire" to delight and motivate students, 100s of
virtuoso videos so students can watch and hear the greatest piano and guitar
masters in their lessons, and much more.
As a result, fewer lessons are required to
master the piano or guitar. In turn, the total cost of achieving
these goals is much less in the long-term than lower-priced lessons from teachers without these
qualifications.
To confirm this point, here's a parent's testimonial regarding the
successful debut performance of their 12-year-old after 1 year of lessons
with our head teacher:
"We wanted to let you know that our son played in church today. More
people than we could count complimented him after the performance. The
pastor said it brought tears to his eyes. We heard so many people say they
never thought a guitar could sound so full and beautiful."
Response to question 3:
As a result of over a quarter-century of collective, successful teaching
experience, we are experts at explaining the complexities of guitar and
piano to even the youngest students, and teens and adults with little/no
musical background.
Response to question 4:
Most sheet music, studies, exercises, and music theory
handouts we use are provided FREE from our custom materials library, or through public domain
sheet music websites.
(Our head teacher has spent hundreds of hours tracking down these web pages
to save students money.) Therefore, you pay only for commercial method books and certain materials
that are not available on websites or in our library.
At lesson studios where these resources are not available, you can pay
$100-$200 or more per year for needed materials.
More Letters from Students
and Parents Our Newest Feature: Free Hidden Treasures of Piano
Music For those students who
love classical piano music, our head teacher has compiled a a FREE SHEET
MUSIC catalog of hundreds of "hidden treasures". These are
extraordinarily beautiful compositions―especially in terms of the melody―yet
are unknown
to the vast majority of piano students and even many professionals.
Most importantly, the hidden treasures catalog of
piano music ranges in difficulty from
mid-beginner to the concert level. Therefore, every student
who enjoys classical music has access to these precious compositions. Some of this music is not available in stores, and is very difficult to
find―even on the Internet. In one case, for example, it took four hours to find one of these rare sheet music scores.
In other cases, there is only one piano music treasure in an entire large
collection. Thus, pianists must play through numerous pieces in dozens of
collections to find all the pieces in our catalog. This resource is available exclusively to students of Apple Valley Guitar and Piano Academy.
18 Reasons for Studying Piano and Guitar
at Our Music Academy
With
us, the journey to phenomenal musical success begins with the very first lesson.
Or, if you just want learn the basics of piano and guitar and have fun, we
can do that too.
These include:
·
detailed study notes
for piano or guitar pieces
the student is working on (see the topic "Custom Piano Editions with Study
Notes" below, or
click
here for an example.)
·
free sheet
music (click
here for samples)
·
free
arrangements
of
virtuoso music designed for advanced
beginners and intermediates (makes children and teens sound like "junior concert
performers")·
·
"excerpt"
arrangements from full-length masterworks (not available anywhere
else), so you can sound like a concert pianist with out months of practicing
long pieces
·
free studies
and exercises for developing technical virtuosity
·
free music
theory handouts
·
essays on
technique, musicianship and
such as melodic
"ornaments", etc. These innovative materials provide
highly effective instruction for students at all levels―from beginner to
professional. They also offer an intellectually stimulating,
activity-based enhancement to the traditional manner of teaching from
store-bought sheet music. In many cases, students can instantly
print copies of these free materials on our studio printer. Or―if the
student downloads the free Finale Notepad 2012 software―they can play back
the head teacher's Finale music files on their computer at any speed they
want.
Our Roland digital grand has a slanted
lid and the harp shape of an acoustic grand, allowing for additional
speakers and much better sound quality than a console (rectangular) digital.
The digital grand is used to teach young children due to its light,
"easy" key action and access to multiple instrument sounds. Our acoustic grand has an "old world"
European scale design, providing a tone that is warm, round, and sweet. It
is also regularly tuned, voiced and adjusted by a
nationally-recognized
expert technician.
These workstations provide students
with access to fun, interactive software and games for music theory and
note reading. They also serve to showcase our head teacher's
custom music learning materials, master-performer videos and accompanying
sheet music. As a result of the latter, students can see and hear
virtuosos play the music they are
studying.
This software allows us to create
music exercises and theory examples tailored to each student right in their
lesson, as well as illustrate various musical concepts in a
crystal-clear visual format. Students can also use a MIDI
keyboard to capture what they play on the screen as staff notation. In addition, our head teacher has
written a free Finale instruction manual, so students can learn to
use the program at home. As a result, they can prepare their written
music homework assignments with software rather instead of the slow
and graphically erratic method of writing music by hand.
·
technique―the finger skills required to play music accurately, beautifully and
expressively; an understanding of how the choice of fingers
used
on either hand
improves the ease of playing)
·
musicianship―quality of sound, conforming to all the expression symbols in
written sheet
music
·
interpretation―varying the sound and time of notes according to personal taste, phrasing,
establishing a proper mood or feeling, realizing ornaments symbols, etc.
·
music appreciation―exposure to a wide variety of music from all historical periods, which
positively influences the student's ability to play contrasting styles in an
authentic fashion.
·
theory
(the building
blocks, structure, and notation of music, leading to a full understanding of
each piece studied, so the student plays the music properly.)
·
composition, arranging
and improvisation
(focusing on the creative aspect of music)
·
ear training
(learning to recognize the names of intervals and chords, nelody and rhythm
patterns without looking at sheet music; the goal is to dramatically improve
the students musical hearing, leading to better instrumental performance.)
Rather than teach students to copy the teacher's playing style, we have
specialized techniques that allow them to develop their own.
This self-discovery process of sound
variations, guided by an expert teacher. Eventually, the student
develops a strong sense of confidence as a musician, and the ability to
be creative without the teacher's assistance. Thus, even our younger
students become real musical artists.
Our studio
has produced virtuoso performers and college scholarship winners.
Free prizes and incentives that motivate younger students to practice.
Free cold beverages for all; free hot beverages (including
Starbucks-quality espresso, cappuccinos and lattes) for adults.
Free Wi-Fi access for adult smart phones and siblings' tablet
computers.
Free custom learning materials for piano and guitar created by our head
teacher, that you can't find in stores or on the Internet.
Students perform in recitals on a 9-foot Steinway "D" grand piano, the same
instrument used by the world's greatest virtuosos for concerts and
recordings. In the
studio, piano students learn on a high-end digital grand piano or a
European-style acoustic grand piano.
Digital music teaching workstations with 21-inch HD monitors and premium audio
systems.
Finale music writing software on our digital music teaching
workstations.
Comprehensive musical training that includes:
Development of the student's unique musical personality
For every hour in the studio, our head teacher spends approximately 30
minutes on lesson preparation. (See "1000s of custom learning
materials…" below for details.)
In short, his students pay for a 30-minute lesson, but receive 45 minutes of his time as teachers. The overall result is a highly effective, detailed, content-rich lesson experience that helps students master their instrument more quickly and thoroughly.
Important note: The head teacher routinely shares the content of his lesson prep to our associate, early childhood teacher, to an extent that's relevant to her students. Also, most students who stay with us for 2-3 years or more eventually move to the head teacher.
Exclusive Accelerando Training Method for Piano
Our head teacher designed this musical activity-based method to produce the fastest possible progress in learning piano. Ultimately, it serves as a pathway to the highest levels of instrumental mastery. See the topic Piano Learning Curriculums below for details.
Click here for important Accelerando Method disclaimer
Piano
Skill Testing
For students/parents who request it, we offer graded testing in ear training, "technical" exercises (such as scales and arpeggios) and music performance, which provides provides a clear measurement of student progress. With each successful test, the selected student rises one grade out of 10, giving them a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Best of all, the skills acquired improve one's playing and ability to learn new music quickly.
The testing curriculum is based on the internationally recognized standards.
For advanced students, digital metronome and highly sophisticated chord and
note-recognition "flashcard" software, written by our head teacher.
Our teachers have a minimum of 12 years of music teaching experience.
Our head teacher has 50 years of music experience, college and university training in music theory and performance, and has published music teaching books sold on major retail websites.
We are full-time, professional teachers.
As a result of this exclusive focus, we are expert musical educators capable of delivering rapid, quality progress and satisfaction to our students.
Custom Piano Editions with Study Notes
In prior years, our head teacher produced dozens of professionally-typeset guitar music editions designed for our students. Now, he is introducing the same type of editions for piano. Each of these meticulously crafted publications involves up to 40 hours of effort in the following areas:
Detailed study notes, which are used to guide the student in their lessons.
Particularly important are solutions to technical and rhythmic problems that
allow students to overcome difficulties quickly.
Numerous fingering indications (1-5), including extra ones missing
from standard sheet music, and improvements on existing ones. This is especially important in passages that must
be played fast. As a result, the music is much easier for our
students to play.
Furthermore, doing this work up front means that valuable lesson time is not wasted while the teacher adds or corrects fingerings in standard editions.
Melodic
ornaments (trills, mordents, etc.), which are usually abbreviated symbols
such as "tr",
are "realized" or written out in full. All these realizations are
confirmed by listening to recordings of the world's greatest concert piano
interpreters, who are the true experts as far as ornament performance is
concerned. In contrast, relying on the ornament interpretations in
commercial editions often leads to musically unsatisfying results.
Below is an example of a trill realization:
In contrast, the "as written" example would be incomprehensible to many younger students.
These custom editions are just one of many examples of Apple Valley Piano Academy's commitment to the highest levels of excellence in piano teaching, and above all, to the piano playing success of our students.
Answers to Piano Questions
We Train Teachers/
Guitar and Piano Teachers Wanted
If you are a relatively new teacher having difficulty with the business or solving your students learning problems, we can help. Call or e-mail us for more information.
We are also looking for independent piano and guitar teachers to work with us.
Special Articles on the Piano
(These articles explain many technical terms in the ones below)
How to Improve the Sound of Your Piano
AVGPA Students Offered Scholarships
An AVGPA student recently received a $12,000 scholarship to study guitar at the University of Minnesota, AFTER JUST 8 MONTHS OF CLASSICAL LESSONS with us. This student was taught with our exclusive Accelerando Guitar Method (discussed below) which is available to students of any age or ability level. We also have an Accelerando Method for piano.
A St. Thomas University professor gave another guitar student assurances he would receive a scholarship if he applied to the music school. This student also received a grade of "A" after an evaluation by a member of the Minnesota Orchestra.
These independent assessments by top music experts confirm our claims of educational quality and results throughout the remainder of this site.
Recorded Proof that Our Teaching Methods Produce Extraordinary Results
Below are recordings of children and teens playing adult-level guitar solos.
"When I first visited this site and heard these beautiful recordings, I never dreamed that my son would be playing one of these pieces so soon!"
―Parent of a 12-year-old guitar student
Click this link to view Apple Valley Guitar Academy YouTube Videos
Testimonial of an Amazing Transformation
The following testimonial is regarding a student who quit lessons with a
recording artist to study at Apple Valley Guitar Academy. At age 12,
he is now a musical performer in his community.
"We really wanted our child to learn from someone who genuinely cared about the technique and precision needed to master classical guitar. We are so happy with the progress he has made and we graciously thank you. It has been an amazing transformation and we appreciate all you have done for him."
More Letters from Students and Parents
Return to Main Menu
Studying Fine-Art Music Improves Intelligence
Science has shown that playing fine-art/classical music improves overall intelligence, stimulates artistic creativity, and boosts learning ability. This is because the music has highly elaborate rhythms, a wide range of harmonic (chord) colors, and a complex overall structure in terms of how the notes interact.
You or your child can enjoy these benefits with the guidance of our fine-art music experts. In particular, we are one of the few studios in the area that specializes in teaching classical music on the guitar.
Note that we also teach quality popular music.
The
ACCELERANDO PIANO METHOD,™
available exclusively at Apple Valley Guitar and Piano Academy, allows students to maximize musical enjoyment, reach their full potential as pianists, and do both as quickly as possible.
Details of this Revolutionary Piano Lesson System
Important Accelerando Method disclaimer
Let us Help You with Your Piano Purchase
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Apple Valley Guitar & Piano Academy Recital Students
Retail stores today offer a wide variety of guitars with significant differences in beauty of tone, structural quality, longevity, warranties, and suitability for beginners/children. Our master teacher, who has 40 years of experience with the major acoustic guitar makes/models, has written a Guitar Buying Guide to help you in your purchase.
The Inside Story of the Piano
A thorough understanding of how a piano works contributes to better playing and proper maintenance that keeps it sounding it's best year-round. To this end, our head teacher has written an article on this topic. Click here to read the article.
How to Use the Piano Pedals
This is another article by our head teacher, which offers into the three piano pedals: damper, una corda, and sostenuto. Click here to read the article.
Customer Service Contact information
Contact Apple Valley Piano Academy,
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Call: 952-322-4329
E-mail: info @ AVGuitarAcademy . com
Privacy Statement
All information we obtain from customers in order to conduct our music lesson business and process payments is kept confidential. We do not sell e-mail or postal addresses of our customers to any other party.
Payment, Cancellation, Return and Refund Policies
Types of Guitars Used for Lessons
We offer lessons on acoustic (steel string) and classical (nylon string) guitars.
Steel-string training includes playing with a pick or fingerstyle (with the right-hand fingers). Classical guitar, often called "Spanish guitar", is taught fingerstyle.
We are located in Apple Valley, MN, and serve the following South of the River communities: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Cannon Falls, Coates, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, New Market, Northfield, Owatonna, Prior Lake, Rosemount, and Webster
MISCELLANEOUS
Piano Student Registration Form
Guitar Student
Registration Form
LESSON DETAILS AND CONTACT INFO
Private Guitar Lessons: 30/45/60 minutes
Private Piano Lessons:
30/45/60 minutes
On-demand Workshops for Intermediate and
Advanced guitarists and pianists
*updated 10/2010
LINKS