Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
PIANO PROGRAM
Diller-Quaile offers a program of piano study for the early beginner through the advanced high school student, beginning at age five or older. The inclusive philosophy of Angela Diller and Elizabeth Quaile, as well as traditional piano pedagogies, inform an approach that assures teaching tailored to the needs of the individual student, with a strong emphasis on building confident solo performing, fluent music reading, and skillful ensemble participation.
A typical program is comprised of an individual lesson and a musicianship class, with students participating in chamber ensembles as they progress through the curriculum. Students taught by the Suzuki method also participate in a weekly group playing class, and teenagers enroll in a weekly repertoire class.
Suzuki Group Playing Classes
Students play their shared repertoire in a motivating social environment that reinforces work done in lessons; they also hear pieces soon to be studied. Additionally, opportunities to play solos in class help students gain confidence as performers.
| Beginners | Monday | 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
| Book I | Monday | 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
| Books II-III | Thursday | 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. |
Piano Repertoire Class
| Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
Advanced teenagers participate in this weekly class, which focuses on the interpretation and performance of works from the standard literature. Students are coached on solo works and learn from observing and participating in the work of their fellow students. This class provides a venue for students to perform each week and to discuss the various style periods and performance practices relevant to their repertoire.
Piano Ensemble Class
| Tuesday | 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. |
Intermediate and advanced students participate in piano 4-hands, 6-hands, or 8-hands ensembles. This class provides an opportunity for pianists to study chamber music, exploring a range of repertoire from Baroque through Contemporary composers.
Piano Class Instruction for Beginners
These small classes provide an introduction to study in an engaging and supportive group setting. Students learn the fundamentals of first-year study, including instrument technique and music reading. Classes explore a variety of music styles through group and solo playing or singing and participate in Diller-Quaile's First Year Concerts. Teachers facilitate the transition to individual study in the second year.
| Tuesday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Thursday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Thursday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
Secondary Piano Instruction (Age 10 and up)
| Wednesday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
String, voice and woodwind students learn the fundamentals of piano study in this engaging and supportive group setting. Students develop piano technique through a healthy use of the body, the study of scales and keyboard harmony, and mastery of complete pieces. This class is designed to enhance students' understanding of the structure and processes of music, thereby supporting their comprehensive music education. Class size is limited to four students.