Heather Rogers Riley - Classical Piano Studio

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Heather Rogers Riley

Classical Piano Studio

Welcome to my studio!May my enthusiasm and love for learning music be an inspiration to all my students!I seek to bring out the best in each person and guide them in discovering their own unique talents and personal connections with the music.I teach each student as an individual.Students at any level can pursue serious study with my personalized, structured approach.I help students develop beautiful technique, self-awareness, powerful practice skills, and creative expression.The TeacherAboutPhilosophyBackgroundAboutI am a professional and caring teacher with over thirteen years of experience in piano instruction, performance coaching and adjudicating. Teaching and learning music are my passions, and I bring dedication and inspiration to every lesson.I provide the necessary structure that will both challenge and motivate students. I focus on teaching excellent practice skills, proper technique, and how to play with beautiful expression.PhilosophyIn my teaching, I strive to ...

Always emphasize quality over quantity.

Balance encouragement with constructive criticism.

Challenge each student to strive for personal excellence, to always do their best, and give 100% effort.Be very patient and supportive. I am skilled at explaining concepts in a variety of ways and creating personalized practice instructions. I want to empower my students with practice skills, so they leave the lesson thinking: " I CAN do it!"Introduce students to a variety of the best piano literature. I want each student to discover the fun, beauty and enjoyment of playing classical music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Modern eras. I want to peak their curiousity and their desire to learn with each new piece we study.I Believe ...Students MUST have a real (acoustic) piano at home for daily practice. This is absolutely imperitive for the student's musical and technical development, their enjoyment and motivation, as well as their short- and long-term success in piano study. Digital or electronic keyboards are not acceptable and are not compatible with my teaching style. No exceptions. If you need to purchase or rent a piano, I will be more than happy to advise you and give you references.I Believe ... "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." (Aristotle)Quality, consistent practice is a necessary component to progress and success in all music study. It is not enough to just attend a lesson – learning piano requires daily, committed practice to apply, develop and master all the skills learned at the lesson. My mission is to teach students HOW to practice, and to clearly communicate individual practice expectations and goals. Students are expected to maintain regular piano practice in order to hold their spot in my studio. Extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, dance, gymnastic, etc. are not considered valid excuses for not practicing during the week. Choosing to study piano is a choice to maintain a priority level for practice.Students (and parents) should be clear about their readiness to make the necessary time committment that is required of students in my studio. I may chose to discontinue lessons with those who are not willing or able to maintain an acceptable, regular practice amount. BackgroundDegrees: Bachelor of Music Performance, Walla Walla College, WA; studied with Dr. Leonard Richter. Additional studies in piano and pedagogy with Mrs. Debra Richter; harpsichord with Dr. Kraig Scott.Master of Music in Piano Performance, The Boston Conservatory, MA; studied with Dr. Jonathan Bass. Organizations:NEPTA (New England Piano Teachers Association)MMTA (Massachusetts Music Teachers Association)MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)Positions:Beside running my own professional private studio for many years, I've also been Assistant Director of the Piano Preparatory Division at Walla Walla College, WA and currently I am on the piano faculty and Chair of the Piano Department at Indian Hill Music in Littleton, MA.Performance:I love to perform! During my time in Washington state, I performed and competed extensively in the Northwest. In 1999 I won the Oregon East Symphony Concerto Competition and performed Scriabin'’s Concerto in F-sharp minor with the Oregon East Symphony. More recent performances include a concerto solo with the Indian Hill Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Bruce Hangen. I've also appeared in a number of solo recitals around Boston and the North Shore area as well as ensemble appearances with the Soria Chamber Players and Indian Hill Music faculty.Personal:When I'm not teaching or practicing, I love spending time with my husband going to Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Allendale Farm, skiing around New England, visiting new restaurants, or just staying home, cooking & baking, reading, and playing with our two cats Mable & Josie.The StudioLessonsPerformanceStudio PolicyCalendarLessonsI provide weekly private instruction in classical piano for beginners through advanced levels. Also included is corresponding instruction in theory, ear training, composition, and music history.Lessons are taught at Mrs. Riley's home in a beautiful music room exclusively dedicated to the piano studio. Students play on a 5'7" Schafer & Sons grand piano, equipped with a 42" dual adjustable bench, and a pedal extender footstool to support smaller students. The studio is temperature-controlled, and provides a comfortable seating area for waiting students or for parents to sit in the lesson. There is also a lending library, with CDs, DVDs, books, and magazines available for students to borrow from.PerformancePerformance is such an important component to the art of learning piano, and I pay special attention to modelling and guiding healthy performance practice in my students' lessons. We work on technical, musical, mental, and emotional preparation in order to achieve the most confident, accurate and expressive performance possible. I teach students not to fear or be anxious of performance - through mindful preparation and building self-confidence with smaller goals, students can achieve joyful performance experiences.All students are required to perform in the annual studio recitals. You can visit the Photo Gallery to see many of the happy performers!Additionally, through my professional associations, students are eligible to participate in a wide variety of performance opportunities throughout the year, including workshops, masterclasses, recitals, auditions, competitions and certification program exams.Student Performance Successes from 2010:2 students received Honorable Mention in the MMTA Judged Recitals.3 students (out of total of 4 allowed to submit) won auditions & performed in the Honors Recital at Indian Hill Music, Littleton, MA.7 students entered & passed their levels in Piano Certification Juries at Indian Hill Music.Student won 3rd place in the 11-12 age group at the Kenneth A. Darrell Memorial Piano Competition, Nashua, NH.Student won 4th annual studio Practice Challenge Month with 990 minutes, receiving the grand piano trophy & iTunes gift card.Studio Policy

Tuition & Policy

Studio PolicyClick the icon to download a complete version of the Studio Policy.Tuition is charged by the term, billed as monthly installments, with payment due before or by the first lesson of each month. The year is divided into three terms:Fall Semester: September-JanuarySpring Semester: February-June Summer Session: July-AugustFall & Spring Semester Rates are based on 16 lessons per semester, paid for in 5 monthly installments.30 min. lesson: $625/semester = 5 installments of $125/month 45 min. lesson: $800/semester = 5 installments of $160/month 60 min. lesson: $1005/semester = 5 installments of $201/month 1st lesson of the year: $20 Annual Registration fee + Cost of one month. The 5-month payment plan provides families with an even disbursement of the total cost for 16 lessons during each semester while also providing a consistent income for Mrs. Riley. Payment stays the same regardless of the number of lessons a student actually receives in a single month. Tuition pays for: 16 Private Lessons per Fall and Spring SemesterPiano Performance PartiesGroup WorkshopsPractice Challenge MonthThe annual Studio Recital (Spring Semester)Parent-Teacher ConferencesStudent EvaluationsLending LibraryStudent music magazine subscriptionTuition also reflects the amount of detailed preparation I put into lesson plans, the cost of piano maintenance, teaching supplies & studio expenses, as well as continuing education and professional memberships which enhance my level of teaching and provide local and regional opportunities for my students. Individual Lesson RatesExtra lessons are available at the individual lesson rate:30 minute lesson: $39/lesson45 minute lesson: $50/lesson60 minute lesson: $63/lessonSummer Session RatesThe Summer Session is for the months of July & August. The number of lessons each month are determined on an individual basis, and tuition is charged using the Individual Lesson Rate. Students may select to register for the minimum of 4 lessons up to the maximum of 7 lessons. Families will receive a bill for the number of lessons per month of Summer Session, due the 1st of each month.Payment of monthly tuition is due in full before or by the first lesson of each month. Parents are expected to be responsible for following the payment schedule and making payments on time. As a courtesy, DUE DATES are provided for you in the Studio Calendar . Late tuition payments may be charged a $5.00 late fee if not received by the close of the due date. Tuition that is late by 7 days or more will be charged an additional $15 late fee. If the total payment is not made by the end of the month, the student's place in the studio may not be reserved for the following month, and lessons cannot resume until the balance plus the late fee is paid in full. Lessons are non-refundable. Two weeks are reserved at the end of each semester for Mrs. Riley to give make-up lessons for any excused absences. For a full version of the Studio Policy, please click on the icon above to download it. Calendar

2010-2011 Studio Calendar

Fall Semester

Fall CalendarClick the icon to download and print the calendar.Fall Semester Begins:Tuesday students - September 7Friday students - September 10Group Performance Workshop: Sunday, October 17, 3:00-4:30Halloween Piano Party:Sunday, October 24, 4:00 pmThanksgiving Vacation:NO LESSONS: November 21-28Lessons will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 30Holiday Vacation:NO LESSONS: December 19-January 2, 2011Lessons will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011Fall Semester Ends:Tuesday students - January 11Friday students - January 14Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences: Tuesday, Jan. 18 and Friday Jan. 21Make-up Weeks:January 18-28Spring Semester Begins: Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Fall Semester Tuition Due Dates:

TUESDAY STUDENTS FRIDAY STUDENTSSeptember 1 September 1October 5 October 1November 2 November 5December 7 December 3

January 4 January 7

Please submit tuition payments BEFORE or BY the due dates.LinksYoutubeFacebookfind me on Facebookwatch my ChannelSHEETMUSICPLUS.COM

My favorite online store for purchasing piano music.

I often email parents a "shopping cart" list of music conveniently linked to the website for fast & easy purchases.

MUSIC ESPRESSO

Great music store on Huntington Ave., Boston. You can find music, metronomes, flash cards, books and other supplies. They also take orders over the phone, and will mail the music to you at home!

PIANO TECHNICIANS GUILD

Need to find a piano tuner in your area? Questions about piano maintenance? Shopping for an instrument? This site will help you find all the registered technicians in your area, and so much more ... you can also click HERE for fun piano games for students, then look around for more great information and resources for all things piano!

PIANOCRAFTSMAN

Paul Panek is my piano technician. He's great ... I recommend him!

THE BOSTON MUSICAL INTELLIGENCER

A virtual journal and blog of the classical music scene in Boston.

Enlightening articles, reviews and - my favorite! -an in-depth CALENDAR of upcoming events and concerts in the Boston area!

MULTIMEDIA MUSIC DICTIONARY

Need to look up a music word or phrase? This online music dictionary has a plethora of terms ... PLUS real-voice pronounciation, too!

HEALTHY POSTURE AT THE PIANO

How are you sitting at the piano? Helpful descriptions and pictures of proper bench arrangements and seating posture.

WEBSITES FOR KIDS, from MTNA.org

A list of entertaining (and safe!) music websites designed with KIDS in mind, from Music Teachers National Association ...Includes games, performances, theory, history, and listening.

CLASSICS FOR KIDS

Based on the Public Radio broadcast ... lots of fun stuff to explore, with interactive music games.

FROM THE TOP

Watch & listen to some amazing young performers! This NPR/PBS program is a showcase for some of America's best young musicians. Hosted by Christopher O'Riley, From the Top shares the stories and performances of talented pre-collegiate musicians and provides a compelling and entertaining window into a world of young people who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy.

BLUEBOOK OF PIANOS

Piano Information Network: The Online Piano Book

"Everything you alwyas wanted to know about pianos, but didn't know who to ask."

PIANO BUYER

Online "book" by Larry Fine. An informative guide to purchasing a piano.

NOTEFLIGHT - Online Notation Software

Noteflight® is an online music writing application that lets you create, view, print and hear music notation with professional quality, right in your web browser. Work on a score from any computer on the Internet, share it with other users, and embed it in your own pages.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PIANO PRACTICE, by Chuan C. Chang

Free online book. Informative and in-depth writing on piano practice, technique, memorizing, and performance. A helpful reference for older/advanced students and for parents who want to better understand the learning process and support higher-quality practice at home.

PANDORA RADIO

Free online music streaming. You can create your own "stations" to listen to! Just select a favorite piece, composer, or stlye, and Pandora will create a non-stop playlist that matches. Great way for students to explore styles and repertoire to inspire their practice! Pandora also has a mobile app for your smart phone so you can take it with you everywhere.

THE CHILDBLOOM GUITAR PROGRAM

The Childbloom Guitar program is a comprehensive musical education program for children between the ages of 5 and 12. My husband, Will Riley , is the Director of the Boston chapter of the Childbloom Guitar Program, and teaches at his studio in Roslindale.

GalleryPhoto GalleryStudio Recital June 2010At the recital, students were awarded medals and certificates for Practice Challenge Month.with Natalie and AmeliaA happy pair of performers after the June recital!Practice Challenge Winner!Congratulations to Angelique!! She was the Top Practicer with 990 minutes in the 2010 Practice Challenge Month.Certificate students 2010My Indian Hill students who all passed their jury exams, and received certificates for their levels. What a big accomplishment!JosieMy cat, Josie, enjoys spending time in the piano room, especially when beautiful music is being played.MableMy cat, Mable, LOVES the piano! She's always ready to practice with me, as you can see.June 2010All the happy performers ... My entire studio performed in the Spring Semester studio recital at Indian Hill.StudioMy studio room at Christmas-time is my favorite time of the year!With Avril AllardIn 2009, I perfomed Bach's c minor double-keyboard concerto with pianist Avril Allard and the Indian Hill Chamber Orchestra. It was so much fun!!with Bruce HangenEnjoying the reception after the concerto performance with conductor Bruce Hangen.Rebecca and MiriamMy fabulous adult students, Rebecca and Miriam, love playing duets together! They performed Ravel's "Empress of the Porcelein Dolls" in the June 2010 recital.Studio Recital 2009Halloween 2008The Halloween Piano Party ... everyone has a great time dressing up and performing Halloween themed pieces. Plus, there are games and food!VideoImagine Being: Concert PianistAmelia: Haydn SonataImagine Being a Concert Pianist ... part 1Amelia, playing HaydnYoutubeClick here to watch my YouTube Channel and find more of my favorite videos, including student performances!NewsPRACTICE CHALLENGE 2010 AWARDSCongratulations to the TOP PRACTICERwith 990 total minutes .... Angelique R.!! She received the Grand Piano Trophy and an iTunes gift card.Gold Medal awards go to..... Colin L., Claudia M., Lilly A., Sam A. & Zoe H.Honorable Mention goes to ..... Michael L. Awards were presented at the studio recital, on Sunday, June 20, 2010.

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Heather Rogers Riley

Classical Piano Studio

InfoDirectionsInfoQuestions or comments?Call: 617-522-1941

Email: HrrRiley_gmail.com

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