INSTRUCTION:

Betty’s Young Musicians Accordion/Piano Studio offers quality music instruction in accordion and piano for students ages Five to Ninety Five in all levels Primary to advanced. This studio emphasizes the fun and enjoyment of ensemble practice and performance. This studio is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 12:00 until 8:00 p.m.  Through the combination of private lessons, computer music lab, small-group musicianship classes, and numerous special events, students will receive specialized training in such areas as: accordion/piano  performance, sight reading, keyboard theory and technique, harmonization, ear-training, transposition, improvisation, written theory and notation, composition, music history, ensemble and concerto work, and much more.  Individual goals and objectives are developed for each student based upon the student's age, ability, and interests.

 

PRIVATE LESSON:

The private lesson format allows the teacher to concentrate on specific musical and personal needs, thus providing opportunities for individualized advancement. A wide selection of repertoire is carefully selected to match the needs and strengths of each student -- from the music of such great composers as Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Mozart, and Chopin, to the music of our times through jazz, pop, blues, and improvisation. Each student receives a detailed assignment notebook, with practice suggestions, weekly evaluations, ear-training/listening/history assignments, and reminders of upcoming events.  Beginners, with no previous musical training start with a 30 minute private lesson per week, advancing to a 45 minute lesson as their interest and needs progress.

 

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MUSICIANSHIP CLASSES:

Students receive encouragement and develop strong performance and listening skills through quarterly classes. Students are provided a stress-free environment to perform with and for their peers and receive valuable reinforcement of concepts introduced in the private lessons.  Theory games are always played in groups.  Students are shown the difference between performing at a festival and recital.  Students are informed of upcoming competitions, but never pressured to enter.

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FACILITIES:

Students can enjoy their music-making in a well-equipped studio overlooking the scenic Cahaba River.  Betty accompanies her accordion students on a 120 bass piano style accordion.  This studio also features a classic grand, an upright piano, electric keyboards, a computer music lab, and audio/video lab, with an extensive reading reference library, the Harvard Dictionary of Music and The Encyclopedia of Classical Music.  In the computer/listening lab, students will find a television for video viewing, stereo for CD/tape recordings, and keyboard lab for extra sight-reading practice, and for the interactive music educational computer software including Play it by Ear, Rhythm Ace, Music Ace, Alfreds Basic Theory Software, Now Hear This, and much more. Colorful charts hang on the walls challenging them weekly to mark their progress.

 

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SPECIAL PROGRAMS:

Special recitals and workshops are presented throughout the year providing exposure to all aspects of the instrument and fostering a deeper appreciation of music. These events are included in the tuition cost and many are open to the public. Designed as a motivational and educational tool for students and their families, these programs supplement other events offered by The Alabama Accordion Association, the Metro Music Forum of Birmingham, the Birmingham Music Teachers Association, Alabama Music Teachers Association, and others. Past events have included: Duet and Solo and Hymn Festivals, Composer Festivals, Technique Workshops, and Demonstrations, Master classes, Grandparents are Special and Christmas Programs at Retirement Homes.

 

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REGISTRATION:

Registration is ongoing. Please call for a free map, or to schedule registration and interview time.   PHONE: (205) 733-1524 (leave a message for a quick response) or email