top of page
image_edited_edited.jpg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

1.    Why should we pay more for Music With Mary J when other teachers charge  

      less?

Mary J Renneckar's musical training and experience is almost unparalleled in Columbia, and experience affects cost.  Her musicianship is influenced through performances with  Leonard Bernstein, Leopold Stokowski (the conductor in Fantasia), Eugene Ormandy.  She performed with the National Symphony during the opening season of The Kennedy Center.  

Mary J has also taught public school music and directed church choirs of 4 year olds, elementary, middle school, high school students, plus adults.  She also has worked in several Special Education Classes.

2.   Why should that make a difference when teaching beginners?

Everything in a teacher's background adds knowledge and depth to every lesson.

3.   Is there a commonality among the Studio's students?

 The studio has students from 6 years old through grandparents.  Everyone wants to learn to play the piano, resume lessons after quitting, or create new neurons in the brain and practice dexterity (as does the school media-specialist).

4.  Do we have to register for the full year?  

Private Lessons are the foundation of learning to play the piano.  Consistency is vitally important.  The goal is to continually build the skills of music literacy, technic, and repertoire.  This requires a long term commitment that is renewed one year at a time.

Public, Private, or Homeschool groups may have a  specific purpose in mind in which case a contract may be made that accommodates the purposes time span.

5.   How many times a week are lessons, and do I need a piano or keyboard at home?

Lessons are once a week. Together we will select a day and time for your lessons.  Piano students do need a way to practice their songs.  Your teacher can assess your situation and guide you to a keyboard that's best for you.

6.   What is a Master Class?

A Master Class is an hour session that includes all students.  Parents are encouraged to come.  Each student shares a piece of music that they are practicing or a recently completed song.  The only way to conquer nerves is through practice.  Poise and confidence in front of groups are built, bowing is practiced, public speaking is rehearsed through announcing one's song. Sometimes musical games are played or students may play in residential settings such as Lenoir.

7.   Who selects and provides the music?

During the "Meet and Greet" the teacher and student discuss preferences in style and the best progressive curriculum.  The teacher will steer you to a place where the music may be purchased.

8.   What does an adult do during a child's lesson?

The adult and siblings may sit quietly with a book or electronic devices. If the student is very young, it is important that the adult pays attention to what is going on in the lesson so that the adult can help the child practice.

9.  Where do we park?

Parking is on the street.

10. How much do I have to practice?

Lives are busy.  The ideal is practicing 5 times a week with each song played 3 times: 1) "oh, this is how this song goes", 2) fix mistakes, 3) it's better than yesterday.  However sometimes this is unrealistic.  Either way, much is accomplished during each lesson.  Practicing ensures new songs; lack of practicing brings boredom because songs are assigned until they are mastered.

bottom of page