Piepenbrink Piano/Woodwinds

Students can study: 

  • Piano
  • Oboe 
  • Flute
  • Clarinet 
  • Saxophone


Piano Curriculum

I use several method books in lessons as the primary focus of lessons. I pair a series with each student that does a great job covering music theory and musical concepts while also providing students a variety of engaging, age appropriate pieces to learn.
 
Students Between 3-5 often use the WunderKeys for Preschoolers series. This series creates a fun, positive, stress free environment perfect for keyboard and musical exploration. This game and story based approach is an excellent choice for students who are not reading/writing or who have not had exposure to a traditional school setting. Skills developed in this method book help students seamlessly transition into music notation as they progress. 
 
See more here: https://wunderkeys.com/piano-book/wunderkeys-piano-for-preschoolers-book-1/
 
Students Between 4-6 often use the Faber My First Piano Adventure series. This series creates a fun, positive, stress environment for students through a blend of traditional music notation and pieces to play, but also includes many games and exploratory activities. This book has been best for students who are are in the beginning stages of reading/writing and are ready for a slower, but still purposeful approach to traditional piano lessons. 
 
See more here: https://pianoadventures.com/myfirst/
 

Students Between 6-9 often use either the Faber Piano Adventures Series or the Bastien Series. Both series use a faster pace compared to the series for younger students and facilitate keyboard and musical awareness. This book is excellent for students who have been in school for a few years or are ready to work at a faster pace. Though both series move faster, each is filled with engaging material and help to create a positive experience. 
 
Students Between 10-14 often use the Faber Piano Adventure for Older Beginner Series. This series moves at an accelerated pace to help older students sound impressive sooner while still fostering strong music literacy skills.
 
Students Between 14 and older often use the Bastien Piano for Adult Beginner Series. This series moves at an accelerated pace to help older students sound impressive sooner while still fostering strong music literacy skills. This series reads more like a textbook in some ways and eliminates "childish" illustrations and titles, so it is perfect for teenagers and adults alike.
 

Students at all levels receive frequent reinforcement and supplementary materials with additional sheet music, workbooks to facilitate music literacy, worksheets to reinforce musical concepts, and frequent fun materials to help students stay engaged. Students do study a lot of classical music and work on technical ability, however students also learn from a variety of genres including popular music, movie music, show tunes, etc. As students complete their method books, they eventually transition into working on just repertoire. 

 

Woodwind Curriculum

I use the Rubank Books for most Flute, Oboe, and Clarinet students. I like these books because they move at a quick pace, but allow the student to develop good technique through a variety of exercises. Students also work extensively on scales/scale exercises to facilitate development of good technique. Each student is also provided with a major piece of Solo Repertoire that is meant to encourage musical development and focus on several musical concepts the student needs to work on. 

 

I often supplement these materials with workbooks/worksheets to reinforce musical concepts and music literacy.


Recitals

Students have ample performance opportunities in my studio! 

  • Spring Recital
    • This is a formal recital where students prepare a piece of music written by a revered composer. Students are invited to dress up for this formal recital. There is a reception after the recital for students and their families.
  • Winter Recital
    • This is a formal recital where students prepare a piece of holiday music/winter themed music. Students are invited to dress up and be festive for this formal recital. There is a reception after the recital for students and their families. 
  • Halloween Recital
    • This is an informal recital where students prepare a piece of Halloween music/fall themed music.This event is held in an area nursing home. Students are invited to dress up in their Halloween costumes for this recital. After the recital, students are invited to visit with the nursing home residents and share Halloween snacks with them. Students can earn volunteer hours for participating in this event. 
  • Valentine's Day Recital
    • This is an informal recital where students prepare a piece of any style. This event is held in an area nursing home. After the recital, students are invited to visit with the nursing home residents and deliver Valentines to the residents. Students can earn volunteer hours for participating in this event.  
  • Piano-a-thon
    • This is a marathon piano recital organized by Elaine Thompson. Several piano studios throughout Northeast Ohio participate. Students can choose as much music as they would like and can choose any music that they have worked on throughout the year. There is an opportunity to raise money through participating in this recital to benefit the music therapy endowment at Akron Children's Hospital.  
  • Make your own performance opportunity! 
    • Students are invited to create their own performance opportunities, such as participating in OMEA Solo and Ensemble, playing in their church, playing in an area nursing home, etc. Whatever you would like to participate in, we can prepare together!