You are never too old to play the piano!
Recreational Music Making
Questions Answered About Our Recreational Music Making Classes
When people first hear about taking “Recreational Music Making” (or RMM) classes, the initial reaction is
usually to ask, “What in the world are RMM piano lessons and how that differ from the traditional approach?” The
word “traditional” may not apply to you; but, for this discussion, it refers to the following philosophy:
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TRADITIONAL TEACHING
* Emphasis on performance
* Structured curriculum
* Individual (private) or group
lessons
* Teacher prescribed lesson,
direction and style
* Teacher appraised levels of
success
This is a tried-and-true methodology and it continues to serve the needs of many aspiring and
accomplished musicians today. However, it fails to meet the needs of millions of potential music
makers who find the traditional learning style too solitary or who cannot live up to its standards
of achievement. As a worthy alternative, RMM TEACHING holds the promise of reaching literally
tens of millions of new music makers who can powerfully transform the music teaching profession and
elevate the importance and impact of music making in our culture.
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RMM TEACHING
RMM teaching can be described by the following attributes:
* Performance not required
* More flexible curriculum
* Taught in group lessons
* The student and teacher participate in
lesson style/direction
* The student appraises the level of success
RMM teaching is, above all, designed to be fun and social. It makes music making accessible for
anyone – and puts as its first priority the needs and desires of the student.
Designed primarily for adult learners, RMM teaching addresses one of the deepest regrets
expressed by adults – the fact that they gave up music lessons as a child or never got to fullfill
their dream of playing the piano at all. Adult learners aren’t striving to become the next
“Horowitz.” They simply want to attain a reasonable level of skill that allows them to play many of
their favorite songs. And they want to learn to play in a fun, social environment.
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Other comparisons:
Traditional teaching can be stressful for both teacher and student with its emphasis on performance. RMM lessons
are stress-free, since high-level performance is not required. Students enjoy the playing experience in groups, but
solo playing is always voluntary.
During RMM lessons the students are given the opportunity to play along with an orchestra accompaniment during the
lessons while playing their favorite melodies in a state of the art Roland Digital Piano Lab.
Traditional lessons are usually taught during limited “after school” hours. RMM teaching has students
(particularly retired adults) who can attend classes during the day and won’t conflict with the schedules of
school-age students. RMM lessons provide a special discount to adults who take a class between the hours of 9:00
a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Questions About R.M.M. Lessons
How long are the R.M.M. Sessions?
Classes meet once a week for one hour. The classes go for 8-weeks. At the conclusion of the eighth week, the
class decides on the schedule for the upcoming 8 week session and the style of music to be selected for the
next session. The flexibility of R.M.M. classes allows adults to take time off for vacations and holidays.
Since RMM classes are stress-free, do the students learn how to read music and
play a wide variety of repertoire?
They do learn how to read music and to play many kinds of repertoire. The teacher introduces them to music
appropriate to their skill level, and each class votes on the book or books the class will use for each 8-week
session. Previous choices have included classical themes, Broadway and movie hits, popular, jazz, holiday,
patriotic, etc.
Do RMM students learn technique?
Their technique continues to improve as they watch the technique of their classmates and share technical
tips with each other.
Since performance is not a requirement, do RMM students ever
perform?
The irony is that the majority of them do want to perform for their class and eventually at more public
settings such as an RMM “Player’s Club” or a “Stress-Free Celebration Concert.” They just want to be assured
that they don’t have to perform unless it’s their choice. Removing the stress with a “no-performance” option is
powerful motivator for removing the stress behind traditional piano lessons.
Do RMM students have as many competing choices for their time as school-age
students?
Yes, it’s not that RMM students don’t also have many other choices of activities, but they seem to have
narrowed them in a more discerning way. A majority of them have long had a dream of learning to play the piano,
and now they have the time and the resources to realize that dream.
Adults ready to achieve their dream should join Studio3E in our non-stressful setting. Studio3E provides the
atmosphere for adults to learn in a positive and successful learning environment. Although dreams don’t have an
expiration date, now is your time to reach out and live out your dream of playing the piano and becoming a
Recreational Music Maker.
For more information about Recreational Music Making for adults, please contact Studio3E at 615-844-4224 and
register for a trial lesson.
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