WELCOME TO KLAUZ PIANO STUDIO
Making Every Lesson Count
ABOUT KATYA KLAUZ
With a Bachelor in Music Education earned from Music and Pedagogy College in St. Petersburg, Russia I’ve been offering comprehensive private lessons in Carmel's West side since 1995. My job is a passion for me, and it brings me joy to be able to share this passion with my students. From day one, they learn a proper playing technique proven to help them develop a natural hands position and beautiful "singing" tone in sound production.
As students progress in their studies, they discover a wonderful world of classical music and develop a life-long appreciation for music that is both enriching and enjoyable.
Each one of my students has a unique learning style, and it’s my duty to adapt my lessons accordingly. At the end of each school year the students perform publicly in a studio recital, as well as have the opportunities throughout the year to participate in local competitions if they choose to do so.
My teaching philosophy is based on an individual approach; it is very important to have the right balance of personalized attention and patience during the lessons, written notes for home practice, and positive encouragement for both the child and the parents. I make learning fun through a variety of engaging and outside-the-box activities.
Schedule your free 30-minute initial meeting at your convenience.
LESSONS
Comprehensive Approach
Success in learning the instrument frequently depends on finding the right Piano teacher; someone who will find a way to inspire a young student, while teaching them a professionally correct set of skills.
My teaching style focuses on skills training using the "Russian method" of piano playing. Originated in Western Europe and brought to Russia in 19th century, the method's main focus and time are equally divided between learning to sight-read, natural hand and arm position and production of a beautiful singing tone, among other things.
As I teach, I try to follow the main concept of Theodor Leschetizky (one of the fathers of piano pedagogical lineage), that the success is based on the determination to “teach the mind, the soul, and the fingers.”
Lessons are offered on a once/twice a week basis, 30 minutes for younger students and 45 minutes for preteens through adults.
Please, feel free to contact me for details and to set up an initial meeting.
BEGINNER FUNDAMENTALS
The first year of studying piano is a crucial time in the making of a future musician. I concentrate on teaching a healthy piano technique and introducing a student to basic musical theory through a wealth of piano material. Another important skill the child is learning is discovering a story behind each piano piece, which helps them to evoke the imagination and see a deeper meaning behind the music they hear or play.
FROM A BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE
Once the student gains mastery over the basic technical aspects of playing piano, such as hand and arm position, elementary music theory and sight-reading, they move on to adding a variety of classical, jazz and pop to their repertoire. We use each new piece as a step to expand the knowledge in musical theory, ear training and mastering musicianship.
In addition, I heavily concentrate on discussing the story behind each piece, which helps students develop artistic skills and emotionally connect to the pieces they are playing.
Get in touch today to find out more and to schedule an initial free 30-minute meeting.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
As your child learns the instrument it is imperative to widen their general music knowledge. Here, I am collecting various music-related materials that should help rounding off their music education.
A Child's Introduction to the Orchestra
A Child's Introduction to the Orchestra is a fun and exciting musical journey. With cheery narrator Orchestra Bob as their guide, kids are encouraged to listen, learn, and enjoy as they are introduced to the most powerful works from the greatest composers throughout history.
Karl Haas: Adventures in Good Music
Adventures in Good Music, hosted by Karl Haas, was radio's most widely listened-to classical music program, and aired nationally in the U.S. from 1970 to 2007. This small archive available online has a wonderful selection of music performed by some of the best musicians.
Peter and The Wolf
Peter and the Wolf, a "symphonic fairy tale for children", is a musical composition written by a Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. In this delightful 1946 Disney animation the narrator tells a children's story, while the orchestra illustrates it.
Disney's Fantasia
Disney's Fantasia is the boldest experiment to date. Bringing to life his vision of blending animated imagery with classical music. There is no narration, so I'd recommend to watch it together with your child and discuss as you go.
Piano Explorer Magazine
This website offers supplemental material
for subscribers of the student magazine, Clavier’s Piano Explorer. It includes additional information for students, including links to music mentioned in the issue and quizzes, as well as suggestions for teachers.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. He is celebrated as the creator of many masterpieces of church and instrumental music. His compositions represent the best of the Baroque era .
Kids at the Symphony? A How To Guide!
"Sharing orchestral music is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child. In a society where attention spans are shrinking, this is a great vehicle to give a child access to a longer attention span and a calmer thought process. Additionally, encouraging children to use their imagination is a marvelous way to encourage creativity while helping them direct their emotions."
Why Is Mozart Genius?
He composed more than 600 works, many of which are acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concerto, chamber, operatic, and choral music. He is considered among the greatest classical composers of all time and his influence on Western music is profound.
Classics For Kids
This site is designed to help you introduce your child to classical music through listening, games, musical dictionary and lists of resources available.
Klauz Piano Studio Listening list
Here, I put together a list for listening - pick one for each week and we'll discuss it during our next lesson.