Summer Camps Tara will be directing two sessions of Jazz Piano Day Camp at Westminster Conservatory (Princeton, NJ) this year: one for high school students, and one for middle-schoolers. Students learn the basics of jazz such as improvisation, swing rhythm, and voicings, while developing their creativity and natural instinct to play by ear. They also play together with a faculty bassist and drummer, learning to keep time and collaborate with others in an improvisational setting. Students are divided into groups based on age and ability. The groups take a "station"� approach, building the components of each piece of music with right-hand station, left- hand station, and hands-together station. This focus is important because jazz piano requires significant independence of hands. Over the course of the week each group works on two different jazz standards in addition to their solo piece. Their performance work is supported by a jazz theory class and an introduction to some of the great jazz pianists in American history. Jazz Piano Day Camp is taught by faculty with many years of international jazz performing experience, and who perform and teach regularly throughout New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. Last year, we expanded this camp to include a student bassist. This year we are continuing to open up to students who play the bass or drums and would like jazz trio experience. To learn more, please download the Westminster Conservatory Summer Camp Brochure. Jazz Piano Trio Workshops Tara will be leading two very special workshops for advanced jazz piano students this spring at Westminster. The students take turns playing with a professional bassist and drummer, and we work on trading solos, listening, making spontaneous decisions, and being a leader in the jazz trio environment. This year we have two great artists to work with the students: Joe Falcey on drums and Craig Thomas on bass. The final concert for this workshop series will be held at the Princeton Public Library on Friday, June 13 at 7:00pm. Come on out and catch the music -- you won't be disappointed! DOWNLOAD FLYER Private Piano Lessons Hello, Students and Parents! I have taught piano since 2000, thoroughly enjoy teaching, and provide a very high level of dedication to the lessons and to my students. You may study beginning piano as well as jazz piano with me. We will consider your unique background, strengths and interests, and develop a plan of lessons that best supports your growth. I believe in a well-rounded approach, developing various aspects of piano musicianship: finger strength training, reading written music, playing by ear, reading chord symbols, and improvising! Beginning piano lessons: Ages four and up. I am very patient, friendly, and encouraging. We will work out of established method books such as Alfred, Bastien, Thompson, Hal Leonard, or Schaum. I will teach students to read music, play simple songs, and do some exercises to strengthen fingers. I also know some fun games to help young students learn musical concepts, and a wide variety of good books for adult beginners. Jazz piano: All ages, but must have minimum two years of piano experience. Generally age 11 is a good time to start jazz. Learn to improvise, to read jazz chord symbols and lead sheets, to play by ear, to create voicings and walking bass lines, and just to jam! I also schedule recitals, which are always a lot of fun for the families, and offer optional trio workshops for advanced jazz students. In Hopewell I offer lessons in my Hopewell home. My summer lesson schedule is very flexible, though weekdays are best due to weekend performances. My full lesson policy, including pricing, is available for download here. I can also provide references if you wish. In Princeton I also give private lessons through Westminster Conservatory in Princeton, NJ. This summer I will be teaching at Westminster on Thursday afternoons. To inquire, please call the Conservatory at (609) 921-7104. They have their own policies and pricing and you will need to sign up through the office. Jazz Studies Classes / Jazz Combos Tara has just completed her first year in a newly created position: Head of the Jazz Studies Department of Westminster's Young Artist Program for gifted middle school and high school music students. Together with her team of teachers, she has developed a curriculum for this department, which has been an exciting and groundbreaking project. During the school year, advanced jazz students may join a jazz combo through the Young Artist Program. Advanced pianists may study jazz keyboard harmony. Classes take place on Saturdays, and students must enroll at the Conservatory. Please call Westminster to discuss options: (609) 921-7104. Music lessons provide more than musical education. Students learn to express qualities such as discipline, good listening, innovation, creative thinking, and their own individuality! I love to watch my students grow. If you have a piano in your home, why not consider lessons for someone in the family? You'll love the results!