Giving You the Keys to Success
Andy and Alicia Kopp utilize unique teaching methods in a positive and encouraging manner. We teach students how to do a series of non-routine tasks that require social intelligence, complex critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
Our age and developmentally appropriate methods incorporate visual aids during online learning. In fact, the Online Best Practices we’ve developed through months of collaboration and continued learning has been described as, “Something unique that feels normal.”
Finally, we use instruction materials preferred by leading universities and studios worldwide. This approach inspires creativity, technical skill, confidence, cognitive development, and artistic expression.
- Piano and Keyboard Students. Our Piano and Keyboard Students work with Faber Piano Methods, recognized as the piano teaching method of choice. We may also incorporate additional supplemental materials. Books selected are determined by a student’s age, skill level, and any prior music background.
- Woodwind Students. While students may have a method they use in school for band assignments or other sheet music for concerts, the focus of their private lessons at A. Kopp Online Music may be on an alternative method. These methods are skill- and style-appropriate and will augment school assignments.
- Shakuhachi Students. These students begin with sound production and will eventually learn Kinko music notation as they further their studies. We recommend Shakuhachi Yuu for your first Shakuhachi instrument and all related lesson materials.
- Evaluation for Early Learners. For potential students ages 4–7, we offer a professional evaluation for early learners. We’re committed to making music lessons a positive experience for all of our students, so it’s critical to be sure that they’re ready and able to begin. Our assessment consists of visiting with the student and their family to learn how they focus. We ask questions about letters, numbers, and colors, learn about the musical equipment at home, ask about the family’s relationship to music — its importance in their lives and how they engage with it. When the assessment is complete, we will either offer 20–30 minutes to get started or recommend waiting until the child is ready to begin.
7 Major Benefits of Music Lessons
Notable scientists, writers, inventors, and educators throughout history played musical instruments, including Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Dickens, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Neil Armstrong, and Condoleezza Rice. It’s really not surprising since numerous studies illustrate the many benefits of playing a musical instrument:
- It stimulates all areas of the brain, especially the visual, auditory, and motor cortexes.
- It strengthens brain function which carries over to other subjects such as English, Language, Math, and Science.
- It enhances fine motor skills.
- It promotes higher levels of executive function resulting in greater capacity for planning, strategizing, and focusing on details.
- It teaches discipline, relieves stress, builds confidence, and offers a sense of achievement.
- It’s a safer activity than contact sports. In fact, we’re certain you won’t get a concussion from playing the tuba. (Unless you drop it on your head.)
- It’s fun!