Chapola Productions
Services: Recording Music Lessons Computer Lessons Parties
For residents of the Capital District, NY, USA
Rates: $25 per 45 minute lesson, due at the time of the lesson. We accept checks and/or cash (no credit cards).
Books: You will need Lesson & Theory Books which you can purchase directly from us ~ $30.
Practice & Homework: We expect you to practice the songs and drills we assign. We also expect you to complete and turn in all written homework assigned at each lesson.
Technique: We will teach you to focus on proper technique from the very beginning. Playing with proper technique will shorten the time it takes to advance in ability.
Rhythm: Music, just like your heartbeat, just like the Universe, has a pulse! We use a metronome and/or all the resources available in today's technology to help you learn to play with perfect rhythm.
Parents: We expect you to be involved in the whole process including the lessons, practice, homework and "Music Parties" (we don't do Recitals). It is truly a team effort!
Productive & Fun: We make progress and have a good time while doing it!
You will only need 1 instrument to take lessons but it is preferable to have both.
 | Piano (88 keys) If you have a piano you will also need a metronome, a piano lamp and an ergonomic bench (ergonomic meaning - correct height). |
| Keyboard (76 or 88 keys) If you have a keyboard you will also need a piano lamp and an ergonomic bench. If you want to connect your keyboard to your computer you will need MIDI cables, or if you have a newer model all you will need is a USB cable. Also, if your keyboard does not have a built-in keyboard stand you will need to acquire one. Wobbly keyboard stands are unacceptable. You need a solid table, preferably with enough room in the back for a piano lamp and enough room on the side for music books. For example, these table dimensions would be ideal. |
| 76 Key Keyboard | Keyboard Table | |
| - Width: 49" | - Width: 60" | |
| - Depth: 17" | - Depth: 30" | |
| - Height: 4" (front of keyboard) | - Height: 24" |
| We will use the "Alfred's Lesson Books" as the primary instruction book. The accompanying "Alfred's Theory Books" and "JW Schaum Notespeller Books" will be assigned as written homework. For drills we will use the "David Hirschberg's Scales & Chords Are Fun, Books One & Two". We will also teach some of our own drills to improve technique and finger strength. Supplemental material for solos, duets, and/or quartets will be offered as well as the opportunity to perform solo and/or with other musicians at our Music Parties - which are video taped in front of a live audience! |
Piano
| Keyboards are great for beginner students for reasons explained below. However, a keyboard cannot take the place of a piano as the sound and feel of an acoustic piano is far superior to any keyboard, no exceptions. Once a student reaches Book 2 Level, he/she will need a piano to get the most benefit from our lessons. |
Keyboard
| Recording station - the built in multi track sequencer enables us to record, save and transfer music from one keyboard to another. For example, we can record both sides of a duet (on separate tracks), enabling you to practice your side of the duet while the other side is playing. Another advantage - you can control the speed of the playback making it equally as efficient yet far more fun than practicing to the tick-tick-tick of a metronome. |
| Headphones jack - enables you to play your keyboard any time, even if others are watching TV, talking on the phone, or even sleeping. |
| Tones - A piano has 1 tone: piano. A keyboard has hundreds of tones such as: Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Honky-Tonk, Harpsichord, Glockenspiel, Music Box, Tubular Bells, Dulcimer, Organ, Electric Organ, Harmonica, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Harp, Strings, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Alto Sax, Oboe, Clarinet, Flute, Koto, Bag Pipe, Fiddle, Tinkle Bell, Melodic Tom, Wood Block, many more. |
| Sound effects - such as raindrops, crystal, goblins, echoes, new age, seashore, birds, helicopters, applause, many more. |
| Rhythm Patterns - such as Piano Rock, Pop Rock, Funky Pop, R&R, Heavy Metal, R&B, Soul Ballad, Big Band, Swing, Polka, March, Bossa Nova, Rhumba, Mambo, Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, French Waltz, Ball Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango, Merengue, Reggae, Gospel, Blues, Bluegrass, Country, 50's Ballad, Hawaiian, Boogie-Woogie, Ragtime, Piano Ballad, Arpeggio, many more. |
| MIDI - (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) If you have a MIDI keyboard and a computer you can connect your keyboard to the Internet and make 21st Century technology part of your lesson and music education! |
| Acoustic Guitars are about the same price as Electric Guitars, however if you choose Electric you will also have to buy an amplifier and cords (unless it has an amplifier built in). |
| You will also need picks, a strap, and a music stand. |
| We will use the "Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" as the primary instruction book, including "Alfred's Basic Guitar Theory" which will be assigned as written homework. I will also teach some of my own drills to improve technique and finger strength. As you progress I will teach popular songs. If desired I will give you the opportunity to sing or play with other musicians. We will also spend some time learning to play by ear, and the art of improvisation. |
| Electric Guitars are easier to play in the beginning and you can plug them in. |
| I prefer that my beginner students start with Acoustic Guitars. They are harder to play, thus greater finger strength and technique are developed from the beginning. Plus, if you want to play both types, it's easier to switch from Acoustic to Electric than the other way around. |
| For those who would like help in selecting and/or learning a song prior to recording. |
If you would like to learn more, call 518-399-1540, or send an email to
©2010 Chapola Productions