Curriculum

Lydia Reed-Guertin’s artistic and technical curriculum in her Lexington Massachusetts studio cultivates a balance of confidence and joy in music making from beginners through advanced levels.

The teaching year is divided into two 18 week semesters beginning in September and January, with an optional summer term. Individual student progress is determined by a comprehensive commitment to learning classical and supplementary repertoire, using practice recommendations and technical strategies and developing musicianship skills.

Class lessons are held three times during the year for all students and take the place of the regularly scheduled private lesson for that week. These informal gatherings focus on performance, theory games or music history and the group lesson times are assigned by age, allowing students to get to know their peers and create musical connections at the studio.

Two Reed-Guertin piano studio recitals (Winter and Spring) are held in Lexington, MA during the year and are open to all students. Additional opportunities may include studio workshops (by invitation with a nominal fee) and performances in local music festivals or recitals.

Highly motivated students are encouraged to participate in the internationally recognized Royal Conservatory of Music Program (where Lydia is an Examiner and Certified Teacher in Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Levels), National Piano Guild or  piano competitions sponsored by the New England Piano Teachers’ Association or Massachusetts Music Teachers Association.

Students receive a personalized plan for the academic year outlining goals and objectives at the piano. These include memorization and performance goals, theory, sight reading and ear training appropriate for their level, that are assigned on a weekly basis. Students may also explore composition, sharing their compositions in the year end Studio Composition Book. Opportunities for ensemble playing are included throughout the year and an annual home access subscription to the Piano Maestro App is included with the registration.

Tuition is billed at the beginning of each semester and regular attendance is expected of all students. This fee covers the cost of the lesson and teacher preparation time including planning and administrative duties necessary for running a successful studio. In addition, all in house studio recitals are free with no extra cost passed along to the student. All music materials are paid for through an annual registration fee billed in September for new and returning students.