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THE PIANO PROGRAM
Natasha Snitkovsky, Chair
Ms. Snitkovsky received her early
training from the Central Music
School in Moscow and her
Artist Diploma from the Moscow
Conservatory where she studied
with Jacob Milstein. Winner of
the Passamaneck and D’Angelo
International Piano Competitions
she has given a solo recital in
Carnegie Hall in New York and
made concert tours across the
United States.
Ms. Snitkovsky has performed
with the Moscow State Sym phony
Orchestra, The Pittsburgh Symphony,
American Wind Symphony,
Bedford Springs Festival Orchestra
and the “Mostly Mozart” Festival.
She has served on the faculty of
the Gnessin Institute of Music in
Moscow and Carnegie Mellon
University. She has conducted
master classes in Japan, Taiwan,
Mexico and Israel. An Adjunct
Faculty in the Duquesne University
School of Music, Ms. Snitkovsky
is founder and Artistic Director
of the Duquesne Young Artist
Competition and Chair of City
Music Center’s Piano Department.
What you can expect from us
Welcome to the Piano Depart ment
at City Music Center. Your children
will learn from outstanding teachers
in the best learning environment–
a University setting. It is our philosophy
that excellent music training
should be available to every child
who wishes it and to that end we
accept every child who applies.
We test young beginners for readiness
and we audition all entering
students for placement purposes.
We believe that a good match
between student and teacher is
very important to the learning process.
What we expect from you
In carrying out our program of
excellence we expect students to
practice daily as well as complete
any written homework given at
the lesson. We expect students
to take the appropriate musicianship
classes and to demonstrate
progress. Musicianship and studio
faculty are in regular communication
about student progress and
problems. We suggest parental
attendance at all private lessons
especially with young children
and daily supervision of home
practicing. Finally we suggest that
each student or parent keep a
practice journal.
The minimum time your child
should practice each day at home:
4-8 years |
30 minutes |
9-12 years |
45 minutes |
12-18 years |
60 minutes |
Evaluation
At the end of each academic year,
all piano students must play for a
panel composed of members of
the piano faculty. Each student will
be expected to play the required
material from memory with technical
command and musicianship.
Written evaluations and recommen -
dations will be made. The grade
level corresponds to the number
of years the student has studied
the piano. The student may be
classified at a lower level than
designated at the discretion of the
instructor. The panel examination,
or juries, will take place toward the
end of the year. First year beginners
or first year transfer students
may be excused from juries.
Comprehensive Program
for Beginning Piano
5-7 years old
- Piano Class
- Primary Eurhythmics
In a small and relaxed classroom
setting, the 5-7 year old beginner
will learn basic information:
correct hand position, how to
read notes on the staff and simple
rhythmic patterns. At the end of
2 semesters the student will graduate
to a 30 minute private lesson.
A parent must attend the lesson
and support home practice.
Immediately following the class the
child will attend the Primary
Eurhythmics class.
Accompaniment for Pianists
The most practical playing skill for
the high school piano student is
to learn how to be a competent
accompanist. Each student will be
assigned to the voice or string
studio and work with one student
from that studio under the supervision
of the teacher. Topics which
will be covered in this class:
1. Sensitive approach to playing
with a soloist
2. Supportive role of an
accompanist
3. The ability to read the solo part
along with accompaniment
4. The ability to follow a soloist
Student will perform in recitals.
The enrollment in this class should
be approved by a studio piano
teacher.
Piano Ensemble
This course is designed for pianists
who rarely have an opportunity to
play in ensemble, who would like
to share music-making with their
friends. Participants should be 11
to 18 years of age with a minimum
of three years private instruction.
Audition requirements: one solo
piece of choice and sight reading.
Elementary Level - Grades 1-4
Technique—Technique—All white keys major
scales, one octave, hands together.
All white keys major triads
(solid and broken), one octave,
hands separately.
Repertoire—One Baroque or
Classical piece (example: Bach
Minuet in G). One piece from
another period (example:
Kabalevsky, Clown).
Intermediate Level - Grades 5-8
Technique—All white keys major
and minor scales, two octaves,
hands together. All white keys
major and minor arpeggios, two
octaves, hands together.
Repertoire—One Baroque or
Classical piece (example: Bach,
Invention in F). One piece from
another period (example: Greig,
Nocturne).
Advanced Level - Grades 9-12
Technique—All scales and arpeggios
(major, minor, white, black
keys), two octaves, hands together.
Repertoire—One Baroque or
Classical piece (example: Mozart,
Sonata in G). One piece from
another period (example: Chopin
Waltz in b minor).
Preparatory Level
Because an entering student
may need time to accomplish the
technique and repertoire requirements
expected at the specific
CMC grade levels, faculty may
recommend that new students be
placed at a Preparatory Level.
Adult Piano Class
For adults who have always wanted
to learn how to play the piano,
this class will be offered in
10-week sessions. Students will
learn the basic fundamentals of the
keyboard and how to read music.
By the end of the session students
will be able to play simple, two
hand pieces. Students who wish
to continue studies with a private
lesson may take advantage of the
adult “six pack” (six 45 minute
private lessons).
Recitals
Student recitals are a vital part of
learning music. Although participation
in recitals is not manda tory,
it is strongly recommended that
all students take advantage of the
performing opportunities. CMC
offers numerous recitals throughout
the year in the PNC Recital
Hall and other locations.
There are different levels of
recitals. Studio teachers will
recommend the appropriate
recital for a student. All student
recitals are free and open to the
public.
For additional information
please call City Music Center
(412) 396-5872.
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Faculty
Natasha Snitkovsky, Chair
Inessa Beylin
Ron Bickel, Jazz
Taras Filenko
Igor Kraevsky
Edwarda Kremen
Israel Kremen
Kazumi Petinaux
Anoush Tchakarian
City Music Center
of Duquesne University
Mary Pappert School of Music
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-1800
(412) 396-5872
www.cmcpgh.org
Sally Worsing, Ph.D
Executive Director
stone@duq.edu
Roberta K. Erickson
Business Manager
ericksonr@duq.edu
City Music Center at the
Anna L. Perlow School of Music
of the JCC of Greater Pgh.
(412) 396-5872
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