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 Symphony 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 Department 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 recommendations 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: 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).

STUDENT PERFORMANCES

The Performance Class
The weekly Performance Class is part of the core curriculum. The purpose of this class is to give students even more experience performing in public. We often hear "I played perfectly at home, but I don't know what happened on the stage." No matter how well the piece is prepared, the mind may play tricks during a performance. To avoid unfortunate mistakes and memory slips students must learn how to focus, direct their thinking process to artistic goals rather than the notes, and most importantly to project confidence. I always tell my students "Doubt and criticize every note when you practice, but be the greatest on stage". You can't recreate the performance environment at home or even at your lessons because of the lack of an audience. This is why this class is irreplaceable for every performing student.

Formal Recitals
In addition to the weekly Performance Class during the year we hold 3 formal recitals and 4 dedicated Suzuki Recitals.

For additional information please call City Music Center (412) 396-5872.

Faculty

Natasha Snitkovsky, Chair
Inessa Beylin
Ron Bickel, Jazz
Taras Filenko
Igor Kraevsky
Edwarda Kremen
Israel Kremen
Kazumi Petinaux
Anoush Tchakarian

Effective June 1, 2011, CMC will begin processing Summer Tuition Payments online. Final tuition payments for the current academic year should continue to be processed through the CMC office.

Please note, credit card payments will be subject to a 2.55% prcessing fee. Payments by check or eCheck have no fee.

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