The Peterson Studio

WUNDERKEYS PIANO FOR PRESCHOOL 

The Wunderkeys program was developed to provide one-on-one piano lessons for children ages 3 - 4 years old and combines beginning piano skills with a foundation in math, creating connections that facilitate mathematical understanding in the future and a love of music! Through a play based program, children will explore sounds, patterning and rhythm while sharpening spatial awareness. Wunderkeys students have a seamless transition into traditional private lessons! New Wunderkeys preschool students will receive the first lesson free!


COMPREHENSIVE GROUP PIANO LESSONS
The Comprehensive Group Lesson is a 60 minute class for grades 2 and up. All skill levels are welcome. This class combines traditional private lessons with supervised practice time essential in building skills necessary for more effective, motivated practice at home. Students younger than 2nd grade are accepted by invitation only. New students receive the first lesson free!

ADVANCED PRIVATE LESSONS

This is an invitation-only program open to students who are working on intermediate-advanced level repertoire AND whom have demonstrated that they are practicing consistently at home and will be prepared at each lesson.  A minimum of 45 minutes is required to study privately at this level.  This will allow for adequate time to explore advanced repertoire, technique and other keyboard skills such as scales, arpeggios, broken chords and chord cadences.  Students at this level are encouraged to enter competitions and festivals as well as participating in master classes and attending outside concerts.  Any studio fees that are required to enter these events will be included in the cost of the lesson.  Individual student fees are not included.

MUSIC APPRECIATON CLASS 

This one hour class explores all aspects of music, including rhythm, note reading, ear training, keyboard harmony, sight singing, history, composition and ensemble playing that is piano-oriented and taught in a relaxed, game-based group setting.  

ANNUAL RECITAL

A Recital takes place every Spring. To accommodate our large studio, 5 or more performance times are scheduled.  Learning to perform is an integral part of learning an instrument.  All students are encouraged to participate, however, it is not mandatory.  The Recitals will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Chapel at The Mount Academy in Esopus.    There are ALWAYS other opportunities for students to perform as well!  Please inquire if you are interested!!! 

VALLEY VISTA NURSING HOME

The studio has a special arrangement with Valley Vista Assisted Living Home that allows students to play piano for residents and earn community service credits.  If your student would like to participate, please contact the Home at 691-7400 at least one week in advance to set up a day and time.  In addition, from time to time the studio will perform as a group at the home as well, usually around the holidays.  
 

SPRINGFEST

Every May the village of Highland hosts a Spring Festival where students of the studio are welcome to perform at center stage!  This is an excellent opportunity for another chance to play our recital piece!  Date TBA.

SUNY NEW PALTZ INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Peterson Studio has partnered with the Music Department at SUNY New Paltz to offer internship opportunities to music students majoring in piano.  The interns assist the teachers and work under their guidance and direction.  This is a wonderful opportunity for both the interns and the students!

FESTIVALS AND AUDITIONS

Each year the studio participates in the NYSMTA Auditions/Competition (by invitation only).  This year's NYSMTA festival will be the weekend of November 8-10 at SUNY New Paltz.  The studio also participates in the Spring NYSSMA festival by request only.   The website is updated each year  with information on these programs.  Fees for these events are invoiced separately from tuition.

MASTERCLASS

Offered each year prior to the annual Recital, this class provides students with an opportunity to play on a Steinway Grand Piano for their peers.  Positive peer critiquing is utilized to help improve our skills as performers.  When possible, the classes are held during the same day/time as the students' regular lesson.