Private Lessons  

     Masterworks Studio offers private musical instruction in piano and wind instruments, specializing on flute. Lessons are either one half hour or one hour in length on a weekly basis, with student-specific weekly assignments given at each lesson.  To encourage student progress, students have several methods to earn points each week that accumulate throughout the year: 1) by practicing at or above required minimum levels at home, 2) learning and successfully passing music assignments, 3) attending extracurricular musical events, 4) taking the initiative to learn selections other than those assigned, as well as other opportunities such as group lessons and ensemble performance.

     Awards are given annually at the Spring Recital for those students who have demonstrated a high commitment to their craft and have attained the highest levels required for each award.  The Annual Lesson Points Award is given at the spring recital to the student who has earned the highest cumulative points during the academic year. The Music Appreciation Award is given to the student who attends the most extracurricular musical activities throughout the school year, from Atlanta Symphony concerts to church cantatas to the local middle school band concert, as well as watching concerts broadcast on television or computer.  The Virtuoso Award is given for excellence in music performance and perseverance in studies as demonstrated by the student, oftentimes despite difficult circumstances that would preclude progress. All students are awarded a certificate of achievement, based on their own personal progress. 

Piano Instruction

 

Miss Merri teaches students of all skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. Curriculum is matched to the student's needs and skill level.  Each piano student spends 30 - 45 minutes in a one-on-one lesson with Miss Merri in private instruction, followed by 15 - 30 minutes independent study in the piano computer lab, using music software geared directly toward the needs of the individual student. Lessons are given on a Roland KR-577, using the latest music technology available, and providing an opportunity for students to enjoy playing with full orchestral accompaniment.  Students are expected to practice a minimum amount of time each week based on age and skill level. They also participate in several musical festivals throughout the year, such as Fall Fest, hosted by the Decatur Music Teachers Association - MTNA,  and the Federation Junior Festival in February, hosted by the Decatur Chapter -National Federation of Music Clubs.   Student recitals are held twice each year - one prior to the Christmas break, the other in May. 

 

          Wind Instrument Instruction

 

 

Having trained and taught as an elementary band director, Merri Williams is able to teach all wind instruments at the beginner level.  She has worked for many years with homeschool students, providing an instrumental music education for those who choose to educate at home.  Miss Merri specializes in flute and piccolo for the more advanced students, having taught flute privately for over 34 years.  Students are expected to practice a minimum amount of time per week based on age and skill level. They also have the opportunity to participate in instrumental music festivals throughout the year, such as Solo and Ensemble Festival, held by Georgia Music Educators Association, and may also compete in such competitions as Georgia All-State or District Honor Bands.

                                                            Miss Merri with her students - Spring Recital 2007

Interested in learning more about private lessons? 

Email us at info at masterworks-studio.com.