Northwoods Piano, located in Haymarket, Virginia, was established in 1988 and serves the Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow, Warrenton, Manassas, Prince William County and Centreville areas. Private piano lessons are available for beginning, intermediate and advanced students age 8 and older. Professional instruction is provided by Ellen Nordlof, a classically trained pianist with Bachelor of Music degree and National Certification (NCTM)

through Music Teachers’ National Association as well as 30 years of experience.

Philosophy

The studio goal is to develop a high level of pianism and musicianship through a carefully-planned, leveled curriculum with strong emphasis on sight reading and rhythm. My hope is that students will graduate from my studio capable of teaching themselves new music, enjoying piano for a lifetime.

It is my philosophy that the parent’s positive attitude and tenacity toward the student’s practice routine is the most important ingredient in the child’s success.

Curriculum

The curriculum for beginners is based on concepts presented in Faber and Faber Piano Adventures series. Supplementary books by pedagogical composers are also used to expand reading skills and provide fun, interesting and motivational music.

The curriculum for intermediate and advanced students is based on traditional classical music from the four historical periods. A wide variety of music is used, including sonatinas, single composer collections and multi-composer collections.

Piano Perspectives series is used as a basis for the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program piano exams. This program represents a national standard of musical achievement for piano students. Students mark their progress by advancing through the levels of this program, studying music from Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods and meeting standards in sight reading, ear training and technique.

Instrument

Students need to have a real acoustic piano or a full-sized 88-key digital piano with fully-weighted graded hammer action and pedals for their home practice.

Student Activities

Studio activities include recitals, sight reading contests, Royal Conservatory Music Development Program’s piano exams. Students receive Piano Explorer magazine each month during the school year.

Lessons

• 30-minute $133 month/$782 biannual/$1548 annual
• 45-minute $178 month/$1047 biannual/$2072 annual
  
  

Tuition is based on 38 lessons per year. Biannual and yearly prices include discounts.

30-minute lessons are appropriate for young beginners only.

45-minute lessons are appropriate for late elementary through late intermediate students

Enrollment

Schedule an introductory lesson
During the interview a beginning piano student will be introduced to piano lessons. A transfer student will be evaluated on his playing, sight reading and rhythmic skills. Parent and teacher will discuss studio program, goals, instruments, curriculum and policies.

Enrollment
A signed enrollment form and $150 deposit are required to reserve a place in the studio schedule.