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 27 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, technique and music theory.

Instrument

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

Student Activities

Studio activities include recitals, NVMTA Fall Festival, sight reading contests, Theta Music Trainer and the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program’s piano exams.

Lessons

• 30-minute $127 month/$747 biannual/$1479 year
• 45-minute $170 month/$1000 biannual/$1979 year
• 60-minute $213 month/$1252 biannual/$2480 year
  
  

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

60-minute lessons are appropriate for late intermediate through advanced students. Beginners are encouraged to take a 60-minute lesson (two 30-minute lessons a week) for faster progress through the easy beginning books.

Enrollment

Schedule an introductory lesson
During the Trial Lesson/Consultation 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. The fee for the Trial Lesson/Consultation will be credited toward your first tuition payment if you join the studio.

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