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LESSONS FOR KIDS
$35 for 30 min. lessons
$45 for 45 min. lessons
Weekly lessons, Sept. through May
Every-other-week options available for high school students
Discounted summer lessons for continuing students
Two annual recitals: Holiday (Dec.)
and Spring (May)
Lessons are taught out of my home (Novi, MI). Virtual lessons are available for social distancing purposes, or to accommodate students who live far away.
My Teaching
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My teaching style is more casual. While I want my students to be challenged, I also want them to have fun. Younger, beginning students get to play games during some lessons, as I like to incorporate movement and humor into skill-building. Advanced students explore a variety of repertoire, including classical standards, along with their favorite movie, musical, or pop songs, if they choose. All students can expect me to ask how their day is going and spend a minute or two chatting about things not related to music, like their soccer team or favorite ice cream flavor, before we get started on a lesson.
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Include Everyone
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I feel strongly that music is for everyone, regardless of a person's background, personality, attention span, or other factors. Not every student can sit still for an entire lesson, and students will have differing amounts of work they can handle in a week. I'm committed to discovering how each student learns best, treating that student as an individual, and developing a teaching approach best suited for that student.
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Practicing
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Regular practice is an important part of making progress. However, the ideal length and frequency of practice sessions will be different for each student. First and foremost, music should be enjoyable and help us feel good about ourselves. Too much practice may cause a student to feel resentful or exhausted, and too little practice may cause a student to feel discouraged at their lack of progress. I can work with each student to determine the best practice routines for them.
“Dave Howland is everything you want in a teacher. He’s kind, respectful, knowledgeable, and approachable. As a parent, my favorite quality is that he ‘gets kids’ and meets them where they’re at. He is then able to engage them in the love of music while giving them the tools that are needed to go with it. We feel honored and blessed that our daughter is taught by him.”
- Jen A., parent
"My name is Graham and I take piano lessons with Mr. Howland. I remember during my first recital I was a nervous wreck. Mr. Howland helped me and made sure that I did well. I have taken lessons at Mr. Howland's house and on video calls. He even sends me videos on different music things to watch. You can see them on YouTube. If you want to take piano lessons I would totally recommend Mr. Howland."
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- Graham W., age 10
“My sons, ages 8 and 10, have been taking piano lessons with Mr. Howland for 3 years. He has taken great care to find and adapt the teaching approach that is age appropriate and supportive, and that keeps the kids interested, engaged and having fun. My kids love the piano/music games he plays with them, and I overhear a lot of giggling. He is incredibly patient and adept at getting them back on track if they get distracted. We couldn't be happier with the kids' progress!”
- Laura G., parent
"I've been taking piano lessons with Mr. Howland for 5 years. When I first started, I was very nervous and shy. Over the years, I have become more comfortable and even play for small groups of people. Mr. Howland is such a wonderful teacher! If I didn't do good in a lesson he will always encourage me and tell me what I need to work at and that means a lot to me. I have progressively gotten better because of him and I have learned new things. He has a lot of patience, is very good at explaining the lessons, and makes piano fun. This is why I recommend Mr. Howland 100,000 times!"
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- Nina H., age 11
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