Hill Piano Studio
Mountain View, CAPrivate lessons with Ashley Hill, Royal Conservatory of Music certified instructor with 20+ years of teaching experience in piano, music theory, and composition.
Instructor
Ashley Hill is a pianist, composer, and music theorist with over 20 years of teaching experience. She works with students of all ages, recognizing each individual's unique talents and potential.
In her piano lessons, Ashley fuses classical training with a love for popular music. She tailors her approach to each student, drawing from various methods to develop well-rounded pianists with a strong musical foundation.
Beyond teaching, Ashley has recorded 7 full-length albums with her various bands and performed in over 250 cities worldwide. She is an endorsed Nord Artist and was named Best Keyboardist by Alt Press in 2009 and 2011. A passionate music theorist, she is currently writing a book on harmonic progressions in popular music. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Theory and Composition from Arizona State University and is a mom to two boys, ages 8 and 10.
Musical Foundations and Curriculum
Reading Music Notation
Using method books and the teacher’s own materials, students will learn new weekly concepts that build towards becoming fluent readers of the universal language, music notation. They will learn how to decipher note names, intervals (distance between pitches) rhythm, fingerings, dynamics, articulations and more. These concepts will be reinforced using a variety of fun tools and games.
Ear Training and Music Theory
Students will learn to identify what they are hearing through tangible concepts such as pitch direction, intervals, chords, and harmonic progressions. Theory workbooks are used to deepen understanding of all musical concepts and create super pianists. Have you ever wondered how some pianists can hear a song and play it without ever seeing the music? This is a learned skill, achieved through ear training and an understanding of music theory.
Inspirational Music
“Rote” pieces are taught by imitation/aurally, which allow students to play more complicated pieces than they can read. Repertoire will also include selections made by both the teacher and student. Parents and students are encouraged to identify music that is inspiring to them, (it can be anything- a video game theme song, a rock song they like to listen to in the car etc.) and this music will be integrated into their lessons. Musically inspired students practice more, across the board.
Technique
In order to physically communicate the music notation, students need to develop the proper playing technique. Beginners will perform exercises to develop a flexible, relaxed wrist and curved finger position. Intermediate students will practice scales, chords, arpeggios, and more. Various etudes and warm ups designed to build finger independence and strength will be part of every lesson and practice plan.
Improvisation
A great vessel for self expression, creativity, and artistry is through improvisation. Every lesson students will spend a few minutes learning tricks to build this creative muscle, working towards the end goal of being able to create music without relying on music notation. More advanced students use improvisation to play with their peers in creative collaboration and modify composed music to fit their own interpretations and preferences.
Composition
Even the youngest beginners will compose music, and using our toolbox of music notation, technique, ear training, inspiration and improvisation, student’s will put it all together to create their own pieces of music. Students will learn to tell a story through their musical choices and develop their ideas into pieces.