PIANO LAB AT SUMMIT HIGH OFFERS ALTERNATIVE TO PRIVATE LESSONS
Keli Ferrier was inspired to apply for a piano lab grant based on one question she received from parents and students throughout her 21-plus years in education .
are usually required to take piano lab . Studying piano now could equip Daniel with the skills to skip a basic piano lab course saving him time and money .
“ Every year I had parents and kids ask me about the cost of piano lessons ,” Ferrier said , who is the director of choirs at Summit High School . She estimates it is about $ 150 a month for one 30-minute lesson a week .
Now , thanks in part to a grant from the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation , Ferrier can offer students more frequent lessons for free through the piano lab inside her choir room .
Senior choir student Hannah Reeve plans to pursue music education in college , and the piano lab is helping her prepare for her post-secondary studies . The class is also helping her public performance skills .
“ Thank you , Mrs . Ferrier , for the passion you have for your students and thank you to all our donors that made it possible ,” said Mansfield ISD Education Foundation Director Lynn Wilkie . “ We are thrilled we were able to support Mansfield Summit High School ’ s Fine Arts program .”
Even if they don ’ t pursue music as a career , students in Ferrier ’ s piano lab are learning a skill they can use for life .
“ Even if they don ’ t major in music , it ’ s fun to play ,” said Ferrier . “ It ’ s a lifetime skill they can have and share .”
“ Piano is teaching me how to go past my comfort zones ,” Hannah said . “ Having to learn pieces and do it in front of the class is helping me get used to playing in public .”
Junior Daniel De Castro is also a choir student who wants to study music at the college level . Music majors
ABOVE : Students in Keli Ferrier ’ s piano lab practice a new piece . BELOW : Students may audition to play a holiday song at an upcoming choir concert . RIGHT : With headphones , students can practice on their own before playing together as a group in class .
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