MUSIC EDUCATES
Before the turn of the 20th Century, piano and music education were common forms of entertainment in many households. Before the technological boom, before radios, televisions, computers, i-pads, cell phones and kindles, there were actual books and live music. Family and friends of diverse communities used to gather together to entertain each other with music and dancing, stories
and laughter. Now many have become isolated by our new found technology and where is that leading us? We can have math computations solved faster than ever with our smart phones but many of us lack the focus for anything that isn't instantaneous. How can we stop these syndromes from becoming common play in our younger generations and how can we prevent our society from turning into "civilized barbarians"? Let me talk with you for a moment about why that is and how we can still keep music and piano education alive! Who is Aaron Jacobs? Aaron Jacobs was the first and is still 1 of only 2 teachers in the State of California who teaches and is allowed to teach using the Well-Prepared Pianist (WPPI). Aaron Jacobs, a California native, has dedicated the last 17 years of his life to providing the highest quality of music education to his students, even if it is just for them to enjoy as adults. Starting at the age of 5, Aaron was never not beside a piano. Coming from a long line of Concert Pianists, La Scala-Opera Singers as well as teachers and scholars, Aaron was destined to not only play but teach piano and voice. However, 5 years into his teaching career Aaron knew there was something more and thus began his studies with the Well-Prepared Pianist. What is the Well-Prepared Pianist? The WPPI is a teaching curriculum for teachers which embody all styles of playing into one masterful instruction. It is a true collegiate style teaching that has been developed by curator N. Jane Tan into a form that is accessible for students of all ages. Through learning true literacy, that every symbol has a purpose, a sound and a gesture that coincides with each symbol, we can develop both outstanding citizens and musicians who can play with absolute excellence in artistry. Who curated the Well-Prepared Pianist? Jane Tan, who at age 13 was concertizing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and then went on to gain a Fullbright-Hays Scholarship under the tutelage of Leon Fleisher [an Artur Schnabel pupil]. Jane’s teaching lineage dates back to Beethoven, literally by 6 generations. Jane remains the only person to hold the honor of being a Steinway artist strictly for her pedagogical work. Why is Music Education important? It has been proven in many studies that an education in music in addition to our standard curriculum can enrich you or your child in countless ways. More than that, by reading music along two staves [particular piano scores], using your feet and vocalizing, you are utilizing both the linear Left Brain activity with the spatial and creative Right Brain; you actually create a larger more focused center brain. Amongst many studies they have also concluded pianists to have more neuron connectors and more brain cells than the average person. How will Music Education make my child a better citizen? Piano requires a lot of focus, dedication and commitment. The child needs to learn how to balance their time between their other schoolings as well as with their music class. The student will also learn the patience it takes to play a 273 song curriculum, gradually tweaking each piece until they are listening to every minute detail; each and every phrase and note has a life. Now with that kind of life long training and focus, we can only imagine how they will be successful when they transfer those skills into their everyday participation in society and the global community. You or your child aren't meant to be a concert musician? That’s ok. That’s great actually. Our goal isn’t to turn your child into the next Horowitz, however there’s no reason why they can’t play like him. Made it this far, curious for more information but not sure what to think yet? That’s great. Please contact me at [email protected] for more information. Aaron Jacobs is looking forward to scheduling an in person consultation to give an in depth explanation of the WPPI, it’s wonders and how any person, no matter what age or history, can learn to play with true artistry and excellence. You'd rather SING than play PIANO? That's cool too! Vocally, Aaron has trained in both classic and musical theatre styles under Linda Kerns [Bebe Neuwirth, Wicked] and modern vocal styles under Darci Monet [Levi Kreis; Million Dollar Quartet]. Aaron has coached many clients into national tours like Mamma Mia. From teaching basic vocal techniques, to molding your voice into it's truest essence, Aaron’s taught it all. Aaron also specializes in helping students who have no sense of tone or pitch to be able to recognize, develop and sustain fantastic tones. Just remember everyone can sing with the right skills, for a profession, or just because it makes you smile! I think the best advice my mentor ever shared with me was "You don't need to have a lot of talent to be able to sing very well, all you need is a lot of technique," ~Linda Kerns. Thank you for visiting my page. Please e-mail [email protected] for more information. Warmest Regards,
Aaron Jacobs
