Teaching

Piano Lessons

Marchand Music offers piano lessons to students of all ages and all levels. We accept young beginners and adult beginners as well as advanced students. Lessons are given weekly in our studio, located at 100 San Domingo Way in Novato (near Apple Market and San Marin High). Half hour lessons are available for beginners and very young students. Hour lessons are the norm for more advanced students. Lessons may be scheduled between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Saturday. (Lesson times subject to availability. Our long term students are given preference in scheduling.)

Certificate of Merit

Mr. Marchand is a member of the Music Teachers' National Association and the Music Teachers' Association of California. We offer the Certificate of Merit program through the MTAC to students who qualify. Briefly, this prestigious program examines students in piano repertoire, technique, keyboard theory, ear training and sight reading. Students who pass the annual examination are awarded a special certificate for their level. (For more information on the Certificate of Merit program and the MTAC, please refer to www.mtac.org.)

Performance Opportunities

Marchand Music offers a performance class to our students which meets about once a month during the school year. We call this class, "Repertoire Class," as this is the place for students to try out new repertoire and share repertoire with other students. This popular class is held in our studio and is offered free of charge to our students. (It is not mandatory.) Relatives are always welcome. If you are preparing for the Certificate of Merit Exam, or just want to show off, Repertoire Class might be just the venue for you.
Our students have performed at MTAC Branch Honors Recitals and MTAC State Conventions. We assist students who wish to enter competitions and summer music programs. Many of our students perform in school ensembles (such as band or jazz ensemble) or with church groups.

Lesson Fees

Our lesson rates are competitive. Fees may be paid weekly or monthly. We charge for lessons canceled by a student within 24 hours of a scheduled lesson.

Our Philosophy

At Marchand Music we believe that music should be fun and that learning is a joy. We believe that students should be well trained and have a firm foundation upon which to build. You would not build a skyscraper on a poor foundation -- it would topple over! The same applies to music study: establish a firm foundation by mastering basics so that you can then build on that foundation.

We believe that each student is an individual, with individual needs and strengths. We believe talent should be fostered and that study of the arts is an integral part of a well-rounded education.

Students working with us are advised to keep a regular practice schedule and attend lessons regularly for best progress. (We will reschedule lessons as possible to accommodate individual schedules.)