If you always wanted to learn how to play the piano, but didn’t have the time to practice or the money to purchase a keyboard then Piano Class is the perfect class for you! If have some previous piano experience but are interested in learning more about music and would like to have various performance opportunities this is also the class for you! This class is a great way to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement as there are no prerequisites and you must take this class before you can take the Music Technology class.

Classes are kept small, 20-24 per class; this allows instruction to be tailored to the individual student’s needs. A more advanced player will play more advanced pieces, while a beginning player can concentrate on the basics of music and fingering on the piano. The class proceeds at a rate at which the student can have success.

Students wishing to continue learning Piano after passing Beginning Piano Class with an A or a B can enroll in the Advanced Piano Class for their remaining high school years with the instructor's permission.

Beginning players will learn/participate in the following:

•        Basic keyboard skills using both hands including scales, chords and 5 finger position
•        Basic music theory including scales, chords, rhythm, harmony and form
•        Different styles of piano music and some music history
•        Performance etiquette as a performer and as an audience member
•        Basic composition techniques to compose a piece for piano
•        Perform solo and ensemble music at piano recitals

South Piano Recital Dates: 2024-2025

Private Flute, Piano and Music Theory lessons and general music tutoring are available at South High School from Caren Kilian. Ms. Kilian teaches the Beginning and Advanced Piano classes and was a flute major in college.

Please see Ms. Kilian in Room 545 or 547 before school, after school, or during 4th and 7th periods to arrange a lesson time. You do not have to be in music classes at South in order to take lessons. However, current piano/band/orchestra students receive priority placement.

Lessons will be taught 4th and 7th periods for 20 minutes each and before or after school.  Lessons can occur once a week or as needed. You cannot be excused from a regular class for lessons.  They need to take place during lunch, study hall or before/after school.

Lesson Agreement: Please take moment to read through these. If you can't agree, please do not ask to take lessons.

1. I will make a good faith effort to be to my lesson on time, with my materials. If I can’t make my assigned lesson time I will inform Ms. Kilian beforehand via email, voicemail, in class, or by leaving a message in her box. The lesson can then be rescheduled if there is an opening.
2. I understand that if I miss two lessons in a row without notifying Ms. Kilian beforehand I will forfeit my lesson time and it may be assigned to someone else.
3.  I understand that to improve on my instrument or theory knowledge, practice outside of class and/or lesson time is required. I will practice/study on my own for at least 10 minutes a day 6 days of the week. If you don’t have an instrument at home, let Ms. Kilian know.
4.  I understand that if I am asked to participate in the District Music Festival or any competition, that it is an honor to represent my school and if I miss lessons I will not be prepared to perform. Two missed lessons (see #2) may constitute forfeiture of my place in the competition or festival as there are a limited number of entries allowed.