The Keyboard class is a new elective at LACES this year. It’s a beginning piano keyboard class for high school students. As the class continues, students will learn how to play the piano and read music and the class will provide students with the opportunity to learn how to play the piano without having to pay for private piano lessons, which can be costly.
The average price for private piano lessons in Los Angeles is $24.58 an hour, according to Care.com. The school purchased Yamaha keyboards for students to use.
Students who are taking this class will gain skills and knowledge in piano technique, reading music, music theory, notation, terminology and improvisation. To demonstrate the skills practiced during class time, students will do solo performances showcasing their proficiency and progress. Ms. Che is looking forward to teaching students as well as helping students earn performing arts credit to obtain their graduation requirements.
However, no one seems to take advantage of this class. There is only one class during 7th period. Within that class, there are only three students.
“It can get a little dull sometimes. There are just three students in the class, including me. This is my first year in this class. We have covered finger positions and read basic notes.¨ said junior Sandra Hawthorne.
Hawthorne’s interest in the class allowed her to continue; meanwhile, other students dropped out.
¨The reason why I dropped out of this class was because of how awkward it was in that class because it seemed as if no one wanted to be inside of this classroom,” said Junior Amina Ayuzana.
Although the class consists only of three students, it was meant to be created for students who were interested in a smaller class than usual.
“The amount of money that was used to invest into these keyboards must’ve been around $8,000 to $10,000,” said LACES principal Ms. Kimberly Lesure. “We wanted to make this a small class and bought around 14 to 17 keyboards for these students who were interested in this class.”
Mr. Oliver Rivas, a counselor taking part in managing the class, is not too worried about the low enrollment.
“New electives often do take time to build up support for students to engage in this class as well as students having interest. It’s uncommon for new classes to have enrollment due to the lack of students joining these new classes,” said Mr. Rivas.
Ms. Che is the keyboard and choir teacher. She wants to teach students who might or might not already have experience playing the piano, or those who have little interest in the instrument.
¨I actually wanted to quit piano lessons until I finished my second year in college,” said Ms. Che. “I actually wanted to quit piano lessons when I was in high school [too], but my parents wouldn’t let me. I am very grateful, though, because I use my piano skills and advanced music skills all the time as a choir teacher.”
Ms. Che and the students in the class hope that their new class will continue to grow and the new equipment will be put to good use.
