History
Johann Sebastian Bach wrote that his goal in teaching piano students is “above all, to arrive at a cantabile (singing) style of playing,” and that “the aim of all music is to glorify God and refresh the souls of men.”
At Studio Cantabile, we share that vision.
Studio Cantabile goes back to the 1980’s starting with a handful of piano students. A few years later, Janet became Music Director of Rockbridge Academy and John was her piano accompanist, arranger, and recording artist. During that time, Studio Cantabile had to take a back seat, but in 2015, Studio Cantabile picked up again with piano, voice, and music theory instruction.
Approach
Prior to each school year we…
Plan performance and examination opportunities and get commitments from parents
Choose repertoire fit for each student, not overwhelming them, but intended to delight and challenge
Prior to each lesson we…
Write goals and detailed practice instructions for each student at each lesson as a practice guide for the upcoming week
Share the goals with the parent/guardian who is required to attend each lesson
During each lesson…
the student plays through an assigned passage, section, or piece of music. We acknowledge and commend the student’s progress in playing the assigned segment.
we instruct the student to focus on passages requiring improvement, making them aware of errors. We instruct the student to play the right way slowly; speeding up only as confidence grows, without constantly stopping or correcting notes and rhythms.
we encourage the student to play slow enough to always put the right finger on the right note at the right time!
Reaching the goal…
Striving to play and perform with technical skill, endurance, speed, accuracy, confidence, poise, humility, delight, expression from the heart, and with interpretive intelligence.
Accomplishments
National Guild Auditions
Studio Cantabile students have performed a wide range of challenging piano selections by memory, receiving high scores from National Guild of Piano Teachers adjudicators
Public recitals
Studio Cantabile students have performed memorized piano and voice selections in public venues
Theory examinations
Studio Cantabile students have received passing grades on the Maryland State Music Teachers Association music theory exams
“The aim of all music is to glorify God and refresh the souls of men.”
J.S. BAch
About us
Janet Horst (voice, music theory, and elementary piano) received her Bachelors and Masters in Music education at the University of Maryland College Park and instructed students for over 25 years in music instruction, solo vocal performance, and choral conducting. She created a music education curriculum for Kindergarten through 6th grade students that’s in active use nationwide. Her choir at Rockbridge Academy in Annapolis, MD scored high scores in state competitions for years. In addition to private lessons, she is a consultant for young music educators.
p. 410-596-8862
John Horst (piano and music theory) received his Bachelor of Arts in Music on piano and organ at University of Maryland College Park, studying with Dr. Roy Johnson (piano) and Mr. Charleton Meyer (organ). He has been a piano soloist, accompanist, arranger, and composer on piano and organ in various venues for over 40 years. He is an active member of the National Piano Guild, the Music Teachers National Association, and the Greater Laurel Music Teachers Association.
p. 410-596-9966
Services
Instruction is for all ages and levels of expertise. Janet teaches beginners and John teaches intermediate and advanced.
Instruction is for students 15 years and older at any level of expertise. Comprehensive vocal training and coaching is available.
We teach Royal Conservatory music theory. Exams occur yearly from February through April.
We do professional quality recordings for vocal/dance rehearsals, recordings for college submissions, and accompaniments for practice.
Want more info?
Let’s talk!
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