<p>First, I appreciate the brutal honesty - though it makes me realize I didn’t explain things well. The Lord of the Rings music was something my son did outside of class one summer when he had a month break from lessons. His teacher wasn’t so enthusiastic about it either. I, on the other hand, recognize that as being the spark that lit the fire.</p>
<p>These are some of his current pieces:
Tarantella by Pieczonka (spring recital)
Romantic Spirit and Baroque Spirit books from Nancy Bachus
The Blacksmith, Opus 8 by Samuel Maykapar
Mozart - First Book for Pianists (Willard A. Palmer, editor)
Minuet in G, Anna Magdalena Bach,
(from the book "More Easy Classics to Moderns compiled by Denes Agay)</p>
<p>Do those pieces look familiar? Is he in the right direction?</p>
<p>I will take a look at the Juilliard site, and see what I can figure out from it…it’s harder for me because I don’t automatically recognize pieces or the difficulty level. </p>
<p>His teacher was trained classically (B.Music), but I think she feels that he will need more advanced help to prepare for conservatory. I do have another recommended teacher from a friend, but there is a waiting list. I also am thinking his current teacher could take him for at least one more year, moving up to 45 minutes lessons. The other recommended teacher has his PhD, so our expenses will get pretty high then. </p>
<p>My earlier comment about Wheaton wasn’t meant to lower Wheaton. I think it looks great - but I am wondering about schools that would be a little easier to get into than Wheaton, just in case.</p>