Music is an important component of a student's total education. Studies have indicated that music benefits students both academically and developmentally. Few students choose music as a career, but anyone who is willing and dedicated can master skills needed to enrich their lives through music. In keeping with this philosophy, the studio offers a comprehensive music program which maintains high standards of excellence in an enjoyable learning environment, using the piano as the tool. The main goal is for students to enjoy piano, and continue playing for pleasure after formal education has stopped.
Deborah Wallach Busche, B.M., M.M., M.M., instructor of the McMurray Music Studio, has a complete background in music and music teaching. Deborah has earned degrees in Musicology, Piano Pedagogy, and Piano Performance, with an honors emphasis in Music Theory. She graduated first in her class from the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State in 1992, followed by graduate study at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Her more than thirty years of teaching experience include private an group piano instruction, and classes in music history, music appreciation, and music theory. In addition to her private studio in Peters Township, Deborah has taught classes at Clarion University, Penn State University, and the Unversity of Illinois, as well as preschool piano at the Mimon Kindergarten in Beijing, China. She is comfortable teaching piano to students of all ages, from preschool through senior citizen. She also teaches many homeschoolers, supplementing their home education with a broad spectrum of music in addition to piano. Deborah's students have won competitions for performance and composition at various levels and through various organizations.
The curriculum focuses on developing a musical foundation in classical music while integrating a variety of other musical styles. Benefits of the learning program include:
There are a variety of performance opportunities to accommodate students' different goals. There are numerous studio recitals per year, often at retirement centers to incorporate an outreach to the community. Advanced studebts may organize a charity benefit recital. In addition, there are recitals, festivals and competitions available through the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (GPC-PMTA) and the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association (PPTA), organizations to which Deborah is an active member.
Students receive weekly lessons in two seventeen-week semesters, running from Steptember to January, and January to May. Summer study is required, though on a much more flexible basis. Tuition for each seventeen-week semester is $698 for 45-minute lessons. 30-minute lessons ($466) are avilable for young children. 60-minute lessons ($864) are avilable for advanced students. Tuition includes the weekly lesson, as well as studio recitals.