why "inRenaissance?"

Because of the societal pressures current families and children face, inRenaissance strives to promote a safe and flexible environment to learn; promoting enjoyment, understanding, and experimentation rather than subscribing to a paradigm of goal-oriented achievement.

Because the idea of "success" is different for every individual,  the "what" of inRenaissance is fluid. Rather than a set curriculum that is applied to every student, the personal interests of each student inform "what" happens. This promotes self-motivation and independence in the learning process.

Because progress isn't linear, students work with materials of varying levels, and can participate in activities seemingly unrelated to piano but do transfer through sensory, motor, or creative processes.

Because there isn't one timeframe that fits all, students are encouraged to go at their own pace to build comfort and confidence.

Because potential does not end with childhood, inRenaissance believes that learning is for anyone, at any stage of life. Taking on the role of once again being a beginner takes courage - but even the smallest steps forward are of great value and worthy of celebration. 

Because of the lack of room in traditional education systems for student dialogue and independence of thought, inRenaissance encourages students to take more ownership of their learning and solve tasks independently. Open questions and "flipped" roles in a lesson setting help students to develop self awareness and self direction, as well as being mentally flexible and adaptable in approach.

 Because turning a page or checking off a practice to-do list may not lead to true understanding, inRenaissance prioritizes constructive learning activities (unrelated to repetition, practice time, or regurgitation of information) such as improv, song-writing, making up and playing chords, creating lyrics, movement, imagination, and aural activities.

Because over specialization and isolation quickly lead to burnout, disinterest, and amotivation, connections between our world at large, other areas/fields, and contexts relevant to the student play a large role in the learning conversation. inRenaissance strives to become a platform to promote diversification of student experiences and thought patterns, specifically at the piano and in/among the arts.

Because training the mind is an important but often unaddressed part of being a functioning and happy individual, artist, and learner, inRenaissance seeks to develop healthy thought patterns including constructive self-talk, a positive attitude in handling mistakes and when things go wrong, and grace with oneself in the learning and sharing process.

Because learning happens in community, inRenaissance endeavors to create, promote, and develop programs and events that promote creative wellbeing, community connection, and mutual support and enhancement of the role of arts.