PEP: The Piano Extension Program

PEP: Piano for children and adults

For over a decade, the PEP program has been providing quality piano lessons, as well as master classes, recital opportunities, and other musical experiences, to area children and adults at a reasonable rate and in a congenial atmosphere.

Lessons are taught by advanced piano students of the UNH Music Department who have demonstrated an interest and enthusiasm for teaching piano and who have completed as intensive course in piano teaching methods. These private lessons are one half hour in length and occur in the Paul Creative Arts Center of the University of New Hampshire. In addition, the program offers master classes (group lessons) to all participants in the program. These group lessons occur every third week, usually in the early evening, last one hour and fifteen minutes each, and are conducted by UNH piano faculty member Arlene Kies. The group lessons are an important element in the PEP program, affording all students an opportunity to perform, to hear others perform, and to learn a bit about music history and theory, all in a very casual setting.

Additional events offered through the PEP program include an annual Holiday Party and concert, a small Concerts for Youth series, and a final, somewhat more formal end-of-the year recital.

The entire program is overseen by pianist Arlene Kies. She matches students with teachers, compiles starting “packets” for each PEP student, conducts group lessons, and provides all printed information to participants in the program.

The PEP program accommodates both the local public school and UNH calendars. The year’s program is divided into three sessions; the first session is thirteen weeks long and extends from September through December. The next two sessions are shorter, either six or seven weeks each, and extend from late January through May. The cost of the program is very low…$195.00 for the first session, and approximately half that for each of the shorter sessions, with a 10% discount for families with more than one enrolled. There are no registration fees, or any other fees for the many extra events included in the program, and our prices have not increased since the program began! In order to maintain this very affordable rate, we do require that payment for lessons be made at the time of registration, before lessons begin each term. Payment may be made by personal check or by credit card.

If you are interested in joining the PEP program of UNH, please contact Arlene Kies.