The West Omaha Piano Conservatory offers 45 and 60 minute lessons in a private teaching situation.
These private lessons include 15 minutes of individualized computer instruction. Mark Dickmeyer
uses two Yamaha acoustic pianos (a C-3 grand and a U-1 studio piano), two digital pianos and one
digital synthesizer in his teaching. Private lessons focus on technique and repertoire while
computer instruction covers theory, composition, keyboard harmony, sight-reading and ear training.
ACTIVITIES
Each year students have an opportunity to pick from a variety of performing and other motivational
activities. To see pictures from various events, visit our Gallery page!
RECITALS
In April/May students may participate in a formal spring recital. These are held in a church or
auditorium. Students play from memory for a larger audience. This is their chance to really be a STAR!
POINTS FOR PIZZA
In September students in grades K-6 participate in a "Points for Pizza" contest. Students
earn points by practicing, completing songs, memorizing songs, looking up and defining the
Mystery Word of the Week, remembering three facts about the Composer of the Month and improving
their timing in Flash Card Races. Students who earn 35 points are invited to attend a pizza party
at a Family Fun Center where they get tokens to play games and enjoy pop and pizza.
MUSIC DECATHLON
In January, the Independent Music Teacher's Organization offers a Music Decathlon. Students
enter ten different events: Scales, Chords, Cadences, Arpeggios, Ear Training, Sight-Reading,
Theory, Performance, Dictation and History.
Students receive ribbons, rosettes and trophies for their scores.
TOKENS FOR PRIZES
In January through April students earn tokens for their practice time which they can use to "buy"
prizes from the "Token Store."
PIANO ACHIEVEMENT PLAYOFFS
In March the Independent Music Teacher's Organization offers an audition called the Piano
Achievement Playoffs. Students play two memorized pieces of their choice. They are adjudicated
and receive a purple, blue or red rosette which indicates the rating received. Trophies are awarded for a third, sixth, ninth, or twelfth superior rating.
SUMMER OLYMPICS & M.A.M.A.
In July students may enter the Nebraska Summer Music Olympics. Students play two memorized pieces
and receive trophies and medals for their performance. A similar event in August sponsored by
the Mid-America Music Association rotates between Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis so that students
may have an out-of-town audition in the summer.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Each month one student is named Student of the Month. This award is based on any or all of the following
criteria: preparedness for lessons, attitude, improvement, special achievements, talent and creativity -
just to name a few! The student gets to take home a huge trophy with a plaque with their name
engraved on it. After the month, they receive a small wooden plaque to keep.
