Dwight Morrow’s Future in the Piano Lab
DMHS has a new Piano Lab with 16 stations, thanks to the efforts of Gary Hollander and Scott Ziegler.
Pianolabs are considered to be great extensions of school music programs. A piano lab is equipped with a communication system that provides teachers with the ability to teach students at different skill levels. Teachers can work with students individually or divide them into groups.
The DMHS piano lab initiative was overseen by band director Gary Hollander. Thanks to his work, the piano lab was installed this year, making it possible for more students to learn how to play the piano. The piano lab consists of 16 student keyboards, with each being credited to O Di Bella Music in Bergenfield, NJ. Without O Di Bella Music, the entire piano lab initiative would not have been possible.
“The piano lab at DMHS was donated to us through one person’s generosity and it has already had a major impact on our students,” music teacher Scott Ziegler said. “His gift has made it possible for dozens of students to learn piano this year, and it will continue to teach hundreds of students in the future.”
Usually, when reading music it takes me a long time, but since I have been taking piano, I can read the music faster and understand more.
— Sophomore Betsy Diaz
Thanks to the controllers and headphones connected to the pianos, Mr. Ziegler can also monitor and interact with individuals or groups while other students remain undisturbed. The installment of a new piano lab at DMHS will pave the way for greater music engagement.
“The piano lab has been beneficial in my music learning,” sophomore Betsy Diaz expressed. “Usually, when reading music it takes me a long time, but since I have been taking piano, I can read the music faster and understand more. I learn new things like reading and understanding music faster than what I did before,” she explained.
The piano lab has given students the opportunity to hone down their musical skills and talents.
“Next year we will add a second level of Piano so students can take two years of the elective. Students who have prior experience playing the piano can register for this class and further pursue their playing abilities.” Mr. Ziegler concluded.
