A Different Kind of Piano Lesson

 
PianoKids® is a musical teaching method that uses computers and keyboards to teach small groups of children basic piano skills, music literacy, composition, and ensemble playing, and uses music  to develop critical thinking and basic math skills in children. The system was developed by concert pianist and educator Peter Taussig, former director of technology curriculum at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the PianoKids program differ from regular piano lessons?

The PianoKids curriculum was designed with today's "digital generation" in mind. It makes extensive use of interactive technology, and unlike the one-on-one approach of conventional lessons, uses group dynamics to accelerate the progress of students. The main features that distinguish the program from traditional piano lessons are:

• Using computer disks to guide the student during learning and home practicing
• Using computers for sight-reading and rhythm training
• Engaging children's creativity by teaching them how to improvise and write down their compositions
• Learning to play along with other students through ensemble practice
• Empowering students to control many aspects of their study (such as: learning songs on their own, determining when they are ready for the teacher, controlling what sounds to use for their songs, controlling the tempo of their accompaniment, etc.)

Wouldn't my child be better served by private lessons?

Most children ages 6-9 learn better in group settings. They learn from their peers and enjoy the group spirit. A group lesson also allows for group activities which further enhance musical learning and are great fun. In some cases a child may need private lessons and the free introductory session before registration is intended to asses the child and find out which type of lesson would best suit them.

What is the best age to start PianoKids lessons?

The ideal age is 6-7 but we have had great success with 8-12 beginners as well, provided they are in a group of the same age. Our special spring session is intended for Kindergarten students going into the 1st grade in the fall.

We don't have a piano. Do we need to buy one?

No. You do not need to invest in an expensive piano for a beginner student. For the first few years of study your child will use our recommended electronic keyboard, the Yamaha PSR350, that retails for under $350 and is available from PianoKids.

Isn't a 60 minute lesson too long for my 6 year old?

On the contrary. Lessons are so much fun that we often have a hard time getting kids to leave the studio at the end of their lesson. The reason for this is that the curriculum is extremely varied and content-rich, and the group dynamics are totally engrossing for the students.

Can my child try it for a few weeks and then decide?

No. The enrollment is for one full semester. We emphasize the concept of commitment to our students. That is why before being accepted into the program both student and parent have an opportunity to sample a free demo lesson and discuss the commitment for one semester.

I would like to enroll my child but I may not be able to afford it. How can you help?

PianoKids offers parents with financial difficulties several options. Tuition may be paid by installments, keyboards may be leased-to-own, and our buy-back program enables parents to sell their used keyboards to other new students once their child has graduated. Parents enrolling siblings are also entitled to a discount. A small number of Financial Aid scholarships are also available through the Music Literacy Project.

How long can I expect my child to take PianoKids lessons?

The average is two years, although some students may benefit from a third year of study.

What happens after my child graduates from the PianoKids program?

At graduation the student may have several options. We may recommend private piano lessons with a teacher of the parent's choice, or the student may want to take up another instrument. Alternatively, they may choose not to continue their musical studies. Either way, the solid musical foundation they have acquired will enable them to read, play, and enjoy music for the rest of their life.

Peter Taussig, program director

Before settling in the United States Peter Taussig was one of Canada's best known concert pianists and educators, recording over 200 broadcasts for the CBC and performing with such conductors as Sir Andrew Davis, John Eliot Gardner, and Erich Kunzel. As a music educator he was on the faculties of the University of Western Ontario, and Ryerson University in Toronto, where he taught electronic music. In the 1990s he was appointed chief technology consultant for the Royal Conservatory of Music, one of the largest music networks in the world. It was here that he first developed the concepts that lead to the PianoKids method. He continued his work at the Yamaha Corporation in New York, where he further developed PianoKids as well as new recording techniques for handicapped pianists. In 2002 he started a pilot project of PianoKids in Lenox Massachusetts where he currently lives.

More about Peter Taussig

Ellen Dilthey, associate teacher

Ellen Dilthey received her Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Northwestern University, was Educational Director of the Marymount Preparatory Music Program, Marymount College for six years, and has recently joined the Music Department at MCLA as an Adjunct Professor.  She has taught students of all ages and levels for twenty five years in her own studio in eastern Massachusetts and Westchester County, New York. Ellen has recently relocated to North Adams and completed her certification in the PianoKids method.

Delia Murray, associate teacher

Jenna Kyle-O’Brien, associate teacher

Call today to book your FREE demo lesson

413-637-1168