Piano Lessons for Life-long
Music Literacy
The PianoKids® method attempts to synthesize current
thinking in such diverse fields as child psychology, educational
theory, neuroscience, and music pedagogy. It is also an empirical
method, grown out of years of studio teaching, both one-on-one and in
groups, and on a major study of teaching methods of the more than
20,000 teachers of the vast network of the Royal Conservatory of Music
in Canada.
Developing the mind through music
Our main objective is not to produce musicians but to develop
children's minds and personality through music. In the process,
children naturally acquire the necessary tools to continue in musical
activities after the program, whether on their own or in private
lessons. Our students learn to solve problems, develop their
creativity, and understand and apply complex abstract concepts.
Numerous studies have shown that music in general, and piano playing in
particular, are among the best ways to develop temporal-spacial
abilities, hand-eye coordination, and sequencing in children. But most
importantly, our goal is to awake and channel the natural creative
impulse of children and foster in them a life-long love of music.
See how we
develop MATH SKILLS through our piano method
Offering clearly defined goals
We focus on musical literacy, sight reading, playing by ear,
improvising, and comprehending concepts. These subjects take precedence
over perfect execution of pieces, correct hand position, memorizing,
expressivity, and tone production, which we believe can be acquired
later in private lessons.
Offering a clearly defined time frame
Our course of study takes two years and is often followed by
private piano lessons or lessons on another instrument.
Technology boosts results
Technology offers interactive guidance in learning and
practicing, making many of the basic musical skills easier to acquire.
It also makes the process more fun. It adds the "cool factor" to piano
lessons, and has proven to attract more students and keep them
interested (especially boys). We use electronic keyboards as our
"training wheels" both in the studio and in each student's home. Every
song has its own "tutor" file on the keyboard, helping students to
identify pitch and rhythm problems. We also use interactive
sight-reading software that further aids students in learning new songs.
Developing the ear as well as the fingers
The two major learning techniques of PianoKids are guided
practicing and ensemble playing. Both develop the student's listening
skills early on. Many activities and games around the acoustic piano
include vocalizing, playing by ear, and rhythmic movement.
Everyone learns differently - a multi-sensory approach
Children do not learn in the same way. Some use primarily
their eyes, others their ears, and others yet their logic, their sense
of touch, or a natural memory of motion. In PianoKids we engage all the
senses. Each song is learned by ear, by eye, by touch, and by
reasoning, ensuring that each student will progress at their optimal
rate.
 "Is my child musical?"
Although innate musicality differs from child to child we are
not concerned with musical talent. We believe that all children can be
taught to use their personal intelligence to master the basics of
musical literacy. In the process, many children with mild learning
challenges learn to overcome these challenges through music.
Developing creativity
The best way to teach an abstract concept is to apply it in a
practical way. This is why improvisation and composition are an
integral part of each lesson almost from the beginning.
Learning to solve problems
Whenever possible, students are encouraged to figure out
things for themselves and help each other to detect and resolve
problems. The teacher's role is not to provide ready solutions but to
guide students towards their own discoveries.
 Working as a group
Children benefit from a group learning experience. They not
only get inspired by each other and love the bonding that occurs in a
group, but they also learn the valuable lesson of cooperation. Peer
teaching and ensemble keyboard pieces are a regular feature in our
lessons.
Dealing with mistakes
The method emphasizes uninterrupted playing, teaching children
how to deal with mistakes without being paralyzed by perfectionism.
Empowerment
One way to empower a student is to allow them to make
decisions about their learning. Our interactive software and guided
practicing are designed to give students that sense of control.
Consequently, PianoKids students are enterprising and enthusiastic,
often determining many aspects of their study.
It's fun
The combination of a group setting, computers, and a
self-directed learning creates an overall positive experience that
keeps students from dropping out. In the long run this positive memory
of their first encounter with music will be crucial for these students'
continued love of music throughout their lives.
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