Beginners

For little kids and beginners

Most students start with the beginner’s course and is personalised to their individual ability which allows them to develop essential skills at their own pace.

Learning the piano is a multifaceted process that requires a strong foundation in music theory and the piano.  We make learning fun by making the process simple and achievable.  We deliver our lessons in a lively way that engages and holds interest.  We build their self-confidence through activities they can accomplish so your child is encouraged to continue their learning.

Our beginner’s course is an introduction to music and the piano and follows the curriculum outlined in the Ministeps to Music Phases 1 – 4 and BlitzBooks.  Your child will acquire the first foundational skills in music theory and playing the piano which will establish them correctly so they can progress to the next level.

Your child will develop their basic piano skills by introducing them on the 4 fundamental areas of piano playing simultaneously:

1.  Piano Technique: developing their finger strength, agility and independence. Specially developed piano exercises and all other necessary technical work is provided according to your child’s current level of progress.

2.  Mind:developing their speed of reading and playing the music score.

3.  Memory and Concentration:  increasing their attention span, focus, concentration and memory abilities

4.  Heart and soul:unlocking their creative side through expression of feelings and emotions while playing the piano; imagining and emotional contexts of music.

Some of the key aspects covered in this course include:

• The Notes of the White Keys and the Black Keys
• Piano Keyboard Arrangement
• Sharps and Flats
• Time Signatures
• Dynamics and Expressive Techniques
• Values of the Notes
• Rhythms and different Rhythmical Patterns
• The Music Staff, Treble Clef and Bass Clef
• Ledger Lines
• Technical work: scales, exercises, studies etc
• Exercises and techniques to improve memory skills
• Aspects of emotional expression through performance
• Sight Reading

At the end of this course, your child will know how to identify notes on the piano, how to read notes in different scores, play scales, arpeggios and different piano exercises.  They will also know how to play a few simple pieces to showcase their knowledge.

Acoustic or digital piano?

Most beginners start with a digital piano and only invest in an acoustic if they progress to Intermediate or Advanced levels.  For digital pianos, make sure the keyboard size has 88 notes, the action is weighted and touch sensitive and the pedals are fixed and functioning like an acoustic piano.  Our in-person lessons are conducted on a Yamaha acoustic piano.

Intermediate

For primary or high school students and intermediate learners

Students who have successfully completed our beginner’s course will move on to the intermediate course.  We will assess any new students who have completed their beginner’s course elsewhere before we accept them in the intermediate course.

Our intermediate course builds upon the skills your child has previously acquired and follows the curriculum outlined in the AMEB P Plate Piano Books 1 – 3.  This program includes access to the AMEB P Plate website which provides a range of resources and activities for your child to reinforce their learning.

Our intermediate course will continue to develop your child’s piano skills by expanding their knowledge on the 4 fundamental areas of piano playing simultaneously:

1.  Piano Technique:  developing their finger strength, agility and independence. Specially developed piano exercises and all other necessary technical work is provided according to your child’s current level of progress.

2.  Mind:  developing their speed of reading and playing the music score.

3.  Memory and Concentration:  increasing their attention span, focus, concentration and memory abilities.

4.  Heart and soul:  unlocking their creative side through expression of feelings and emotions while playing the piano; imagining and emotional contexts of music.

Some of the key aspects covered in this course include:

• Learning to recognise and play all the single and complex notes and rhythms
• Learning Theory and Harmony
• Learning a variety of styles and composition (eg classical, contemporary)
• Learning about improvisation and interpretation
• Expanding technical work: scales, exercises, studies etc
• Expanding concentration, attention span and memorizing abilities
• Developing deeper aural and active listening skills
• Constantly improving and polishing piano techniques
• Constantly building emotional expression through performance

After successfully completing each book, your child can sit for an optional non-graded assessment through the Australian Music Education Board (AMEB).  There is no requirement to sit for an AMEB assessment, however, it is beneficial to start assessments early to build performance and examination experience if your child is aiming to progress to the advanced course.

Your child will perform selected pieces for assessment.  They will not be assessed for technical work, sight reading or general knowledge.  At the end of their performance, an AMEB examiner will provide an assessment report with a certificate acknowledging their achievement.  On completion of the series, your child will receive a credit card style P-Plate piano licence.

Acoustic or digital piano?

Our in-person lessons are conducted on a Yamaha acoustic piano.  AMEB assessments are also conducted on an acoustic piano.  You should invest in an acoustic piano if your child is planning to progress to our advanced course and complete the AMEB syllabuses and exams.

For digital pianos, make sure the keyboard size has 88 notes, the action is weighted and touch sensitive and the pedals are fixed and functioning like an acoustic piano.

Advanced

For high school students and advanced learners or for exam preparation

Students who have successfully completed our intermediate course will move on to the advanced course.  We will assess any new students who have completed their intermediate course elsewhere before we accept them in the advanced course.

Our advanced course builds upon the skills your child has previously acquired and follows the curriculum outlined in the AMEB Board of Studies Syllabus – Piano for Leisure including Theory.

AMEB syllabuses set educationally appropriate goals and the exams are an opportunity for students to measure their progress and capabilities against these goals.  Piano is about performing in front of an audience and exams help to develop poise and confidence.

After sitting an exam, your child will receive a personal written report from their AMEB examiner which is designed to encourage further development.  They will also receive an official AMEB certificate recognising their achievement.  Receiving an AMEB certificate is a big milestone and should be celebrated.

Why sit for an AMEB exam?

1. It helps your child set goals.  Exam preparation is a commitment that requires time and hard work.  Good life skills to learn early.

2. It encourages further development of a broader range of skills.  Exams will challenge your child to perform and demonstrate their overall musical skills like sight reading, technical ability and aural recognition.  These skills creates successful musicians.

3. It gives valuable performance experience.  Many people find it hard to present, perform or speak in front of an audience and this gives your child further life skills.  Performance ability is necessary for successful musicians.

4. It gives useful feedback. All feedback is good as it gives your child an understanding of how they are progressing and what they need to focus on in their development.  Handling all types of feedback is another life skill your child with learn.

5. It recognises achievement.  Your child will receive a personal written report and an official certificate which is recognised across Australia and internationally.  It is a visual reminder of reaching this milestone and is to be celebrated.  It shows that your child has the ability to set and achieve goals and has learnt the value of hard work and discipline, setting them up for more success.

Acoustic or digital piano?

Our in-person lessons are conducted on a Yamaha acoustic piano.  AMEB exams are also conducted on an acoustic piano.  You should invest in an acoustic piano if your child is planning to complete the AMEB syllabuses and exams.