An Exciting Adventure: Play, compose, and record with the latest technology!
Our piano and keyboard curriculum integrates computational thinking and delivers project-based learning to develop powerful brains. It is designed for all ages (recommended age 7+) to encourage students to play the instrument from their hearts by establishing a strong foundation in sensing music. The coaching is customized towards the individual’s interest and style. Traditional piano training focuses on techniques that require extensive practice and passing certification levels. This kind of performance-based training takes the fun out of music.
One of the many music projects, by an 11-year old.
In Melody & Chord, piano and keyboard are introduced as tools to enjoy playing music. The students learn from the custom material "Charting Through Music with Melody & Chord" developed exclusively to support this learning approach. They learn the patterns of rhythm and harmony through their favorite songs. While exploring the patterns in songs and the basics of piano playing, they also compose their own music, write the lyrics, type up the sheet music, and record the music using the latest technology!
We also offer coaching in Chinese (中文鋼琴班). This hybrid training in both language and music develops a more powerful brain!
Private Lessons
Private lessons follow a recurring weekly schedule, no classes on holidays. There is no registration fee. Monthly flat rates are:
30 minutes a week - $225 monthly
60 minutes a week - $450 monthly
Materials - $195 one time (including custom-written curriculum, composition book, all sheet music from the studio, and recording technology used in the studio) Waived for all charter school students.
FAQ
1. "Is the coaching a right fit for me or my child?" Our coaching is designed for beginning and intermediate levels. It is beneficial for musicians who want to learn to play from their hearts and who want to "play with" music patterns and create. The coaching does not prepare the students for piano certificates, which can cause stress in the journey, especially in young learners.
2. "What's a good age to start?" The curriculum is designed for both children and adults. For children, we recommend a minimum age of 7, as the curriculum encourages the students to communicate their creativity. We want to develop the interest in music in children so we do not recommend starting too young when the muscles and attention span are not ready for structured coaching.
3. "Do I need a piano at home?" An upright acoustic piano is not needed. However, we value the importance of practice at the student's pace, so it is a highly recommended that the student is equipped with at least a 61-key tabletop electronic keyboard. The Yamaha YPG-235 model is more than enough for a couple years until the student is ready for a more hardcore instrument.
4. "How much practice is needed at home?" Feeling ready keeps the positive spirit going. Consistent practice is the key to feel ready for the next set of challenges before each session. We recommend a 15-minute practice everyday following the recommended practice flow. Students who establish a practice routine develop the "music language" thinking process, so they get the most out of the sessions. Students who don't practice end up using the session time to practice before having enough skills to move on. When this persists, they can feel frustrated and bored, and can end up leaving the program that's designed to have lots of fun.
5. How do the students share their music? There are various ways that our students share their music. Besides the videos on the Music Showcase page, we host two Music Sharing Events a year (June & December). Students set goals, work towards their goals, and share their music. They could be playing familiar songs, music that they have composed, or music that other students have composed. In traditional recitals, students need to memorize the pieces and focus on performance techniques. Most children don't enjoy the learning process that way. The Music Sharing Events in our studio are interactive and casual for students to spread the joy of music with family and friends, and be inspired by others.
6. "How does payment work? What if I miss a lesson?" See our policy for details.
7. "How do I sign up?" Make an appointment with us for a 30-minute trial lesson ($55). Once we've decided the program is a right fit, we'll sign up in person. You may fill out the form below to request a trial lesson or enroll.
Charter Schools
We are a vendor with the following charter schools: Blue Ridge Academy
All programs offered to charter school students are non-religious.