Learning Music the Natural Way with Yamaha Group Piano Education!
How many of you took piano lessons as a child? If you did, your weekly routine was probably similar to this: once a week, you attended a 30 minute private lesson focusing on playing exercises and repertoire, reading music (learning about music notation), and working on technique. Your only contact with other developing pianists was at the annual recital, the thought of which, by the way, filled you with terror and made you tremble and perspire. Is it coming back to you? If, at your lesson, you experienced such things as moving to music, listening to recordings, ear training activities, singing, improvising or composing, or if your weekly routine included group music activities, your teacher was considered either healthily innovative or dangerously adventurous.
Thankfully, times have changed. Music educators world-wide now acknowledge the value of these activities for students of every instrument, and are exploring the positive ways that technology can enhance music lessons. We at Yamaha are proud to have been early proponents of group lessons for children which include music activities which are not instrument specific, and which use electronic instruments as teaching tools.
Yamaha developed the Junior Music Course in 1954. Through JMC, we seek to instill a love of music in our students, and to develop their fundamental musical abilities so that they have the tools to express themselves through performing individually (solo) and/or in a group (ensemble). We do not limit children to any musical style, but expose them to a variety of styles, including music composed by Yamaha students from around the world. We introduce children to improvisation and composition, and encourage their creative instincts.
JMC is based on three concepts: timely education, comprehensive education, and group lessons. Timely education means that we use methods, materials, and approaches that are appropriate for 4-5 year olds (sitting at a keyboard for 1 hour is not the way to any four year old’s heart!). Teaching music as a language is natural and most effective.
Comprehensive education means that our program encompasses a variety of musical activities appropriate for and beneficial to 4-5 year olds. Solely working on piano technique and music reading focuses the child’s energy on the activities for which he/she is least developmentally ready, and does not acknowledge the many musical activities in which he/she can excel and develop musicianship.
Group lessons are effective and fun for young children. Children learn with and from their peers, and group dynamics give the energy and variety necessary to lessons for 4-5 year olds. Also, ensemble activities enhance students’ overall understanding of music, expand their musical experience, and prepare them for future involvement in orchestra, band, chamber groups, as well as duo piano and accompanying experiences.
Although our basic philosophy remains the same today, the development of technology and the increase in our understanding of how young children learn have led to improvements in method, materials, and equipment. Your children are now enjoying the newest version of JMC and will reap the benefits of decades of research and experience!
Let’s work together to make your child’s introduction to music a wonderful and, ultimately, life-enriching experience
To learn more of Yamaha Music Education, call today @ 972-335-5112 or visit www.7-notes.com