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OUR METHOD and method books
Musical Minds uses piano keyboards as our central learning tool for
teaching music, but it is important to realise that our sessions are
not simply group piano keyboard classes. Rather, they provide a
complete music learning system for the participants.
From the earliest days of western music, various forms of the piano
keyboard have been at the center of its development. Today,
vocalists, guitarists, string and horn players still rely on the piano as
the anchor for composition, harmony and structure. In all styles of
modern music the piano keyboard is key.
Using the piano keyboard, the Musical Minds method takes the
participant through five stages of development:
1. BASIC SKILLS ON THE KEYBOARD (Book 1)
Getting our kids playing familiar melodies is the first step. Basic
playing techniques can be learned while they practice their favorite
tunes, such as movie and television themes, and popular radio hits.
At this stage, the participants are introduced to bass note
accompaniments, so that they are able to play very simple
arrangements with both hands.
2. MUSIC READING & WRITING SKILLS (Book 2)
Once kids are comfortable with finding notes on the keyboard and
playing with both hands, it's time for them to learn the basics of
written music, both treble clef and bass clef. At this stage we also
teach them about chords, intervals and inversions.
3. ENSEMBLES - PLAYING MUSIC WITH OTHERS (Book 3)
Music is not a solo affair; most musicians work with others. At this
stage we introduce our players to simple multi- part song
arrangements. The challenge of playing with other musicians,
keeping time with them, is daunting, but fun.
4. JAMMING - CREATIVE IMPROVISATION (Book 4)
Now our kids are ready to unleash their creativity. At this stage we
introduce them to the concept of jamming (ad lib style playing) on
songs and pieces of music. By teaching them major, minor and blues
scales, we show them how to find parts that they can work out
themselves, which will work in their musical selection.
5. SONGWRITING & COMPOSITION (Book 5)
This is the ultimate stage of musical development. Creating
melodies and song lyrics from scratch requires confidence, but the
tools provided in this final stage open up the floodgates of the
imagination.
Once our participants have moved through these five stages,they
are well rounded musicians with an understanding of their own
musical potential. They will have much more to learn still, but they
will approach the learning process with purpose and determination!
Musical Minds uses piano keyboards as our central learning tool for
teaching music, but it is important to realise that our sessions are
not simply group piano keyboard classes. Rather, they provide a
complete music learning system for the participants.
From the earliest days of western music, various forms of the piano
keyboard have been at the center of its development. Today,
vocalists, guitarists, string and horn players still rely on the piano as
the anchor for composition, harmony and structure. In all styles of
modern music the piano keyboard is key.
Using the piano keyboard, the Musical Minds method takes the
participant through five stages of development:
1. BASIC SKILLS ON THE KEYBOARD (Book 1)
Getting our kids playing familiar melodies is the first step. Basic
playing techniques can be learned while they practice their favorite
tunes, such as movie and television themes, and popular radio hits.
At this stage, the participants are introduced to bass note
accompaniments, so that they are able to play very simple
arrangements with both hands.
2. MUSIC READING & WRITING SKILLS (Book 2)
Once kids are comfortable with finding notes on the keyboard and
playing with both hands, it's time for them to learn the basics of
written music, both treble clef and bass clef. At this stage we also
teach them about chords, intervals and inversions.
3. ENSEMBLES - PLAYING MUSIC WITH OTHERS (Book 3)
Music is not a solo affair; most musicians work with others. At this
stage we introduce our players to simple multi- part song
arrangements. The challenge of playing with other musicians,
keeping time with them, is daunting, but fun.
4. JAMMING - CREATIVE IMPROVISATION (Book 4)
Now our kids are ready to unleash their creativity. At this stage we
introduce them to the concept of jamming (ad lib style playing) on
songs and pieces of music. By teaching them major, minor and blues
scales, we show them how to find parts that they can work out
themselves, which will work in their musical selection.
5. SONGWRITING & COMPOSITION (Book 5)
This is the ultimate stage of musical development. Creating
melodies and song lyrics from scratch requires confidence, but the
tools provided in this final stage open up the floodgates of the
imagination.
Once our participants have moved through these five stages,they
are well rounded musicians with an understanding of their own
musical potential. They will have much more to learn still, but they
will approach the learning process with purpose and determination!
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