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SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
Will the students in the program learn to read music?
In a word, yes! Our method books are designed to teach kids to read
standard musical notation. We teach them about treble clef, bass clef,
sharps, flats, key signature, time signature, grand staff, and all of the things
they’ll need to sight read musical charts.
What equipment will the student need at home?
In our Piano Keyboard Clubs we provide an individual piano keyboard for
each and every participant, but the student will need something to practice
on at home. Any piano or electric keyboard will do, as long it has full sized
keys. If you do not have a piano or keyboard of any kind, we recommend
Casio or Yamaha brand electric keyboards. Their starter models can be
purchased for under $100, and you can find them at places such a Target,
Costco, Guitar Center, as well as from online music equipment stores. We
highly recommend the Casio CTK800, (which is compatible with the model
we use in the Musical Minds program).
Will there be an advanced session at school after the end of the
beginner's session?
Yes. Musical Minds has its own method books, designed to take our students
through four separate eight week sessions, or a total of 32 weeks. The
method books teach piano technique, music theory, music notation reading,
ensemble playing, and finally, songwriting skills. Students who stay with the
program throughout the school year acquire a substantial amount of musical
skill and knowledge!
Are group classes better than private lessons?
Kids can take private lessons anytime, but the only time that they are at the
exact same level as each other is when they are absolute beginners. In a
group setting, kids see the musical experience as something which isn’t a
solitary process. They learn with a sense of camaraderie that only a group
program can give them. The group allows them the ability to take part in
musical learning games and recitals, and as they progress they have the
opportunity to play together in ensemble groups, duos and trios. They have
more fun and tend to want to stay with the musical learning process longer.
Will the student receive “homework” assignments, and should parents
help?
Each week the students will be working on something new, such as right
hand melody or left hand bass notes, and we ask the students to practice
during the week. Because students will apply whatever they have learned to
popular songs that they have personally selected and enjoy playing, it’s
likely that the student will practice without needing to be “urged” to do so.
Parents can help by making sure that the student has a keyboard or piano of
some kind to practice on, and by making sure that the student keeps his/her
books, songs, keyboard cards and other materials together. It’s also
important that you remind the student to bring the material to the class
each week.
My son/daughter has already been taking piano lessons. Can he/she
still join the Piano Keyboard Club?
Yes. Just like any musical band or orchestra, our groups are made up of kids
of different age groups and different skill levels. They work individually and
in groups, and they benefit from working with kids having different skill
levels.
How does the Musical Minds keyboard program compare in value to
alternatives, such as private lessons?
We keep the cost of our program very low, relative to its value. We provide
all equipment, music, teaching aids, game materials and prizes for less than
half the cost one would normally pay for a one hour private piano lesson.
How far can the students go with this program?
You may have heard about studies which say that the study of music
improves a child’s scholastic aptitude. Well, it’s true! Music improves a child’
s Spatial Temporal Reasoning Abilities, which is their ability to visualize
complex concepts such as those which are commonly found in math, science
and even language comprehension. Musical Minds recognizes that the longer
students stay with music, and the deeper they get, the greater the benefits.
To this end we offer advanced level ensemble programs, creative songwriting
programs and advanced theory programs. We also offer private in-home
instruction above and beyond our group enrichment programs. Summer
sessions are also offered.
Our Private Lesson Program
Many of our instructors also offer private instruction and will come to your
home. We offer sibling discounts and special home group rates. Contact us
for more information.
Will the students in the program learn to read music?
In a word, yes! Our method books are designed to teach kids to read
standard musical notation. We teach them about treble clef, bass clef,
sharps, flats, key signature, time signature, grand staff, and all of the things
they’ll need to sight read musical charts.
What equipment will the student need at home?
In our Piano Keyboard Clubs we provide an individual piano keyboard for
each and every participant, but the student will need something to practice
on at home. Any piano or electric keyboard will do, as long it has full sized
keys. If you do not have a piano or keyboard of any kind, we recommend
Casio or Yamaha brand electric keyboards. Their starter models can be
purchased for under $100, and you can find them at places such a Target,
Costco, Guitar Center, as well as from online music equipment stores. We
highly recommend the Casio CTK800, (which is compatible with the model
we use in the Musical Minds program).
Will there be an advanced session at school after the end of the
beginner's session?
Yes. Musical Minds has its own method books, designed to take our students
through four separate eight week sessions, or a total of 32 weeks. The
method books teach piano technique, music theory, music notation reading,
ensemble playing, and finally, songwriting skills. Students who stay with the
program throughout the school year acquire a substantial amount of musical
skill and knowledge!
Are group classes better than private lessons?
Kids can take private lessons anytime, but the only time that they are at the
exact same level as each other is when they are absolute beginners. In a
group setting, kids see the musical experience as something which isn’t a
solitary process. They learn with a sense of camaraderie that only a group
program can give them. The group allows them the ability to take part in
musical learning games and recitals, and as they progress they have the
opportunity to play together in ensemble groups, duos and trios. They have
more fun and tend to want to stay with the musical learning process longer.
Will the student receive “homework” assignments, and should parents
help?
Each week the students will be working on something new, such as right
hand melody or left hand bass notes, and we ask the students to practice
during the week. Because students will apply whatever they have learned to
popular songs that they have personally selected and enjoy playing, it’s
likely that the student will practice without needing to be “urged” to do so.
Parents can help by making sure that the student has a keyboard or piano of
some kind to practice on, and by making sure that the student keeps his/her
books, songs, keyboard cards and other materials together. It’s also
important that you remind the student to bring the material to the class
each week.
My son/daughter has already been taking piano lessons. Can he/she
still join the Piano Keyboard Club?
Yes. Just like any musical band or orchestra, our groups are made up of kids
of different age groups and different skill levels. They work individually and
in groups, and they benefit from working with kids having different skill
levels.
How does the Musical Minds keyboard program compare in value to
alternatives, such as private lessons?
We keep the cost of our program very low, relative to its value. We provide
all equipment, music, teaching aids, game materials and prizes for less than
half the cost one would normally pay for a one hour private piano lesson.
How far can the students go with this program?
You may have heard about studies which say that the study of music
improves a child’s scholastic aptitude. Well, it’s true! Music improves a child’
s Spatial Temporal Reasoning Abilities, which is their ability to visualize
complex concepts such as those which are commonly found in math, science
and even language comprehension. Musical Minds recognizes that the longer
students stay with music, and the deeper they get, the greater the benefits.
To this end we offer advanced level ensemble programs, creative songwriting
programs and advanced theory programs. We also offer private in-home
instruction above and beyond our group enrichment programs. Summer
sessions are also offered.
Our Private Lesson Program
Many of our instructors also offer private instruction and will come to your
home. We offer sibling discounts and special home group rates. Contact us
for more information.
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