Group FAQ's

Why group piano?

The best way to be engaged in any activity is to share it with others. By learning in a group, you are joining a community of musicians. You make friends, share the joy of making music together, and peer teach each other. 

Benefits of group learning:

• Collaborative learning. Learning together is both fun and beneficial to young learners and peer motivation is a huge factor in the success of learning an instrument.

• Creativity. Through learning about the different elements of music, students are able and encouraged to make creative decisions about the pieces they play. In each KeyNotes Music level, the elements of music are explored and the students get opportunities to try out and experiment what they have learned in guided musical activities

• Ensemble playing. The benefits of playing and performing in an ensemble are huge, with the most important being that it is fun.

• Start younger. Many young children are simply not ready for the intensity of individual, one to one music lessons which traditionally follow a linear method.  Learning in groups allows young children to explore and experiment with music in a low intensive format.

Structured for maximum impact

Lesson structure for little ones is key to ensuring they are taking on board new skills and concepts, whilst continuously consolidating and reviewing previous ones. The way that we can achieve that is to have a fast-paced, multi-activity lesson structure, that is suited to this age and provides opportunities for a variety of learner-types.

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We also make sure that our lesson structure and content is consistent from week to week, so that children can manage their expectations and behave in the way that they know is appropriate. Here is what our typical structure looks like:

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• Game or song to introduce new concept as a starter activity

• Making a floor piano with laminated keyboards and using pompoms to find the note for the lesson

• Finding the note on the main piano, colouring it in on our workbook and drawing the letter name

• Singing and playing the song for the lesson around the main piano, singing lyrics, finger numbers and letter names

• Children practice at the keyboards (with headphones) and perform their piece as both a solo and ensemble once they are all ready

• Lesson ends with a game/song, and of course a sticker!

When can my child start?

At any time! Little KeyNotes has five workbooks, each workbook is based on a topic, and all learning, playing and gaming are based around them. A cyclical structure makes the curriculum flexible so that new students can join a class at any times. Each song has challenge levels so that each child can progress at their own pace.

Do I need a piano at home?

Ideally, yes, it is recommended that you have a keyboard or piano for your child to practice on at home. In the first few lessons it is not essential but as your child progresses a keyboard with touch-sensitive keys would be the ideal entry-level instrument. Ask your teacher for more information.

Supporting you to support your child

We are so passionate about the importance of parents' role in their child's piano-learning journey; it is key to the child's confidence, self-efficacy, and perseverance. Home practice is so key to a child's progress AND enjoyment when it comes to learning the piano, and we have placed great importance on helping you to support your child at home. Your teacher has practice sheets which outline weekly tasks, for every lesson which you are encouraged to take away with you.