| Learning to play the piano is about more than learning | | | | concepts taught in class. |
| the names of notes. Students and parents have a | | | | * The Bastien method: This method contains curriculum |
| variety of different piano methods to choose from. All | | | | for both the child and the adult beginner. This is |
| teach the basics of playing piano. The differences lie in | | | | advantageous for those who never had the |
| their respective emphases and their suitability for | | | | opportunity to take lessons in childhood. This method is |
| particular age groups and learning styles. | | | | not generally recommended for children younger than |
| * The Suzuki method: This method of teaching piano | | | | seven. It emphasizes good technique from the very |
| originated in Japan in the mid 1900s. Shin'ichi Suzuki | | | | first lesson. However, some professionals have |
| realized that children have the innate ability to learn | | | | criticized this method because of its over-emphasis on |
| whatever language is their "mother tongue." This | | | | the five-finger method of playing. Students who study |
| includes languages that are considered very difficult to | | | | Bastien exclusively tend to learn to read notes more |
| learn when taken on in adulthood. Suzuki reasoned that | | | | slowly than with other methods. The Bastien curriculum |
| children can learn to play an instrument in the same | | | | does incorporate graphics and colors that appeal to |
| way. Like being immersed in a language from the | | | | children. Students who are exposed to this method |
| moment of birth, immersion in music could also be | | | | should also be taught other methods as well. |
| instilled this way. Suzuki developed his piano curriculum | | | | * The Alfred method: Similar to the Bastien method, |
| in a manner that addressed the whole child. He desired | | | | there is curriculum for both the adult and child beginner. |
| to develop children who were not only skilled | | | | The method has been around since the early 1900s. |
| musicians, but noble citizens as well. In addition to | | | | Alfred has kept up with the times by expanding its |
| formal lessons, the Suzuki method focuses on | | | | curriculum to include software and CDs. Like Bastien, |
| immersing the child in a musical culture. This includes | | | | this method isn't suitable for very young children. The |
| listening to quality music at home, attending professional | | | | method emphasizes intervals and chord progressions. |
| concerts, and meeting with other musicians. Of children | | | | Like Bastien, the tendency for students is to lag at |
| who grow up learning the Suzuki method, a large | | | | learning to read notes. This curriculum may be best |
| percentage enters into careers in the music industry. | | | | combined with other methods for a more rounded |
| * Music for Young Children: This method is unique in | | | | piano study. |
| that it incorporates parental involvement. Rather than | | | | * The Schaum method. This method has been around |
| merely dropping off a child at a lesson, parents actively | | | | since the early 20th century. John W. Schaum began |
| participate in the child's lesson. MYC builds upon the | | | | teaching piano during the depression era. Eventually he |
| natural curiosity of a child by exposing children as | | | | founded his own music school. His teaching method |
| young as three to different musical styles. Children are | | | | focuses on sight reading, theory and proper technique. |
| guided in exploring differences between types of | | | | It also encourages music appreciation and introduces |
| music. Children are also encouraged to create their | | | | classical music beginning at the very earliest levels. The |
| own compositions. Listening skills are stressed in MYC. | | | | Schaum method is suitable for children of all ages. |
| It uses a multi-sensory approach to reinforce the | | | | |