Children attend with their caregivers*
Not available in all locations.
In Atlanta, new students are accepted in the fall session only. Check for similar restrictions in your location.
In August, 2023 we changed the name of our "Sound Habits" program to "The Music Class Keyboard."
The Music Class® Keyboard
Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Children Five through Seven
If your child can sing in tune and keep a steady beat, he or she is ready for instrumental instruction! In our keyboard program, we utilize TMC's Sound Habits curriculum where aural skills are taught along with technical skills, and students learn to play by ear before music notation is introduced. Children and their parents* learn together in a group of up to eight families. The Music Class Keyboard is offered as either a one-year or two-year curriculum, and is designed to establish a sound musical foundation and successful learning habits that students will build upon when they graduate and move on to private lessons or any future instrumental studies.
*You read that right, parents are required to attend class! We know that by the time your child is 5 you usually drop them off for classes and school. We also know that working together with your child in our Keyboard program provides the best opportunity for fast and meaningful learning for your child. You’ll have a great time in class! Perhaps more special is the opportunity to learn together with your big kid - an experience that will become increasingly rare now that your child is school age.
Why should I take The Music Class Keyboard?
Learn to think like a musician!
Imagining music in our mind (called “audiation”) and then doing our best to create that music on an instrument is the foundation for being a creative musician. Musicians who think this way are the ones who connect with us on an emotional level. Our keyboard program teaches children as young as 5 to think like creative professional musicians. We establish that critical habit with lots of singing and learning to play by ear in a progressive manner before learning how to read music.
Many children are taught to read music from the very beginning. Learning to read music first can lead to quick success in performing songs, but it tends to create the habit of analyzing music notation before thinking of the sound. Too often the results are students who can play notes but have a hard time becoming expressive musicians.
With our Sound Habits curriculum, students don’t get caught in the “note trap." They learn to name notes using solfege (Do, Re, Mi) which opens to door to understanding the musical relationships among notes. Only later in the program, after having success playing many songs, do they transition to learning letter names and reading music. This sequence sets them up for success not only for future piano lessons, but any instrument they might want to play. In the second year of our Keyboard program, students compose their own musical composition complete with accompanying chords! Many private teachers and school band directors have shared that our graduates are their best students. Thinking creatively like a musician has allowed a significant number of graduates have terrific success not only in music, but also in other creative arts, like acting, dancing, and writing!
Promote self-esteem and good homework habits!
- Recordings guide students through their home practice sessions. Students are expected to practice at home at least three times per week and are recognized for the efforts.
- Performing songs in class for the teacher, practicing duets and trios with their peers, and supportive recitals at the end of each 10-week session all teach the value of working to achieve a goal.
Experience the joy of instrumental music!
We believe strongly that learning music should be a joyful experience. Classes are taught in a fun and playful manner, and learning with friends in a group setting is always a treat!
Is my child ready for The Music Class Keyboard program?
We want every student to have success in class. To achieve success, students must be able to sing in tune before starting the program. Keep in mind that often 5 year-olds who are not yet singing in tune will often achieve that mastery by age 6. Waiting until age 6 can be a great choice!
To help determine if your child is musically ready for keyboard class, either discuss with your current Music Class teacher if he or she feels your child is ready, or take our keyboard assessment test before registering for class.
If your child does not do well on the assessment test, please consider registering for The Music Class® Big Kids. Our Big Kid class focuses on developing listening and pitch skills, and we have found that students who have taken The Music Class Big Kids are well prepared to succeed in Keyboard.
If you have any difficulty with the test or have any questions, email info@themusicclass.com!