About
The Keys for Kids® program is designed to take advantage of children’s remarkable ability to develop musical skills at an early age – and have lots of fun in the process! In our signature piano classes children develop a wide range of musical proficiencies that would be useful for any instrument they may later choose. We use keyboard to teach music fundamentals, to encourage concrete and immediate comprehension of otherwise abstract music theory and music notation skills. Keys for Kids does all this in a fun, interactive, social, and encouraging environment that teaches leadership, teamwork, and establishes a lifelong appreciation of music.
Students from ages 3 to 12 follow a sequence of well-defined progression of musical concepts and skills appropriate to their age and abilities (see the Curriculum below for moredetails). There is always a good place to start, regardless of age or past experience.
Compared to traditional private piano lessons Keys for Kids curriculum is all-inclusive and comprehensive. While classes are taught on the piano keyboard, children develop a wide range of musical skills and knowledge that will be useful for any instrument they may later choose. We use keyboard to teach music fundamentals, to encourage concrete and immediate comprehension of otherwise rather abstract music theory and music notation skills. Children sing solfege, move to music, play rhythm instruments, play the piano keyboard (solo and ensemble), and join in a broad variety of music appreciation activities (ear training, music theory, music history and analysis, music notation, composition, etc.).
Teeny Keys (ages 3.5-4.5)
This program will jump start your child’s journey of musical learning. Children develop their imagination through immersion in rich and varied array of listening activities, singing, rhythm instruments, and expressive movement. Through carefully planned activities children are introduced to music in a positive and enjoyable way while beginning to learn to read rhythms, musical symbols, and basics of music notation. Children develop confidence in their skills and musical ability, learn piano geography and play simple short songs on the piano. Initial keyboard playing activities engage the use of large motor skills appropriate to this stage of their physical development. Child and parent bond as a music team in class and at home.
Mini Keys (ages 4.5-5)
Children develop their musical ear for melody, rhythm, and harmony through listening activities, singing, expressive movement, echoing and copying, imitation, partner games, aural activities, and playing piano and rhythm instruments while learning to read rhythms, musical symbols and notes on the staff. Initial keyboard playing activities comprised of ensemble music leading to short solo performances. The elements of music are presented in a colorful, interactive, and unforgettable way with movement and stories reinforcing musical concepts for an enjoyable and comprehensive musical experience.
Kinder Keys (ages 6-7)
This comprehensive dynamic class encourages independence, creativity, and self- expression based on the more advanced abilities of this age group. A wide variety of games and exercises inspire enthusiasm and confidence while reinforcing musical concepts. The elements of music are introduced in an interactive way to best take advantage of a child's expressive reaction, memory, and enthusiasm. The joy of expressing music is emphasized as children develop deeper feeling and understanding of music through ear and rhythm training, music theory, movement, solfege singing, keyboard solo and ensemble playing, and music notation, which can be applied to any future instrument.
Private lessons and Group class combo: Some Kinder Keys graduates demonstrate an exceptional capacity for accelerated music learning. These students may take advantage of the unique combination of comprehensive Keys for Kids group classes for advancing their general musicianship skills with specialized individual attention in private lessons for developing their performing ability and piano technique, for a truly incomparable music education experience.
Super Keys (ages 8-12)
This fast-paced comprehensive program incorporates more advanced music theory, keyboard technique, keyboard solo and ensemble playing, arranging and improvisation, singing, and sight-playing that take advantage of this group’s greater ability to analyze patterns (melodies, harmonies, rhythm, etc.) and memorize. New musical elements are reinforced through a variety of individual and ensemble keyboard activities. Students learn to transpose, compose, perform solos, and develop exceptional listening skills and ensemble technique by being part of a keyboard orchestra. Children develop a firm musical foundation in a supportive and encouraging environment.
- Parent Participation:
Parent participation is highly encouraged. It is an important part of these classes. - Terms:
2.5 years of study divided into five 18-week semesters, leading to Mighty Keys group keyboard program and private lessons on any instrument. - Schedule:
Click here for weekly class schedule. - Tuition:
Click here for tuition.
Private lessons and Group class combo: Some Super Keys graduates demonstrate an exceptional capacity for accelerated music learning. These students may take advantage of the unique combination of comprehensive Keys for Kids group classes for advancing their general musicianship skills with specialized individual attention in private lessons for developing their performing ability and piano technique, for a truly incomparable music education experience.