KEYBOARD PREP PIANO CLASSES FOR 8 - 10 YEAR

OLD BEGINNERS
Highlights of the Keyboard Prep Classes for beginning 8-10 year olds!

1. Fun with parents and new friends-- At this age, learning piano is so much
more successful when it is done with other children. And, having parents involved
and participating let children not this is not just a "kids thing".
2. 55 minutes instead of typical 30 minute private lesson-- Those private
teachers who do teach this age group typically teach no more than 15 or 30 minute
lessons. But with the Harmony Road Music approach, we can keep them for a full
55 minutes and not lose their attention.
2. "The class goes by so fast" is a typical comment we get from kids and their
parents! The frequent change of activities keeps attention and also helps reinforce
skills and concepts.
3. Creative education-- A seemingly infinite variety of techniques are available to
our teachers in the class: Child plays the left hand while parent plays the right
hand, some students sing the note names while others count the rhythm, parents
count, children play and sing, teacher accompanies, select students use rhythm
instrument for background, duets, trios, solos, it is endless!
4. Holistic approach-- at this age, it is not just about learning to read music and
play it on the piano. Children this age are still within the age where their brains can
be greatly influenced and "hardwired" for music. Ear training and rhythm training
are in important of every class. In fact, children (and parents are encouraged also)
to sing EVERY note they play or see. Our classes often sound like children's
choirs!
5. Perfect pitch?-- We can't claim that all our young children develop perfect pitch
(the ability to recognize individual notes just by ear with being told or reading
them). But, we can absolutely say that statistically, far more students coming
through these classes do develop it than the students who don't. We attribute this to
the 200 year old system known as "solfege", singing Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti,
Do. Consistently singing the names of the notes as they play or see them,
associates the note names with individual pitches. Since each note name has a
different vowel sound, unlike English letter names which all end in long "ee" or the

stopped "eff" sound, solfege makes a much deeper impression on the student's
memory.
6. Learn to listen as an ensemble player! In private lessons, too often students
stop and start. When playing in an ensemble, you learn to keep going and keep up!
7. Parents learn too! The more interested the parent, the more successful the
child! We encourage parents to think of these classes as their classes too! We have
had countless parents turn in to great private piano students later
8. Performance confidence-- while children are never forced to play solo, they are
welcome to perform solos in almost every class for their peers and parents. They
get VERY used to playing for people! End of semester class recitals are open to
family and friends. And, one day of recitals for the full Harmony Road Department
each semester gives yet more experience.
9. You won't fall behind! If you miss a class the home activities are automatically
emailed to you. You want to try to make every class if you can. But sometimes it is
not possible. So we make sure you have the activities immediately.
10. Curriculum specifically designed for each age
11. Teachers with great classroom management skills
12. Teachers who can teach the curriculum
13. 20 years experience teaching this program

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

School Closings

Weekday morning classes are canceled if Montgomery County Public Schools have been closed.
Weekday afternoon and evening classes do not follow the county school closings.
Announcements will be placed on the Academys outgoing recorded message by 1pm if weekday
afternoon and evening classes are canceled.

In cases of inclement weather that may affect Saturday or Sunday classes, an announcement will
be placed on the Academys outgoing recorded message by 7am if classes are canceled.

Small Class Size Policy

In order to hold group classes, we must meet a minimum number of students. Most
schools would cancel classes that do not meet their minimum. Because we value
the ability to provide classes and continue a students education, we have
developed the following alternative to canceling class.
Class Length Is Determined Based On The Number Of Registered Students As
Follows:

1-2 students no group class can be held with only 2 students. If a class falls to this level, the
school reserves the right to cancel any remaining classes and either issue a class credit or a
refund.
3-5 Students becomes a 40-45 minute class

6 or More Students - stays at regularly scheduled length (usually 50-55 minutes)

*Toddler Tunes classes will always be 30 minutes in length and require 5 students in order to hold
a class.

Class/Lesson Cancellation Policy

If at any time prior to the 5th lesson of the semester you are not satisfied with our school, we will
refund all prepaid remaining tuition for those lessons not taken. You must notify the school in
writing or by phone before the 5th class in order to get the refund.
For private students, please check with your teacher about their cancellation policy for missed
lessons due to sickness or other scheduling conflicts.
Photography Rights

The Academy reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in classes and at school events for
promotional materials.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Class attendance is vital to student progress and a successful recital. Students who
miss more than 4 classes in the semester will not be permitted to perform in
the recital, unless granted permission by the teacher after private lessons and
consultation.