What is a Balanced Curriculum?

From the very beginning of the study of music, a foundation should be laid for future development and learning.  If there are gaps in this foundation, significant difficulties can arise in future years.  Music can suddenly become very difficult and seemingly impossible if the beginning curriculum is not properly balanced.

What should a balanced piano curriculum include?

Technique

Technique includes the playing of scales, chords, inversions, arpeggios and tools of expression.  This is the kinesthetic work which develops finger coordination.  Artistic touches are acquired and then used for emotional expression.  Technique is also the learning of the interchangeable parts that comprise many of the students’ pieces.  Exposure to many key signatures is essential.

Theory        

Music theory is the study of the patterns in the fabric of music.  Music has been called “math that dances” and for good reason.  When students can observe the patterns that recur in music, learning new pieces becomes quick and easy.

Ear Training 

All music lessons should include time spent developing the student’s ability to listen and discern differences in pitch and rhythm.  Ear training focuses on the development of a student’s “inner ear”.  This is the ability to “hear” how music sounds in one’s mind.  This is an intrinsic element that is key to making learning music easier.

                    

Sight Reading

As the name implies, this is the ability to read  and play music “on sight”, without previous practice.  Familiarity with the written language of music is extremely valuable, like it is in any other language.  Intervallic reading, as well as note-spelling should be implemented.

                

Repertoire   

It is important that a music student be exposed to a variety of repertoire.  Exposure to many styles keeps the learning of music interesting and fun.

Five Hands Studio is located at 5200 Mulford St. Skokie, IL  60077.

However, many of our students come for piano lessons from the surrounding communities of Morton Grove, IL and Lincolnwood, Niles, Park Ridge, Evanston, Des Plaines, Wilmette and North Chicago.