KEYBOARD CLASSES for BEGINNERS

“Music Makers:  At the Keyboard” is an innovative Musikgarten curriculum for groups of young beginners ages 6 -9. Movement and song are used as the basis of an aural (by ear) approach to learning to play the piano. Your children will love these classes andyou’ll be amazed at their musical proficiency!


Classes are 75 minutes long and held weekly. The school year is divided into two semesters: September to January; February to June. Each semester has 16 classes. See Tuition/Policies for tuition and registration information.

Prior to the start of each semester, free demonstration classes are offered. Information about these classes is in the August and January newsletters and can also be obtained by phone: 845-628-7980.

After 20 years teaching piano, my experience with younger piano students is that they are enthusiastic about playing the piano, but lack the maturity to sit through a 30 minute private lesson. With this curriculum, children experience music as song and dance and are motivated by their desire to play familiar tunes. The classes are social and fun and conclude with  fifteen minutes of “parent time” designed to give parents the tools they need to assist in daily practice. Listening and Practice CD’s, flashcards and a workbook (all included in the student materials) allow students and parents to easily practice the class lesson on a daily schedule.

Through year one, students use a carefully sequenced aural approach to learn several songs on the keyboard. The level of aural development achieved in this curriculum cannot be matched in private instrument instruction. Once the ear is trained and students can aurally identify musical patterns, reading music becomes an exciting discovery, rather than a hindrance to playing. I am very excited about this curriculum and encourage you to come try a class.

Hope to see you soon, Christine.