Children aged 6-8 will explore many of the basic elements of music and the piano in this lively and enjoyable course: developing rhythm through clapping and counting, reading treble and bass clefs, and learning to play music on the piano both individually and together. Another important aspect of the course is an emphasis on singing songs using solfege (‘do-re-mi’) before playing them on the keyboard. This helps develop each child’s ‘inner ear’ and sight singing skills, which are crucial to all music making.
Group learning has long been recognized as one of the most effective ways to teach children about music. A group environment has the added benefits of using positive peer pressure as an incentive to learn, and the interaction between students encourages and promotes understanding. The opportunity to make music together with friends and classmates who share common goals and skills adds additional incentives for progress and success. In Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children, young people participate in a variety of interesting and fun activities, thus instilling positive lifetime attitudes towards music and learning.
Children entering this course must have a piano, digital piano or keyboard at home or available for regular practice. These may be purchased from Waltons music shops at special discounts (see below) or on payment plans. Parents are also advised to purchase Tunes for Ten Fingers: A First Piano Book by Pauline Hall (Oxford University Press), available in Waltons music shops, before the start of the course.
Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children is one of our group courses for beginners. Private and partner piano lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Piano & Keyboard for more information.
2010-2011 Class Schedules & Fee
22 weeks, October 2, 2010 – March 26, 2011
CLASS 1
Saturdays 11 am – 12 pm
CLASS 2
Saturdays 12 – 1 pm FULLY BOOKED
Tuition Fee: €360
Payment Plan: €126 deposit; two payments (November 1, December 1) of €125
Majella Boland, Teacher
Currently completing a PhD in music at University College Dublin, where she has also tutored and examined keyboard harmony, Majella Boland received her BA in Music and French from NUI Maynooth. She received her AVCM diploma at an early age and is currently preparing for both ABRSM and LVCM diplomas. Majella has taught piano to many children and adults since 2000, and has developed her own teaching methods as a result of this experience. She also enjoys playing violin and singing, and has performed with the Kildare County Orchestra and the NUI Maynooth Choral Society.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and either full payment of tuition fees or deposit and post-dated cheques or credit/Laser card details for those parents opting for payment plans. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places in each class are limited to six.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Download a gift certificate booking form.
Recommended Instruments
If your child does not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments at special discounts for students starting tuition at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
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