Children aged 6-8 will explore many of the basic elements of music and the piano in this lively and enjoyable summer 'taster' version of our popular Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children course. They will develop rhythm through clapping and counting, learn some basics of music reading, and learn 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.

This brief, fun and friendly introduction to piano/keyboard will help parents to decide whether or not there is interest and commitment enough to continue with private piano lessons starting in September or the longer Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children course starting in October.

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.

Summer Taster Piano/Keyboard 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.

Summer 2012 Schedule & Fee

5 weeks, July 4 – August 1, 2012 
Wednesdays 3 – 4 pm

Tuition Fee: €85

Majella Boland, Teacher

Currently completing a PhD in music at University College Dublin, where she has also tutored and examined keyboard harmony and general musicianship, Majella received a double honours BA International degree in Music and French from NUI Maynooth, completing a year at Université Jean Monnet in St. Étienne, France. 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 extensively with the Kildare County Orchestra and the NUI Maynooth Choral Society. She is co-editor of The Musicology Review, Issue 6.

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2012 Summer Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places 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.

Back to top