Piano for Children (Ages 5 and above)

Learning to play the piano has a multitude of benefits and gives children the courage to try new things. It teaches them early on how diligent effort can lead to great outcomes. It also gives them a skill that they can enjoy for years to come.

My goal in teaching is to develop independent, well-rounded musicians who continue to play the piano for leisure even after their formal learning days are behind them.

Piano exams are not an end goal in my studio. They are optional for students who I think will benefit from the exam path.

I introduce a variety of methods and repertoire to keep children engaged and learning. Unlike many music schools that use only one book and method to teach all of their students, I bring together a variety of methods and introduce a range of books and materials to suit the learning style of the student. Moreover, children learn best when they are having fun so we play a lot of games in our lessons to reinforce new concepts and the kid love this!

Piano lessons with me allow children to explore the many facets of music learning, including:

• Rhythm and movement
• Vocal work such as singing
• Improvisation
• Composition
• Pop and chord arrangements

I encourage my students to listen to a wide range of music and am happy to teach them their favourite songs as part of our lessons.

My students are also invited to perform at a year-end concert for family and friends, to showcase all they have learnt during the year. This opportunity to perform in front of others is invaluable for building confidence and for learning how to perfect pieces for the stage. Like all things we do here, we keep things fun and light so they have a safe and nurturing environment to perform in.

Individual one-on-one lessons are either 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length, driven by the age of the student and their level of ability:

• Ages 4 – 6 = 30 minutes
• Ages 7 – 9 = 45 minutes
• Ages 10 and up = 45 or 60 minutes, depending on the level of the student

I will recommend adjustments to the lesson length if needed based on the first few lessons.

Exams

Exams are a great motivator for some and provide an assessment of a student’s progress at a point in time. However, exams are not a requirement of my studio and don’t form the basis of my teaching. I don’t believe in pushing a child to sit two or three exams a year at the risk of sacrificing their enjoyment of learning. Piano doesn’t need to be rushed.

Nonetheless, if I think an exam would be beneficial for your child’s progress (and some respond well to a bit of pressure) and/or if you are keen for them to take exams, I can certainly coach them through the syllabus and prepare them thoroughly.

In Singapore, most students take exams through one of two piano examination boards:

1. Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education body and is internationally recognised. Practical piano exams can typically be taken at three different session times a year where students are assessed using a universal marking criteria by examiners from the UK.
2. Trinity College London (Trinity). Trinity is a leading international exam board and independent education charity that has been providing assessments around the world since 1877. Practical piano exams are offered twice a year in Singapore and students are assessed by examiners based in Singapore using the Trinity assessment criteria.

More Questions?

Check out the Lesson FAQ’s or contact me for more information!