The Musical Journey

Mastering an instrument is a long-term journey, typically taking between 8 – 10 years.

For the Children

Years 1 and 2 ~ Foundational years

Building a solid foundation goes a long way in sustaining the child through the long musical journey.  Counting and sight-reading habits are critical skills needed to build a strong foundation.  In the foundational years, these skills will be built and reinforced using a fun setting of children’s pieces and simple classical pieces.  The aim is to let the child learn the basics of music in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, and in so doing, hopefully cultivate in them a life-long appreciation and love for music.

Year 3 onwards

Parents typically want to see results in the child’s learning journey, and understandably so, in view of the financial and time commitments involved.  It is in my opinion also desirable for the child to have his or hers skills accredited by an established examinations board such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (“ABRSM”) which can serve as milestones in his or her musical journey.  Going for accreditation will also challenge the child to greater heights in his or her level of playing.

Practical exams

There are altogether 8 graded levels offered by the ABRSM viz. Grade 1 to Grade 8.  It is not necessary for the child to have to clear a lower level before proceeding to the next.   The level at which the child should attempt is dependent on his or her maturity and technical capability.  I will continually assess the child’s progress and the suitable level and discuss with the parent the timeframe in which to send the child for accreditation.  My role is to partner with parents in charting the progress of their child’s musical journey.

Theory of Music 

As a minimum Grade 5 in Theory of Music is a prerequisite for entry into Grade 6 / 7 / 8 practical exams (there is no minimum theory requirement for Grades 1 to 5 practical exams), a certain portion of lesson time will be set aside for the study of music theory. Again, I would recommend to parents to send the child for grading in theory examinations as and when I feel that the child is ready.

For the Adults

Adults have family and work commitments, and understandably will not be able to devote as much time as a child in the learning of the piano.  In structuring the lessons I will therefore discuss with the adult his or her objective in learning the piano viz.  whether it is for leisure or accreditation.  It is entirely possible for an adult to progress through the graded examinations offered by ABRSM in much the same way as a child.