Yamaha piano classes

In continuation of my previous post of Yamaha electone courses, I’m going to write about the piano class. My girls have been learning Yamaha piano forte for 6months already (almost 2books in half a year…I considered it – an accomplishment since some student can spend a year for a single book). What’s the different between Yamaha electone courses with Yamaha piano courses? What are the key aspects that affecting the children in learning the music and many more questions that normally being asked to me. I will try my best to explain about Yamaha piano class (again, as per my knowledge and understanding).

Yamaha Piano Forte books

Yamaha has various private classes, one of them is piano course (piano forte). This private course is designed for children above 6yo (no entrance exam/test so children with no musical background or knowledge can enroll), with intake at the beginning of each month (4x a month, @30mins). Piano forte emphasizes the student learning on finger/piano technique with various repertoires, from classical to well-known children songs. Exam is held few times a year so student can have more flexibility in scheduling their exam.

Frequently asked questions:

1.       Why piano class is not open for children below 6yo, unlike electone?

The main reason is because the piano’ keys are heavier than electone (or any other keyboard). Children under 6yo (which is normally in the phase of developing their fine motoric) will have difficulties in producing the wanted sounds/music. 6yo is also considered as the starting point for development of finger muscle (until age of 9/10yo). Therefore, it is best practice to start piano lesson after 6yo, after the fine motoric is well-developed.

2.       What is the difference between electone with piano?

Piano, beside has heavier keys, has only 1 piano sound. While electone has lighter keys and numerous programs that enable the player to set the beat/rhythms, change the electone sound into various sounds (we even have bird chirping sound LOL), and many more functions. No wonder the children attracted to electone (who wouldn’t like to hear an elephant’s thumping sound or raindrop sound while you are playing?)

3.       Are there any other private classes at Yamaha?

Yamaha has various private classes beside piano, such as violin, drum, guitar, and many more. However, prior enrolling for these classes, it is recommended to have basic knowledge in music (understand music notes and keys).

4.       Does the Yamaha piano grading same with ABRSM?

Honestly speaking, I’m not familiar with ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). However, I knew that Yamaha has its own international grading system, in which the basic is graded as Yamaha piano grade 13 for book 1, grade 12 for book 2, and so on (in opposite as ABRSM which grades the basic as grade 1).

5.       Which one is better for my child, a group class or a private one?

It’s totally depended on the children. Some competitive child might find group class is more interesting. Group class offers motivation and enables the parent to measure the child’s improvement by using the group as the benchmark. Group class means lots of friend, which also means lots of fun. However, some children might prefer private class which they can learn music according to their own pace. So it’s your homework as a parent, to consider which one is the best for your own child (what is best for my girls might not be the best for yours).

6.       Which one is better for my child, electone or piano?

Again, this is totally depended on the children. Piano focuses on playing repertoires with correct fingering/posture (piano technique) while electone (on advance classes) focuses on sharpening children’ creativity thru music (music arrangement or creation).

7.       How old is the best age for children to learn music?

Children’ hearing ability is developing intensively during the age of 3yo until 6yo. Since hearing ability is closely related to sounds/music stimulus, therefore, 3yo is considered as the recommended age for children to start their music class.

8.       What commitments are required for parent in supporting the children’s music classes?

There is no patent formula for your children in successfully learning music, however parental support holds the important aspect of it. Regretfully, many parents consider that they are supporting their children by ‘paying the tuition fee’. In music education (as well as any other kind of education) needs continuous support, which can vary, from encourage the children to practice frequently at home, spend few mins a day to listen to the children’ practicing their piano, or go cheer on them during the children’ concert, attend the PTM held by music school, and many more.