I focus on maximising the fun factor from the very start, getting kids creating music from the word go! I teach piano off the page as much as possible by playing super fun games, incorporating technology, doing improvisation with children and getting students to compose their own music.
We have such a good time together that your child won't even realise that this is an "educational experience". They come to lessons because they love it.
It's this environment which I believe can instil a lifelong love for music and all the benefits that come along with it.
Piano Lesson Options
Buddy Piano Lessons
Students at the Colourful Keys Piano Studio get the benefit of private and group lessons as there is a 30 minute overlapping or "buddy" time with the next student. During this time we work on duets, theory games, and ensemble improvisation.
There are two lesson lengths for buddy piano lessons at Colourful Keys:
- 60 minute buddy lessons (30 minutes one-on-one + 30 minutes buddy time)
- 50 minute buddy lessons (20 minutes one-on-one + 30 minutes buddy time)
Students under 6 years old will start with 50 minute lessons or Mini Musicians group lessons, students age 7 and over will start with 60 minute buddy lessons. Don't worry if your child seems to have a short attention span – children are able to stay focused for the full time with a variety of activities and gamified learning strategies.
Apply to join our waiting list for piano lessons at Colourful Keys here.
Partner Piano Lessons
Alternatively, students can take partner piano lessons. In partner piano lessons students are learning alongside another student for the full lesson length. Both students come together every week for 60 minute lessons.
Who is this right for?
Many students can benefit from this format. When you have a piano partner, learning is more fun and engaging as it's done with a friend! Progress is just as quick as individual lessons, and students are still receiving lots of individual attention that they need to be successful at the piano.
How does the scheduling work?
If you would like to register your child and have me match them up with a piano partner I can do that. You can also register with two children who are already friends and want to start piano together. Apply to join our waiting list for partner piano lessons at Colourful Keys here.
Adult Piano Lessons
Adult students generally prefer to take 45 minute solo lessons, although if you have a friend that would like to learn too you're more than welcome to come for partner lessons. Read more about my approach to teaching adult piano students here.
Well-rounded Lessons
Learning to play the piano should be an exploration of all music. Lessons at Colourful Keys are not just about classical music. I include some less commonly taught aspects of the piano in my lessons such as:
- Improvisation
- Composition
- Pop style chord progressions
- Simple jazz & blues
We also learn new concepts & skills in many different ways:
- Rhythm through movement
- Board & card games
- Large scale manipulatives
- Percussion instruments
- Flipped learning
I keep my piano lessons fresh, exciting and interesting, because after all when we're having fun we learn faster no matter what age we are!
Performance Opportunities
I hold two concerts every year which all students are invited to perform in. The concerts are relaxed and nurturing environments where students can build their performance skills and their confidence.
Here's a small sample of our concert in May 2017.
Students at the Colourful Keys Piano Studio also get to attend up to four group workshops every year. These workshops are called "piano parties" – because we have so much fun!
At the group workshops, we play theory games, improvise together and learn to perform in front of others in a low-pressure environment. You can find out more about the value of these piano parties here.
Exams
All students at Colourful Keys are welcome to sit piano exams with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Exams can be a great motivator for some, but they're not for everyone.
I never push a student to do an exam if it's not something they are interested in. Exams should always be a positive and rewarding experience, not something to be anxious about.
Piano Practice
Part of learning to play the piano is daily (or nearly daily) practice. The parents role in this is crucial to their child's success. You will need to be ready to help with keeping the routine of practice and structuring practice-time by helping your child follow the teacher's notes.
It doesn't matter if you can read music or not, all parents can help out at home. For more information on how to help your child practice check out the 'Parent's Guide to Piano Practice'.
The better quality your child's practice instrument is, the better quality their practice will be. Piano students need at least a weighted keyboard to practice on. Find out about more about choosing a good quality instrument in this guide.
Location
Lessons are held at my home studio in Kimmage, Dublin 12, South Dublin or at your house if you opt for at-home lessons.
Find Out More
If there's anything I haven't answered here check out the Lesson FAQ, or email me and I'll get back to you asap.