Learning Music Naturally As a Language:
Students are introduced to music as a second language: hearing and using sounds. The voice is the first musical instrument and is used to develop musical literacy enhancing the ability to read, write, hear and think music before there is any pressure to become proficient in techniques. This dynamic readiness program is structured so that your child will learn to play music the same way he or she learned to speak – by listening, repeating and responding.

Inner Hearing:
Because we begin ear development at an early age, students are able to look at a piece of music and “hear it in their head.” They will know what the music sounds like without playing it.

Holistic Program:
The system includes the organized development of pitch and rhythm, using the international music language of solfege: do, re, mi. Emphasis is on ear training, solfege singing, keyboard playing,ensemble, rhythm activities, movement and music creativity. This exceptional course gives the student “inner hearing,” which makes transposing, improvisation and composing easily accessible in their musical studies.

Ensemble Approach:
This layered natural approach emphasizes the ensemble aspects of music - teaching students to listen carefully, become independent and be accountable to the rhythm. Students develop musical taste by choosing instrument sounds on the keyboard appropriate to the piece.

Keyboard Playing:
Students learn to play the piano on age-appropriate levels. Students completing the program will be playing intermediate level piano music, in addition to all of the other musicianship skills learned. Students may begin on a portable keyboard, but need a digital, touch sensitive keyboard or piano by the second or third year.

Performance Techniques:
As your child develops a trained ear and learns to create and perform music in a non-competitive environment, he or she will develop coordination, concentration and self-confidence. Students enjoy sharing their music with others.

Parent/Caregivers Involved in Class & At Home:
Even parents or caregivers with no musical background can attend,take notes and coach daily at home. Partners are fully involved in the class.

Music in Me & More Music in Me:
Children learn the complete layout of the keyboard, play simple songs and learn initial elements of music reading. Because of their young age, students change activities frequently. They do not use specific fingering on the keyboard since the focus is matching the sound of the note to their inner hearing.

Harmony Road, Young Musician, Keyboard Prep:
Courses use age-appropriate introduction of the musical skills described above. Older students play more pieces, while younger beginners benefit from additional ear development.

Keyboard Musician – Advanced Course:
This is an advanced course for 3rd, 4th, and 5th year class students. Students continue to develop performance skills through the study of various repertoire styles, technical studies, sight-reading songs and three or four part ensembles. Ear training is expanded to include dictation, recognition of tonal centres and chord progressions. Transposing becomes more easily accessible. Students learn to accompany themselves while singing. Two-part singing and artistic repertoire encourage expressive musicianship. Harmonic training develops an understanding of accompaniment styles. In this program, students become acquainted with major composers and their place in musical history. They also receive step-by-step instruction in composition to develop their own creativity. By the end of the program, and in addition to understanding the foundation,mechanics and theory of music, students are playing intermediate piano music.

Harmony Road Music Curriculum Flow

• Class size is no larger than 10 -11 students in beginning levels. During higher levels, classes can become a trio or a quartet.
• Partner attends class with students. No siblings please.
• Higher level classes including trios, quartets, and Keyboard Musicians may elect to discontinue weekly parental attendance.