Students entering this program may choose to learn Electone, piano, or guitar as their primary instrument. The course materials offer study through six sequential levels. Study at all levels focuses on the basic principles of “Hear-Sing-Play”. There is a main emphasis on being able to play the instrument so that students can play music.
Students develop listening skills by listening to CDs, listening to others play instruments in class, and listening to their teachers play music on the lead instrument. The singing is performed in solfeggio, and students learn to sing do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do for the various keys. Songs are also learned in words and often with instrumental accompaniment from the teacher or others in the class. Playing is accomplished by learning instrumental technique and repertoire.
There is a social development aspect to the Yamaha studio that encourages the enjoyment of creating music with others. This enjoyment often continues long after classes are complete. Children who enjoy being with others may seem to naturally learn well in this nurturing environment.
Yamaha textbooks are visually appealing, with lots of colorful illustrations. Students enjoy learning to read music as they sing and play it. Fostering musical skills and fostering an appreciation for music go hand in hand with this method.
The belief that music can be treasured for a lifetime is one of the best things about the Yamaha Young Musicians Program. The program tends to be quite successful with many students. Some students choose to start with the course and then switch to private lessons after completing a year or two. Many private teachers find that transfer students have a variety of confident skills.
Parents of children who wish to study the three main instruments of the program may find it a solid foundation for any future musical study. The time they spend creating ensemble music when they are young gives students the ability to perform well in school band and choir when they reach elementary, middle, or high school. This may be one of your greatest strengths.
