​Piano Safari is the primary curriculum I use for beginner students, as I find it highly effective in fostering a love for music. This method, highly researched by Dr. Julie Knerr, includes reading (intervallic), rotework on patterns and sound, technique, and improvisation.  The holistic approach combines ears, eyes, and imagination and allows children to become musically literate at the piano.  Technical development is balanced with creative exploration.  Students develop confident reading skills and a solid artistic foundation for lifelong musical engagement so they continue to find joy in playing long after lessons end.  ​

​

​Ages 4 - 6

Piano Safari Friends is intended to prepare students ages four to six for Piano Safari Level 1.

Its aim is to provide rich and enjoyable musical experiences at the piano through imitating,

improvising, singing, moving, and learning the fundamentals of rhythmic notation and pre-

staff reading.

 

Ages 6 - 10

Students ages 6 - 10 start in Piano Safari Level 1.  This series incorporates many of the same learning objectives as the younger series, but adds a carefully sequenced, intervallic approach for learning to read music notation alongside animal themed technique exercises that teach the basic motions of piano technique, and improvisation ideas for developing creativity. 

​

Ages 11 - Up

Students ages 11 and up begin in Piano Safari Older Beginners Level 1.  The same concepts as above are adapted to appeal to older beginners learning to find balance in their increasingly busy schedules.  This series supports the advancement of sight-reading, theory, and technique while keeping lessons light and fun.

​​​