SoundSteps Music Academy - Programme Descriptions

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Pre-Notes (Ages 3-4)

Is your little one fascinated by sounds, loves to dance, or reaches for piano keys? Pre-Notes is their perfect first step into the world of music—designed specifically for the curious, energetic minds of 3-4 year olds.

What Makes Pre-Notes Special:

• Play-based learning that feels like a musical playground, not a lesson

• Movement and creativity through singing, rhythm games, and imaginative play

• Piano readiness skills that prepare them for formal lessons later

• Social development in a group setting with friends their age

Your Child Will Explore:

• Basic rhythm and beat through singing and movement

• High and low sounds (pitch awareness)

• Piano geography—where all the keys live

• Finger strength through fun musical games

• Musical storytelling and creative expression

Class Structure:

• Duration: 45 minutes weekly

• Group Size: 2-4 little musicians

• Teaching Style: Active, hands-on, and imagination-driven

• Parent Involvement: Optional observation from viewing area

Perfect For: Parents who want to nurture their child's natural love of music in a developmentally appropriate, pressure-free environment. No previous experience needed—just bring your child's natural curiosity!

What Parents Say: "My 3-year-old asks every day if it's 'piano play day' yet. The teachers make it so engaging that she doesn't even realize she's learning!"

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Little Keynotes (Ages 4-5)

Your 4-5 year old is ready for something more—real piano playing, not just music appreciation. Little Keynotes bridges the gap between play and purposeful learning, giving your child actual piano skills while keeping the joy intact.

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Why Little Keynotes Works:

• Individual keyboards mean every child gets their own instrument (no waiting, no sharing)

• Multi-sensory learning through singing, creating, playing, and reading

• Differentiated challenges so each child progresses at their own perfect pace

• Spiral curriculum that revisits concepts in new ways for deeper understanding

Your Child Will Master:

• Playing simple melodies with both hands

• Reading basic musical notation (notes and rhythms)

• Proper hand position and finger technique

• Finger numbers and keyboard geography

• Music fundamentals through creative exploration

The Keynotes Difference: Unlike traditional one-on-one lessons that can feel isolating for young children, Little Keynotes harnesses the power of peer learning. Your child will be motivated by their classmates, learn through group activities, and develop confidence through ensemble playing—all while progressing individually through carefully structured challenges.

Class Structure:

• Duration: 45 minutes weekly

• Group Size: 2-4 beginner pianists

• Teaching Style: Structured curriculum with creative exploration

• Home Practice: 10-15 minutes daily with engaging materials

Perfect For: Children ready for formal piano instruction but who thrive in a social, interactive environment. Ideal for preschoolers and kindergarteners taking their first steps into piano playing.

The Promise: By the end of Little Keynotes, your child won't just know how to play piano—they'll genuinely want to play piano.

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Gamified Piano (Ages 6-11)

Forget boring scales and tedious practice.

Welcome to Gamified Piano—where your child learns to play the piano but feels like they're playing their favourite video game. It's the fast track to real piano proficiency that kids actually get excited about.

The Game-Changing Approach: Gamified Piano uses cutting-edge technology to transform piano learning into an achievement-driven adventure. Every song completed, every concept mastered, every technique perfected earns points, unlocks levels, and provides instant feedback—just like the games your child already loves.

Your Child Gets Two Learning Modes:

Assessment Time (30 minutes):

• Individual work at their own digital piano with tablet and headphones

• App-based learning with instant feedback and scoring

• Progress at their own pace—no waiting for permission to advance

• Fun backing tracks that make practice feel like performance

• Pass songs with 80%+ accuracy to level up

Discovery Time (30 minutes):

• Small group instruction with master teacher

• Technique refinement and proper form

• Music theory made understandable

• Improvisation and creative exploration

• Sight-reading development

• Ear training games

What Your Child Will Achieve:

• Play 60+ songs in the first 3 months

• Develop strong note-reading and sight-reading skills

• Master proper piano technique and hand position

• Build music theory foundation

• Prepare for ABRSM/RCM exam pathways (if desired)

• Experience stress-free, anxiety-free learning

The Technology Advantage: No more uncertainty about whether they're practicing correctly. The Piano Express app provides real-time feedback on accuracy, rhythm, and notes—giving your child confidence and independence. They can see their progress, celebrate achievements, and stay motivated between lessons.

Class Structure:

• Duration: 60 minutes weekly

• Group Size: 2-4 students per class

• Age Range: 6-11 years old (or piano beginners aged 6+)

• Equipment: Digital pianos, tablets, and headphones provided

• Program Length: 6 levels (typically 2-3 years to complete all levels)

Perfect For:

• Kids who love video games and technology

• Students who need to see tangible progress to stay motivated

• Children transitioning from other instruments to piano

• Families wanting faster results than traditional lessons

• Students who thrive with goal-oriented learning

The Bottom Line: Gamified Piano produces confident, capable pianists in a fraction of the time—while making practice something your child actually looks forward to. No more practice battles. Just real progress and genuine enthusiasm.

Ready to see your child thrive? Book a trial class and watch the Gamified Piano magic happen.

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SoundSteps Method (Grade 1+ Ready)

Your child has already proven they're serious about piano—they've passed Grade 1 (or equivalent) and they're ready for something more sophisticated. The SoundSteps Method is where technically proficient students become truly independent musicians who can learn, analyze, and interpret music on their own.

Who This Programme Is For: Students who can:

• Read music fluently in both treble and bass clef

• Play with proper technique and hand position

• Practice effectively without constant parental supervision

• Work semi-independently with teacher guidance

• Handle multi-level group challenges with maturity

The "Successful Group Lessons" Philosophy:

Based on Daniel Patterson's proven framework from Grow Your Music Studio, the SoundSteps Method revolutionizes how intermediate students learn. Instead of sitting passively through one-on-one lessons, your child will:

Learn Through Discovery, Not Dependency:

• Sight-reading mastery that allows them to learn new pieces independently

• Multi-level differentiation where everyone learns together but at their own challenge level

• Peer collaboration on technique, theory, and interpretation

• Teacher as facilitator rather than constant hand-holder

The Educational Engine:

1. Individual Progress Within Group Context

   • Four challenge levels within each piece

   • Students play the same songs together but at appropriate difficulty

   • Advanced students tackle embellishments while beginners master fundamentals

2. Skill Development Focus

   • Sight-reading (the key to independent learning)

   • Music theory application (not just memorization)

   • Technical refinement through peer observation

   • Interpretive skills and musical expression

3. Time Optimization

   • 60-75 minute sessions with substantive learning

   • More teacher instruction time than traditional 30-minute private lessons

   • Efficient use of practice time at home

   • Built-in accountability through group dynamics

What Your Child Will Master:

• Advanced Sight-Reading: Learn new pieces quickly without teacher assistance

• Music Theory in Action: Understand why music works, not just how to play it

• Technical Excellence: Refined technique through teacher feedback and peer modeling

• Repertoire Development: Grade 2-5 ABRSM level pieces across multiple styles

• Performance Confidence: Regular ensemble playing and group performances

• Independent Learning Skills: The ability to teach themselves new music

The Multi-Level Magic: Here's what makes this programme special: Your child might be working on Grade 3 repertoire while sitting next to someone on Grade 2 or Grade 4. Everyone plays together during ensemble time, but each student has their own challenge level within the music. This creates:

• Motivation from peer success

• Support from collaborative learning

• Flexibility to progress at optimal pace

• Retention of students who might otherwise plateau

Class Structure:

• Duration: 60-75 minutes weekly

• Group Size: 4-6 students (mixed levels Grade 1-5)

• Teaching Style: Facilitated independent learning

• Home Practice: 20-30 minutes daily

• Performance Opportunities: Quarterly studio recitals

The SoundSteps Method Advantage:

Traditional Private Lessons: 30 minutes × 4 = 2 hours monthly instruction SoundSteps Method: 60 minutes × 4 = 4 hours monthly instruction

You get double the teacher time, at a more affordable price, with better retention and faster skill development.

Perfect For:

• Students who've completed Piano Express or equivalent beginner program

• Grade 1+ piano students ready for deeper study

• Children who thrive with peer motivation

• Families preparing for ABRSM Grades 2-5 exams

• Students wanting to become independent, lifelong musicians

What Parents Notice:

• Their child actually wants to practice (peer accountability works!)

• Faster sight-reading means they can learn pieces in days, not weeks

• Confidence performing in front of others

• Better understanding of music theory concepts

• Genuine musical independence

The Ultimate Goal: We're not just teaching your child to play piano—we're teaching them how to teach themselves piano. By the time students complete the SoundSteps Method, they have the skills to:

• Learn any piece of music independently

• Analyze and interpret musical scores

• Continue progressing with or without formal lessons

• Enjoy music-making for life

From Teacher-Dependent to Self-Sufficient Musician

That's the SoundSteps Method promise.