Method

The Yamaha method of music education incorporates weekly group lessons designed to give students the best beginning possible for the development of basic music skills. Emphasis is placed on ear training and the development of a good rhythmic sense. A variety of activities, including singing words and solfege, keyboard playing, sight singing, sight playing, ensemble work and musical creativity are part of the curriculum. Yamaha Music Foundation has completed much research illustrating that a child’s ear develops most rapidly between the ages of four and six (as shown in the graph below). Since hearing development is so closely related to learning music, this is the ideal time to start developing music skills. Accompanied by the parent, as the parent is the essential link between the class experience and successful practice at the home, both child and parent can both share the joy of learning music with one another.

Courses

The Yamaha method includes courses specifically designed for group learning in the Aloha Bay Learning Centre. Available programs are offered for students as young as 2 years old up to senior citizen levels.

An enriching music experience designed specifically for 2-year-olds. In three ten-week learning modules, this course allows children to explore the world around them through music, movement and play.

Early childhood is the ideal time to start music lessons. At this age, the ear is at its peak of sensitivity. Learning music is as natural as learning to speak. Students can begin in the Music Wonderland (age 3, 4) or Primary (age 4, 5). The unique curriculum — up to seven years in length — is designed to give your child the best opportunity to develop basic music skills. The creative approach centers on developing the three essential elements of pitch, harmony, and rhythm. The Junior Music Course develops the musical child from within.

The Young Musicians Course is a great way for children to begin a lifetime enjoyment of music. The three-year curriculum develops musicianship and keyboard playing skills with wonderful materials written specifically fro beginners of this age.

Piano Club is a two-year program designed to teach beginning students, aged 8 to 10, how to play and enjoy a wide variety of piano styles. Basic musicianship skills, including a good sense of rhythm and pitch are developed through solfege singing and keyboard ensembles.

Keyboard Club is the fun way to learn more about keyboards. This two-year program for beginners is designed to teach you about today’s electronic keyboards.

You’re never too old to learn! Active music making, besides being great fun, has been shown to have physical and mental benefits that can improve quality of life for all people, including seniors! The Seniors Keyboard Course is presented in a flexible series of 10-week modules in a group setting. It’s the ideal way to learn a new skill and meet new friends in a relaxed environment.