More details about the lessons
Caroline has spent decades training and developing the skills to teach children from age 4. She uses a wonderful programme based on developing audiation, that is the ability to 'think and deeply understand' music. The benefits of this are huge because children develop an understanding of music through listening to and interacting with it, as well as learning to play the piano.
Classes include listening and moving to songs and chants, singing, chanting and creative play alongside playing rote pieces at the piano. These pieces contain simple ingredients that can be changed so children can make them their own once they know them. Children also learn to play in ensemble as the programme has duet parts that many students can play. Not only do children enjoy playing these pieces, but they also learn to improvise and compose from the very first lessons.
Classes include listening and moving to songs and chants, singing, chanting and creative play alongside playing rote pieces at the piano. These pieces contain simple ingredients that can be changed so children can make them their own once they know them. Children also learn to play in ensemble as the programme has duet parts that many students can play. Not only do children enjoy playing these pieces, but they also learn to improvise and compose from the very first lessons.
If you want your child to develop a deep understanding and love of music, together with developing their creativity and build a healthy piano technique, then this programme is for you.
Children learning in this way grow to love piano, music and their lessons. Your child will develop all the skills needed to be a rounded musician. Not only will they be able to play the piano musically and skillfully, but they will also be able to keep a steady beat, understand rhythm, sing and listen to music with understanding (find out more about why this is so important at our blog post on what good music teaching looks like). They will be able to start to use music to express themselves, one of the greatest joys of music making. Their piano technique will also be informed by the latest research.
Unlike most other approaches this programme starts with an 'ear first' approach, rather than an 'eye' (or notation) first approach. it is structured in such a way that all the skills necessary to develop good reading skills are put in place before reading begins. Given that the eyes are a far more powerful sense than the ears, this ensures that the ear is well developed before the children are expected to read music as well. Imagine if you sat your toddler in front of a first level reading book and expected them to read it - you wouldn't! You'd want them to have more years listening, speaking, playing and build up their experience aurally before you expected them to read something. But sadly some piano teaching still does things this way.
Once children have completed around 2 years of this programme they are ready for the next programme, based on PhD research that starts to develop reading skills, alongside playing fun, catchy pieces by rote and developing technique. Development of the ear and aural skills continues throughout children's time with Caroline.
Unlike most other approaches this programme starts with an 'ear first' approach, rather than an 'eye' (or notation) first approach. it is structured in such a way that all the skills necessary to develop good reading skills are put in place before reading begins. Given that the eyes are a far more powerful sense than the ears, this ensures that the ear is well developed before the children are expected to read music as well. Imagine if you sat your toddler in front of a first level reading book and expected them to read it - you wouldn't! You'd want them to have more years listening, speaking, playing and build up their experience aurally before you expected them to read something. But sadly some piano teaching still does things this way.
Once children have completed around 2 years of this programme they are ready for the next programme, based on PhD research that starts to develop reading skills, alongside playing fun, catchy pieces by rote and developing technique. Development of the ear and aural skills continues throughout children's time with Caroline.
This programme is based on decades of research into how children learn music and lessons are filled with joyful music making.
Caroline is thrilled that many musical families, including professional musicians, are recognising the value of this approach and choosing it for their children. Don't worry if you're not musical yourself, the class is for everyone and the benefits are huge! If you are not a musical parent Caroline has many resources to help, you might like to read more here about how to support your child in piano lessons.
Since 2020 Caroline has developed a comprehensive online classroom to support children between lessons (again, this is invaluable for parents who cannot play the piano or read music themselves). Here children, supported by their parents, can access songs, chants and videos to remind them how to play pieces and also accompany them as they play. Please read Caroline's blog post about the very successful pilot scheme she ran during lock down in March 2020, or this one written after 15 weeks of face to face classes.
Demand is very high for these classes; to avoid disappointment please register your interest as soon as your child is 2-3 years old.
Caroline has a very special way of teaching piano and rhythm to the little ones. We are all delighted with the classes. Caroline's way of teaching is unique: in addition to musicality, she awakens in them creativity, self-confidence and curiosity, making use of various teaching tools (toys, games, etc). Learning is a lot of fun. My son has just turned 6 and is increasingly fascinated by music. He loves Caroline's classes. He always comes home very excited, wanting to show what he has learned and willing to learn more and more. Congratulations Caroline and thank you very much!
Mrs V Banasiak
Caroline is the reason why my 6 years old daughter loves music and playing the piano.
Mr & Mrs Lopez
Our 6 year-old daughter really loves her online lessons with Caroline and is always excited to see her!
Dr & Mrs Kilner
During the initial programme children are draw a picture for each piece they play.