Preschool Piano Kids! is a Cognitive Resource Management, music enrichment and Foundational Instrumental lessons program all-in-one. We join other groups such as Preschool California and California Preschool Learning Foundations in California in our advocacy for better preschool programs across California and the nation. When done with preschool capabilities in mind, an effective program:

1) teaches young learners music reading readiness, and captures the excitement preschoolers have about reading in general. Preschoolers, at some point, want to learn to read both language and music.  Well-taught reading skills are the foundation for later success in their music study, and we take the necessary time and effort to present every concept. We have broken down the music reading process so that every step is easily attainable. For example, we actively watch for the time at which each student is able to discern staff notation. Music reading is difficult, so we watch each child individually to make sure the child is not only ready, but understands the process.

2) Captures every child's spirit in that children in preschool are eager to learn. Poor teaching practices can undercut their eagerness, so we follow Child Psychology closely. We are members of the Society for Research in Child Development. By staying current on the latest research and thinking in Child Psychology, we are able to keep our delivery completely appropriate for every child, keeping their eagerness alive.

3) Is aware of, and actively uses relevant scientific research to construct and implement curricula. There is much knowledge available, so an effective program must know how to separate bad science from good science.

4) Synthesizes all of the above into a piano foundations program that does not push children but instead, takes the time they need to develop cognitive styles that will serve them through their life. An example would be pushing a child to read music notation when they are not ready, or having them play a difficult piece by rote. When children are ready, they do not have to be pushed; they exemplify the tendency that we all have; that is, the wish to become better than we are and to learn. A positive, healthy program nurtures every child's interest in piano so that the child does not have to be pushed by adults. The child wants to go on and does so well, when ready.

 We know that preschool piano lessons are a success because we have conducted them for so many years, but the outside evidence is also clear: the positive effects of piano training on thinking skills happens before age 7, most successful musicians began before age 6, and preschool for other subjects, when done well, is a huge success.

MUSIC CLASSES, created by PreschoolPianoKids!, are the music enrichment portion of our curriculum. Each level is specifically designed for the four age groups we serve: ages 2-3, 3-5, 4-5 and 5-7. Our program is arranged in quarterly units, with each lesson emphasizing fine motor skill development, integrating sensory information, reading readiness and cognitive process** development. These twice-monthly music classes also provide a venue to aid in learning social behavior (emphasis on cooperation) and personality development. By fostering positive peer relationships, children learn to play for others and enjoy it, due to the non-threatening atmosphere here at our academy. They come to look forward to their lesson because sharing what one knows is integral to learning and moving forward. Vygotsky, a famous Child Psychologist, tells us that cognitive development best takes place in a social setting promoted by social interaction with skilled mentors.

Children and parents also receive a weekly 30-45 minute private work time with their mentor. This format is absolutely necessary to address individual differences, and to ensure children truly understand the intent of the instructional materials. Children cannot get the fine-tuned help in any other situation. Parents are integral to this process.

PRIVATE WORK TIME is the arena in which every child's individuality is attended to. Children do a variety of activities, but all under the direct supervision of a skilled mentor. Since biology, cognition and social forces are all interwoven into a child's development, every child needs this individual attention. Parents are always present, being directly involved in each child's learning process so as to replicate as much at home as possible.

THESE PRIVATE LESSONS (private work time) provide the venue necessary to work with the individuality each child presents. There are always variations in development called individual differences. In psychological science, when personality is investigated, researchers often use identical twins reared together and apart to tease apart the influences of nature vs nurture. Even in identical twins reared together, there are many subtle differences. One of the most salient differences researchers have found is their reaction to education! Once 'turned off,' it is difficult, if not impossible, to 'turn them on' again. This is what makes individual mentoring with a trained child development expert absolutely necessary.

Computer-based music instruction (CBMI) is then offered, right before or after their private lesson, using our Music Computers.

Using computers is something that children can, and do , learn easily when they are young. We utilize specially designed programs which help preschoolers gain confidence in computer usage, plus learning their music concepts, all rolled into one! We live in a technology-driven information age, and there are aspects of what we do that are offered in the form of music games.

Kids can't wait to learn, and we find that even the smallest children love computers. Often, they literally teach themselves by clicking through programs that are slightly above their present difficulty level. We find that preschoolers love to expose themselves to challenging situations then try to solve the problems inherent in those situations. The programs we use are designed for piano students who begin at age 3, then grow, so they also have the comfort level of continually repeating programs at their level (they love repetition and learn from it).

See Beyond the Lesson for a list of the many activities we support.