Piano/Keyboard
The 30 or 60 minutes you spend each week in lesson time is beneficial to your well being and self confidence.
You will always receive support that inspires confidence and encourages you to develop your skill at your own pace.
Heather’s priority is to meet you at your ability level and to make you feel good about each and every small achievement along the way. You will have self assurance and a belief in your ability to succeed.
As a result you will feel uplifted and happy at Music Matters' piano lessons. This is Heather’s guarantee to you.
Choosing an Instrument
Hunter, aged 4, loves the feel of the firm, Grand Piano keys
Traditional Pianoforte
Traditionally many young children play the piano as a first instrument. For generations this meant parents had to obtain an upright piano for their home. Second hand pianos are a wonderful investment if bought at a fair price and in good condition. You may be lucky enough to inherit a steel framed piano which can be kept in tune. A new piano is also a great choice for Music Matters lessons and may become your very own family heirloom.
There is nothing quite like the feel and smell of an old, well loved wooden piano. Caressing your hand over the inlay and scroll work, your senses tell you that the experience you are about to have is much more than one of sounds.
Digital Piano
Nate enjoys the freedom of movement on an 88 note digital piano. He can change to ethereal sounds when playing “Star Wars” and set a regular beat pattern to play along with to improve his rhythm. Modern, high quality digital pianos are readily available and affordable.
Digital pianos can be connected to a variety of software programs.
Electronic keyboards and digital pianos are easy to move. They come with a great variety of interesting sounds to keep little fingers happy. You can even play the drums on a keyboard. Head phones can be plugged in for privacy or playing when there are other competing sounds in the room.
It really is the family choice as to whether a pianoforte (piano) or some form of electronic keyboard is used for music lessons. Digital pianos are a mix between electronic keyboards and acoustic pianos.
Yamaha Hybrid Piano at Music Matters
The Hybrid Piano
Half and half: The Hybrid
Check out the new kid on the block…the Hybrid. It plays like a real piano with all the original wooden parts intact but the sound is collected digitally, making recording and other digital features available. This is the piano of the future. More afforable models will come onto the market and the price of these magic music makers will invariably drop. As with all new technology, time pushes prices down. Watch this space and beforelong hybrids will be in more homes than uprights.
Should students learn how to play the piano before other instruments?
Learning the piano before going on to another instrument gives students a good foundation in musical principles and concepts.
Unless a younger beginner specifically wants to learn another instrument, I recommend learning the piano/keyboard first.
The Music for Little Mozarts program is perfect for ages 5 to 7. For older students contact Heather to discuss the programs we offer.
Lesson Structure
All piano/keyboard lessons include rhythm taught separately on percussion or drums.
Children who have been through the Music for Little Mozarts program will easily transition to piano or keyboard.
Piano/keyboard lessons include playing along with various CD tracks, playing duets, playing along with percussion and also singing where appropriate. A range of method books are used at Music Matters including The Music Tree, Alfred’s, Hal Leonard, Bastien and AMEB publications such as P Plate Piano. Theory lessons are an integral part of piano/keyboard tuition.