Pyramid Pianists: All skill levels
The Benefits of Group Piano Lessons
From the moment a student walks through the studio door, they are part of a creative and collaborative music environment.
They quickly learn how to count and master rhythm because they can hear how important it is in order for the ensemble to sound its best.
Their ability to focus grows keener because they learn to play their part while they listen to their classmates play their different parts, and they figure out how to make it all fit together.
They don’t get phased when they make mistakes. They learn to quickly jump back in to the piece when mistakes happen.
Students of different ages and skills interact in harmony, encouraging and helping one another succeed. It is team work at its finest!
Their confidence at the keys grows rapidly through being part of a weekly ensemble.
Students come to class with a smile, eager to greet their friends and make music together, and one of the most-often heard phrases in the studio is “Class is over ALREADY?”
What to Expect from a Multilevel Group Class
Each group piano class is made up of varying levels from brand new beginner to early intermediate, ages 8 and up. This makes it easier for you to join a class that works for your schedule, since this method thrives on differing skills and ages.
The Piano Pyramid® is comprised of five levels. All pianists work on the same song each week, but at their level. This allows students to progress at the pace that is comfortable for them without feeling like they are slowing their classmates down or waiting for classmates to catch up.
The goal of a Piano Pyramid® class is to make music together at every class!
The Cadence of Classes
The following recurs every four weeks of class.
Week One:
- Introduction to a new scale, a new song, and new theory concepts
- Students begin learning the new song by playing small sections together as a group.
Week Two:
- Introduction to a second new scale, a second new song, and more theory concepts
- Students begin learning the new song by playing small sections together as a group.
Week Three:
- Class time is spent learning various practice techniques so students are more effective with their practice at home.
- The class works on the two ensembles in preparation for passing them off the following week.
Week Four: Assessment Day
- Each student has an opportunity to pass off their scales, portions of the ensembles at their level, and takes a theory quiz to demonstrate understanding of the unit concepts. (Individual pass offs are done for the teacher only while classmates prepare for their assessment with headphones on.)
- Both ensemble numbers get passed off during class time.
Practice at Home
Practice is not policed. It is expected that each family will find times in their schedule when practice will occur, and that parents will help their students with time management. What that looks like is different for each family and their goals for their student.
Students are provided with a practice tracker in their music book and are encouraged to fill it out when practice occurs, as this data can give each family helpful information about when and how often practice does occur. There is a QR code on the practice tracker that will take you to a YouTube playlist of practice videos for every song that your student can utilize to help them learn their part at home.
The practice that happens at home determines how quickly students will advance through the levels of the Piano Pyramid®.
Students who do not practice, practice sporadically, or practice 3 or fewer days a week can expect to stay at their level for up to two years.
Students who practice more are able to advance to the next level each new school year or when they feel ready. Any student who feels ready for more at any point is welcome to challenge for the next level up.
Leveling Up
When a student feels like they are ready to move up to the next level, they schedule a time outside of class to challenge for the next level. This can occur at any time during the school year.
Changing levels does not mean that they need to change classes! They can continue to advance while staying in their same class.
Performances
Families are invited to join their student’s class during the last class of December and the last class of May for informal class performances and parties.
Students help create their set list and share the magic of ensemble playing with their families. Families enjoy hearing how their student’s part fits with all of the other different parts of the ensemble.
Class performances are held during your student’s regularly scheduled class time so you don’t need to try to fit something else in your calendar during these busy months of the year.
The General Schedule
Classes are held weekly during the school year from August to May. School breaks are generally observed and may or may not line up exactly with your school’s breaks (see studio calendar here). Drop-in classes are held during the summer and are encouraged, though not required.
You may register for any class that corresponds to your student’s age and that works with your schedule.
New students are welcome to join a class at anytime during the year, based on availability (see available classes here).
If your student needs to miss a class, they are welcome to attend another class in the same week (pending availability). If that isn’t possible, they are welcome to send me an audio or video recording of them playing their songs so that I can review it and provide feedback for them, along with video notes from the lesson they missed.
FIND YOUR CLASSTuition
Tuition for group classes is $125/month with a yearly $75 registration fee, which covers music and materials.
Tuition is averaged over the school year so that you have the same monthly payment each month, regardless of how many classes are held in a given month.
Invoices are sent out monthly and are paid with a recurring credit card charge or bank draft.
Where are piano classes held?
Piano classes are taught weekly at my studio in Northeast Austin. Each class is 40 minutes long.
The piano studio is conveniently located in the Harris Ridge / Tech Ridge area near I-35 and Parmer Lane. Located in northeast Austin, the studio is near Pflugerville, Copperfield, Dessau, Walnut Creek, Scofield Farms, and Wells Branch areas.
What People Are Saying About these Piano Lessons for Children and Teenagers
“Ms. Mindy is a fantastic piano teacher. My elementary aged kids have attended her summer piano camps and piano classes for years now, and I am so pleased with the instruction they’ve received. Ms. Mindy is such a fun and engaging teacher. One thing I particularly love about classes with Ms. Mindy is that she takes the time to give frequent and personalized feedback which is so valuable to progression and improvement.” – Wendy White
“My daughter loves the class and says that music is her favorite activity. I love that she is learning so much and building a solid foundation for her future academic and music success. Mindy does all of this in a fun, active and engaging environment; I am beyond happy with the class!” – Christie Tiemann
“Ms. Mindy is an AMAZING piano teacher. She’s helped my 9yo, not only learn to play, but also, to LOVE to play piano. She taught him how to practice and now he loves playing on his own, without me reminding him. I especially like the way she encourages her students’ different personalities to succeed and to enjoy what they are learning. Her classes are engaging, fun, and hold each student’s attention.” – Bricia Bartlett
Are you interested but still have a question or two about group lessons? Please reach out and I would be happy to answer your questions.