Students entering this program can choose to learn Electone, piano, or guitar as their primary instrument. Course materials offer studies through six sequential levels. Study at all levels focuses on the basic principles of “Listen-Sing-Play.” There is a main emphasis on being able to play the instrument so that students can play music.
Students develop listening skills by listening to CDs, listening to others play instruments in class, and listening to their teachers play music on the main instrument. The singing is done in solfege, and the students learn to sing do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do for the different tones. Songs are also learned in words and often with instrumental accompaniment from the teacher or others in the class. Interpretation is achieved by learning instrumental technique and repertoire.
There is a social development aspect of the Yamaha studio that encourages the enjoyment of music creation with others. This enjoyment often continues long after classes are completed. Children who enjoy being with others may seem to naturally learn well in this welcoming environment.
Yamaha textbooks are visually appealing, with many colorful illustrations. Students enjoy learning to read music while singing and playing it. Promoting musical skills while fostering an appreciation for music goes hand in hand with this method.
The belief that music can be treasured for a lifetime is one of the best things about the Yamaha Young Musicians Program. The program tends to be quite successful with many students. Some students choose to start with the course and then switch to private lessons after completing a year or two. Many private teachers find that transfer students have a variety of confident skills.
Parents of children who wish to study the program’s three main instruments may find it to be a solid foundation for future musical studies. Time spent creating ensemble music when young gives students the ability to perform well in the school band and choir when they reach elementary, middle, or high school. This may be one of your greatest strengths.