Beginning Keyboards
Levels and Classes
There are two levels of beginning keyboards. After completing both levels, students may decide to continue study of the piano with a private teacher.
Ages
Keyboard students need to be a minimum of 8 yrs old by the time the semester starts. There are two sections of this class: Keyboards for ages 8-10 and Keyboards for ages 11+.
Class Size
The keyboard classes hold 6-9 students. If the class does not enroll at least 5 students, the class will be cancelled. If more than 9 students enroll, a wait list will be formed.
Prerequisites
Our group beginning keyboard classes are NOT meant to replace private lessons! If you are already taking private lessons in piano, you should not sign up for these group classes.
The group keyboard classes are meant to be a brand new introduction to playing the keyboard. FAYM only offers two levels of keyboards. When a student has completed the offered levels of FAYM keyboard classes, if the student wants to continue the study of piano, he/she should seek out a private instructor for continuing study.
This class is not meant to be a comprehensive piano course. The goal of this class is to introduce the student to music through the keyboard. Five-octave keyboards (not pianos) are used in class. At the completion of this course, students can choose to pursue piano further through private lessons, or to continue their study of music through a different instrument.
Keep in mind that if a student wants to continue the study of piano with a private teacher beyond these two levels, a 5-octave keyboard would not be an appropriate instrument. Many piano teachers will not accept piano students without a full 88 key instrument.
Homework
Daily practice is required. Students should be expected to spend 15-20 minutes every day on practicing and book work.
Performances
All students in keyboard classes are required to participate in the Class Showcase at the end of the semester.
Required Books and Materials
Students must have a piano or keyboard with full-size keys at home for practice. Miniature sized keys are not appropriate. An acoustic piano, digital piano, or electric keyboard are all sufficient for this keyboarding class.
Students do not have to bring an instrument to class - 5 octave keyboards will be provided.
Students must provide their own book, metronome, and pencil.
The required book for the 8-10 section is Faber Piano Adventures, Lesson Book, Primer Level (purple).
The required book for the 11+ section is Hal Leonard Piano for Teens Method (black).
Where to Get Instruments and Supplies
Online book sources: SheetMusicPlus.com, Amazon, J.W.Pepper.
Music stores, such as KBI and Music and Arts may also carry the books, but won't have keyboards.
If you don't already have an acoustic or digital piano, there are many for sale on Craiglist or FB Marketplace.
Unfortunately, you won't find keyboards at music stores because they are more toys than real musical instruments. Instead, for a keyboard, look in places like Walmart, toy stores, Amazon, etc.