My Method

Primary Level students are typically ages 5+, and I start every introduction lesson using this book. Students around age 9+ usually move on to Level 1 after one or two lessons. The focus is on building confidence in playing, learning where the notes are on the piano, and developing basic sight-reading skills. The goal is to establish a strong foundation in note recognition, rhythm, and hand coordination. I emphasize enjoyment by teaching songs they love, usually playing one hand at a time and writing in note names. This stage is all about making learning fun, engaging, and accessible for beginners.

Level 1 focuses on building a stronger foundation in playing and music theory while increasing independence at the piano. The goal is for students to become more confident in sight-reading both the bass and treble staff, playing multiple notes at a time, and beginning to play with both hands together in simple pieces. Students explore patterns in music, practice simple 5-finger scales, learn basic chords, and start to understand sharps and flats. This stage bridges the gap between early confidence-building and a deeper understanding of how music works, while keeping lessons enjoyable and engaging.

Level 2A emphasizes expanding both technique and music theory after students have established a solid foundation in playing. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of why music works, exploring patterns, note relationships, and how favorite songs create their unique sound and feel. Students begin a slow introduction to five-finger major and minor scales, practice more chords, and learn to read and play rhythms including eighth notes, as well as understanding half and whole steps. This stage builds confidence while preparing students for more advanced scale work, arpeggios, and chord study in Level 2B.

Level 2B focuses on building confidence while expanding both technical and theoretical skills. Students explore arpeggios, sixth intervals, dotted quarter notes, and develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and phrasing. The curriculum includes in-depth study of C, G, and F major scales and their primary chords, with practical application in songs. I begin introducing major and minor scale theory more thoroughly, helping students understand how scales and chords function within a key. This stage emphasizes independence in reading and playing, hand coordination, and more complex chord progressions, all while balancing fun with a deeper appreciation of how music works.

Level 3A focuses on strengthening technique and applying more advanced musical concepts. Students explore 7th intervals, new time signatures, triplets, ledger lines, and the chromatic scale, along with the D major scale and a few additional scales not included in the lesson book. One-octave arpeggios are introduced and practiced for greater hand independence and coordination. By the end of this level, students will have mastered the first quarter of the circle of fifths, building a strong foundation for more advanced scale and chord work. This stage emphasizes independence in reading, playing, and understanding music, preparing students to confidently tackle a wider variety of songs while deepening their technical and theoretical skills.

Level 3B focuses on refining technique and tackling more complex songs with confidence. Students explore minor keys, major and minor triads, chord inversions in greater depth, and rhythms including sixteenth notes. By the end of this level, students will have mastered the full circle of fifths and will be able to play any song they choose, confidently and independently, in the first half of the circle of fifths, without needing guidance. This stage emphasizes complete musical independence, advanced theory application, and the ability to read, interpret, and perform challenging music with both technical precision and musical expression.