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Quick Reference
Everything you need to know!
- Welcome Package
- Getting Started
- Term 4 (Summer 2023) ~ Openings / Schedule *(Last updated: June 2, 2023)
- Term 1 (Fall 2023) ~ Openings / Schedule *(Last updated: June 2, 2023)
Young Beginners Piano Program (Ages 4.5 to 6)
FAQ
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we do! This will depend on teacher availability and schedule.
If we don't have availabilities, we are happy to recommend you another fabulous private teacher.
As for Miss Donna's schedule, only group piano students are offered first priority for private lessons.
If we don't have availabilities, we are happy to recommend you another fabulous private teacher.
As for Miss Donna's schedule, only group piano students are offered first priority for private lessons.
Do you offer RCM exams and festivals?
Absolutely! We offer The Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum and we can prep your child for various piano festivals.
For students in the beginner levels, we encourage all students to strive for personal excellence and those who demonstrate the ability to be coached are encouraged to join for the experience. They can choose to participate in a festival, a mock performance, a recital, and/or an exam. Before we begin this, we will discuss with the parents first to ensure everyone is in agreement that this is a good option.
All students in the Elementary Piano Program who complete Level 4, will have a chance to participate in a festival or exam.
All students who participate in exams and festivals above the Grade 2 Level are personally invited by Miss Donna. It is by invitation only or readiness.
Once a student accepts this invitation, they are expected to add-on a minimum of 4 private lessons.
For students in the beginner levels, we encourage all students to strive for personal excellence and those who demonstrate the ability to be coached are encouraged to join for the experience. They can choose to participate in a festival, a mock performance, a recital, and/or an exam. Before we begin this, we will discuss with the parents first to ensure everyone is in agreement that this is a good option.
All students in the Elementary Piano Program who complete Level 4, will have a chance to participate in a festival or exam.
All students who participate in exams and festivals above the Grade 2 Level are personally invited by Miss Donna. It is by invitation only or readiness.
Once a student accepts this invitation, they are expected to add-on a minimum of 4 private lessons.
Do you offer casual and leisure learning?
Yes, we do!
As we expect not every student will want to continue onto exams, we endeavour to prepare students to be able to join one if they have a desire. Once they have a desire, they can work with Miss Donna to determine a path towards their goal.
For students who wish to learn for fun, they are more than welcome to continue into groups as the social environment is greatly motivating for pre-teens and teenagers who love music and wish to still have music as a part of their lives.
We adjust the groups schedules as students levels and abilities shift.
As we expect not every student will want to continue onto exams, we endeavour to prepare students to be able to join one if they have a desire. Once they have a desire, they can work with Miss Donna to determine a path towards their goal.
For students who wish to learn for fun, they are more than welcome to continue into groups as the social environment is greatly motivating for pre-teens and teenagers who love music and wish to still have music as a part of their lives.
We adjust the groups schedules as students levels and abilities shift.
What is your program curriculum?
The Happy Keys Music & Piano Program for Group Piano students is a comprehensive program that includes a curation of innovative licensed group piano programs, the Royal Conservatory of Music standards, various method books, and online apps.
The goal is to offer high value and quality education to our students and to give them the tools to continue creating music for pure enjoyment or for their future endeavours. Further more, we love when students perform and share their love of music, hence, we believe the group environment is the perfect environment for accelerated learning, socialization, recognition, and developing self-discipline.
When your team members depends on you...you will need to make a decision to change.
We believe the more opportunities you have to perform and learn with others, the more confidence and drive you will have to participate in talent shows, exams, festivals, recitals, etc...
We encourage students to get creative through composition and we start with storytelling which is one of the most powerful tools of communication.
Our Elementary Piano program for beginners is fun for kids and adults! This keeps them practising at home through our gamified Piano Program called Piano Express!
We encourage students to start theory in our Intermediate programs as this lays the foundation to solidifying what we are playing, hearing, and feeling. This program is accelerative as lessons are 90 minutes a week.
The goal is to offer high value and quality education to our students and to give them the tools to continue creating music for pure enjoyment or for their future endeavours. Further more, we love when students perform and share their love of music, hence, we believe the group environment is the perfect environment for accelerated learning, socialization, recognition, and developing self-discipline.
When your team members depends on you...you will need to make a decision to change.
We believe the more opportunities you have to perform and learn with others, the more confidence and drive you will have to participate in talent shows, exams, festivals, recitals, etc...
We encourage students to get creative through composition and we start with storytelling which is one of the most powerful tools of communication.
Our Elementary Piano program for beginners is fun for kids and adults! This keeps them practising at home through our gamified Piano Program called Piano Express!
We encourage students to start theory in our Intermediate programs as this lays the foundation to solidifying what we are playing, hearing, and feeling. This program is accelerative as lessons are 90 minutes a week.
What if my child moves faster?
At the end of each 12-week term, you will receive a mini report card indicating your child's progress.
Due to the shorter terms, we are constantly monitoring students progress. As you participate in our termly mini recitals called 'Watching Week', you will be able to provide feedback and see your child's progress for students in the Young Beginner's Program.
With our Elementary Beginner's Program, you have direct access to your child's progress through the Piano Express App. When your child advances further, this will depend on their own timing, we will inform you when we believe your child can move to the next level as there are 6 levels. If you feel your child can move faster, you are encouraged to keep the teacher updated with extra materials.
This also allows us to personalize learning which means everyone gets to be together but also work on their own levels/projects.
At the end of the first or second Term, should students demonstrate an outstanding understanding of the concepts and songs, students may be invited to an advanced training such as our Fast-Track Accelerator program. This advanced training is by invitation only and available to students starting in our Young Beginner’s Piano Program.
Our group piano for kids sessions allow for personalized learning as each student works on their levels and thus we honour their current level of learning. Additional challenges, songs, and activities may be provided to students who demonstrate the keen desire to learn more. If you wish to be invited, simply let your teacher know.
Due to the shorter terms, we are constantly monitoring students progress. As you participate in our termly mini recitals called 'Watching Week', you will be able to provide feedback and see your child's progress for students in the Young Beginner's Program.
With our Elementary Beginner's Program, you have direct access to your child's progress through the Piano Express App. When your child advances further, this will depend on their own timing, we will inform you when we believe your child can move to the next level as there are 6 levels. If you feel your child can move faster, you are encouraged to keep the teacher updated with extra materials.
This also allows us to personalize learning which means everyone gets to be together but also work on their own levels/projects.
At the end of the first or second Term, should students demonstrate an outstanding understanding of the concepts and songs, students may be invited to an advanced training such as our Fast-Track Accelerator program. This advanced training is by invitation only and available to students starting in our Young Beginner’s Piano Program.
Our group piano for kids sessions allow for personalized learning as each student works on their levels and thus we honour their current level of learning. Additional challenges, songs, and activities may be provided to students who demonstrate the keen desire to learn more. If you wish to be invited, simply let your teacher know.
What age should my child take piano lessons?
All children are born into different families, environments, and bring upon unique gifts. A child is ready for piano lessons when they have shown a sincere interest in needing to play the piano or any instrument of their choice. All students under the age of 11 are considered children who will require support from an adult at home. A child will require guidance with reminders such as daily practice, keeping books and materials organized, and completing practice tasks and piano challenges.
There are a few qualities that will signify when a child may be ready for lessons:
Currently, our beginner piano programs are catered to the following ages:
There are a few qualities that will signify when a child may be ready for lessons:
- Access to a quality piano and/or digital keyboard
- Ability to work with one parent at home for support and encouragement
- Able to recognize and identify numbers 1 to 5, letters A to G
Currently, our beginner piano programs are catered to the following ages:
- Young Beginners (Ages 4.5 to 6)
- Elementary Beginners (Ages 6 to adults)
When should my child start piano lessons?
All children benefit from learning the piano at an earlier age. A focus on participation, enjoyment, and consistency will be the primary goal for piano lessons for students under the age of 5. For young beginners and elementary students, a focus on independence, accountability, and self-empowerment will support a smoother transition to advanced level piano.
All beginner’s will work towards a persistent ‘can-do’ attitude, coach-ability, and the pursuit of personal excellence. The best age to start is when your child is ready to learn the piano by their self-interest, is able to listen to the teacher, and has a dedicated and supportive home environment that values learning music for the long term.
If you have a child under the age of 5 and you’re not sure if they are ready to start, we highly recommend you to book a trial lesson and consultation meeting with Miss Donna. Register Here. From here, you can find which program is best suited for your child and when they would be ready to begin group lessons or private lessons.
All beginner’s will work towards a persistent ‘can-do’ attitude, coach-ability, and the pursuit of personal excellence. The best age to start is when your child is ready to learn the piano by their self-interest, is able to listen to the teacher, and has a dedicated and supportive home environment that values learning music for the long term.
If you have a child under the age of 5 and you’re not sure if they are ready to start, we highly recommend you to book a trial lesson and consultation meeting with Miss Donna. Register Here. From here, you can find which program is best suited for your child and when they would be ready to begin group lessons or private lessons.
What happens if my child falls behind?
Our 12-week term group piano sessions are great for students and families who are able to keep up with the group learning momentum. The definition of falling behind would be missing 3 or more consecutive sessions per a term, not attending the bonus coaching sessions for online students only, and failure to update the teacher on their absences resulting in a no show. If a student does not show for more than 3 consecutive sessions per a term, a student may be asked to repeat a workbook level.
Students in the Elementary Beginner's Program can complete 1 level per a term if there is daily practice and weekly progress and will take 2 terms if there is inconsistent weekly practice and progress. Overall, we move students ahead to the next Level when they complete their book.
Students in the Elementary Beginner's Program can complete 1 level per a term if there is daily practice and weekly progress and will take 2 terms if there is inconsistent weekly practice and progress. Overall, we move students ahead to the next Level when they complete their book.
What if my child isn’t progressing?
If you haven’t seen progress, it’s most likely due to the fact that a defined number of tasks has not been completed or is not in alignment with what goal you are wanting to work on.
What are the tasks that you are repeatedly doing and not doing to produce the effects of progress? For example, if a child has been practicing the same melody in their right hand for 3 weeks, does this mean they are not progressing? Well, it depends on what the intention or goal that we set in order to complete our bigger goal. Perhaps the tasks need to be defined more to allow for progress such as playing the melody notes correctly, faster tempo, steadier beat, with curved fingers, with correct fingering, If a child is playing the same thing repeatedly, they will need help with redefining their task and setting a end goal for when they have completed the task.
Everyone is always progressing. They can be progressing in the areas of mindset, attitude, and/or organization. For example, if a child is not practicing at all, then no progress can be made. Again, the child will need assistance in redefining the tasks and one of them could be learning to ask for help, to speak up for themselves during class, or to get extra support such as watching the practice videos.
There can be many reasons for why a child may not be progressing and sometimes it can be due to their fine motor skills, focus and attention, and/or basic needs such as adequate keyboard/piano, a space that is away from distraction to practice, a headset to help with focus. The approach we like to take is, how can we define the tasks and break it down so that all the tasks are manageable and doable. And, how do we know when this task is complete and how we will celebrate? Small wins will amount up to big win feelings.
A lot of times, when we are in the middle of a challenge such as “slower” progress, we may need to address the child’s other areas of life. The ebb and flow of progress is like learning to ride a bike. Sure some children will pick it up faster than others, but eventually, those who want to ride a bike will get there. At first, they will fall and they may need training wheels, but with awareness of what skills or tools they need to develop in order to move to the next step, this may take time to figure out. For example, maybe the child is crawling. Naturally, we wouldn’t push a child towards riding a bike until they can gain balance from standing up and walking. You can try, but this goal may take longer but you know eventually they will get there.
When you set your child up for success, overtime, you will see that they are able to carry those habits or tasks forward for when they are ready for independent practice. It’s important that any tasks we create with kids that we follow up and hold them accountable. It can be a horrible feeling for the child if the expectations aren’t clear and there are no consequences for their inactions. Hence, I believe it’s important to teach our students what progress looks like, the ebb and flow of progress, and how to be self-aware when one doesn’t understand and needs to advocate for themselves. When you give your child the opportunity to create a task and then hold them accountable, you can also learn what they feel they are currently capable of doing.
What are the tasks that you are repeatedly doing and not doing to produce the effects of progress? For example, if a child has been practicing the same melody in their right hand for 3 weeks, does this mean they are not progressing? Well, it depends on what the intention or goal that we set in order to complete our bigger goal. Perhaps the tasks need to be defined more to allow for progress such as playing the melody notes correctly, faster tempo, steadier beat, with curved fingers, with correct fingering, If a child is playing the same thing repeatedly, they will need help with redefining their task and setting a end goal for when they have completed the task.
Everyone is always progressing. They can be progressing in the areas of mindset, attitude, and/or organization. For example, if a child is not practicing at all, then no progress can be made. Again, the child will need assistance in redefining the tasks and one of them could be learning to ask for help, to speak up for themselves during class, or to get extra support such as watching the practice videos.
There can be many reasons for why a child may not be progressing and sometimes it can be due to their fine motor skills, focus and attention, and/or basic needs such as adequate keyboard/piano, a space that is away from distraction to practice, a headset to help with focus. The approach we like to take is, how can we define the tasks and break it down so that all the tasks are manageable and doable. And, how do we know when this task is complete and how we will celebrate? Small wins will amount up to big win feelings.
A lot of times, when we are in the middle of a challenge such as “slower” progress, we may need to address the child’s other areas of life. The ebb and flow of progress is like learning to ride a bike. Sure some children will pick it up faster than others, but eventually, those who want to ride a bike will get there. At first, they will fall and they may need training wheels, but with awareness of what skills or tools they need to develop in order to move to the next step, this may take time to figure out. For example, maybe the child is crawling. Naturally, we wouldn’t push a child towards riding a bike until they can gain balance from standing up and walking. You can try, but this goal may take longer but you know eventually they will get there.
When you set your child up for success, overtime, you will see that they are able to carry those habits or tasks forward for when they are ready for independent practice. It’s important that any tasks we create with kids that we follow up and hold them accountable. It can be a horrible feeling for the child if the expectations aren’t clear and there are no consequences for their inactions. Hence, I believe it’s important to teach our students what progress looks like, the ebb and flow of progress, and how to be self-aware when one doesn’t understand and needs to advocate for themselves. When you give your child the opportunity to create a task and then hold them accountable, you can also learn what they feel they are currently capable of doing.
What happens if I miss a class?
Should a student miss a class, please notify your teacher as soon as possible by email.
Next, each online class will include a video-recording of the session. You can view this if you are registered for the online option.
For students in-person, we highly recommend you book a make-up lesson as soon as possible within 2 weeks. All parents and students will have access to the piano parent practice videos and homework outlines. By watching these videos, parents will be able to see how songs are played. Parents are expected to continue their learning at home to ensure their child is able to successfully continue on with their next class.
Next, each online class will include a video-recording of the session. You can view this if you are registered for the online option.
For students in-person, we highly recommend you book a make-up lesson as soon as possible within 2 weeks. All parents and students will have access to the piano parent practice videos and homework outlines. By watching these videos, parents will be able to see how songs are played. Parents are expected to continue their learning at home to ensure their child is able to successfully continue on with their next class.
How much practice is required each week?
Each student and family will need to invest a total of at least 60 to 75 minutes of weekly practice for those starting in the Early Years Music & Piano and the Young & Elementary Beginner’s Piano Program. In order for students to feel successful at their weekly lesson, we suggest daily practice. We expect our families to be able to set aside time for practice time. For children under the age of 8, they will require assistance in their piano practice. For children under the age of 11, they will require assistance with reminders and time management.
My child doesn’t want to practice, what do I do?
Have you set up a practice routine?
Is there someone available to guide or support practice?
Does your child understand that progress won't happen without practice?
Is the piano room environment warm, cozy, and inviting?
Is the child having a rough week and simply need to just have a break for the week?
There are many reasons for when this occurs. The first thing you can do is to investigate by asking your child questions to find out what needs are currently not being met. The second thing is to consider their age, developmental stage, and energy level. While you may have the energy, they may not,, and vice versa. The third thing to consider is what your goal is for piano lessons. If your aim is to have fun, then you can explain to your child the importance of practice and why we practice. The reason is so that we can get better, and the better we get, the more fun it is. You can use analogies to help them understand as they may not see the importance of practice. Perhaps your goal is to have them explore the piano and to enjoy making music. In this case, the same answer applies above. The fourth thing is, every child progresses at their own pace. However, parent support and direct guidance will greatly speed up this process. We believe parents play an integral puzzle piece to our optimal piano learning experience. The fifth thing to consider is, is your child coachable? Are they coachable at that moment? If not, can you approach them at another time? Can you ask them to coach or teach you? There are many other things to try out and we are happy to help you find the next step. The benefit of group piano lessons is there is a built in structure where students demonstrate what they have worked on during the week at home. Children will quickly notice when they are falling behind and that is a great motivator to stay with the group. If you need support in this area, speak with Miss Donna. She would be more than delighted to guide you.
Is there someone available to guide or support practice?
Does your child understand that progress won't happen without practice?
Is the piano room environment warm, cozy, and inviting?
Is the child having a rough week and simply need to just have a break for the week?
There are many reasons for when this occurs. The first thing you can do is to investigate by asking your child questions to find out what needs are currently not being met. The second thing is to consider their age, developmental stage, and energy level. While you may have the energy, they may not,, and vice versa. The third thing to consider is what your goal is for piano lessons. If your aim is to have fun, then you can explain to your child the importance of practice and why we practice. The reason is so that we can get better, and the better we get, the more fun it is. You can use analogies to help them understand as they may not see the importance of practice. Perhaps your goal is to have them explore the piano and to enjoy making music. In this case, the same answer applies above. The fourth thing is, every child progresses at their own pace. However, parent support and direct guidance will greatly speed up this process. We believe parents play an integral puzzle piece to our optimal piano learning experience. The fifth thing to consider is, is your child coachable? Are they coachable at that moment? If not, can you approach them at another time? Can you ask them to coach or teach you? There are many other things to try out and we are happy to help you find the next step. The benefit of group piano lessons is there is a built in structure where students demonstrate what they have worked on during the week at home. Children will quickly notice when they are falling behind and that is a great motivator to stay with the group. If you need support in this area, speak with Miss Donna. She would be more than delighted to guide you.
I don’t know how to read music. How can I help my child learn at home?
As mentioned before, for students to learn in an optimal setting, parents play an integral role in their success. For our program, new parents are invited to join an onboarding piano parent workshop that is virtual. If you cannot make it to the live event, you can re-watch it in-person. This workshop will go through the basics and will include an Q&A session. For families who are committed to the Young & Elementary Beginner’s Piano Program, they will be invited to our online Piano Parent Portal where there are videos for each song. As your child moves up the workbooks/levels, you will have access to workshops that will keep you up to date. This means, yes, you get to learn piano too! And, for those parents who have taken piano lessons before, you can still benefit by reviewing concepts.
I want to sign up. Do I need to sign up for a group trial period?
We highly recommend that everyone signs up for a group trial period. This is to ensure you know what to expect and to help you see if our group piano program is the right fit for you and your child. This is because group piano learning requires all patrons (student-parent-teacher) to be committed in order to ensure an optimal learning experience. We would only recommend you to skip this group trial period if you are absolutely certain that private piano lessons are not the priority. Sign up here.
I’ll be on vacation for a month or more. Do I need to register again?
If you are away for a month or more, we would consider this as taking a pause on piano lessons with the exception of summer break which expands between 4 to 9 weeks and depending on when your last day of classes are. As our program is flexible in onboarding students at various levels, we will need to reassess your child’s level and skills upon re-onboarding. This may require a consultation meeting if this pause period of time exceeds over a year.
Your payment in full guarantees your spot. If you are away and missing a significant amount of lessons, you may be required to repeat the workbook level in the following term.
Your payment in full guarantees your spot. If you are away and missing a significant amount of lessons, you may be required to repeat the workbook level in the following term.
Do you offer adult group piano lessons?
Yes, we do!
At this moment, you can have the option of learning along with your child or you can gather a group of friends and we can create a group for you.
We encourage parents who are interested in learning piano to let us know and we can create a parent group class.
We are also interest in offering team building activities for adults too!
All adult group classes will move in increments of 6-week sessions, 1-hour per a session. Once you've formed your team, decided on some dates/times, let us know! As our schedule is reserved 4pm to 7pm for beginner's group classes, our adult group classes will be after hours and may begin after 7pm on Weekdays or during the day before 3pm.
At this moment, you can have the option of learning along with your child or you can gather a group of friends and we can create a group for you.
We encourage parents who are interested in learning piano to let us know and we can create a parent group class.
We are also interest in offering team building activities for adults too!
All adult group classes will move in increments of 6-week sessions, 1-hour per a session. Once you've formed your team, decided on some dates/times, let us know! As our schedule is reserved 4pm to 7pm for beginner's group classes, our adult group classes will be after hours and may begin after 7pm on Weekdays or during the day before 3pm.
To begin, let's connect!
If you are on waitlist, we will contact you once we have an opening by email. We are expanding and expect to open up more spaces in Summer 2023 and Fall 2023-24.
- New Students: A prospective student who has not had any formal piano lessons, a true beginner.
- Transfer Students: A prospective student who 1) has had lessons before and have stopped for a period of time or 2) is currently with another teacher and is looking for a new program/teacher.
- Returning Students: A prospective student who has had piano lessons with us before and have been away on a break from piano.
For students who are transfer students and/or returning students, a private consultation and trial lesson may be required to determine which Level or program is best for the student to begin in. Once the fee is paid, a private lesson and meeting will be scheduled. You can pay here to get started!
In the meantime, we encourage all prospective students and families who are waiting to join us for an Open House meet and greet. This way, you can try out our new piano program and see for yourself if it is a good fit for your child.
To get in touch with Miss Donna directly, feel free to message her on WhatsApp.
