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Piano/Keyboard Lessons

Prep for Strings
Explore the basic fundamentals of music while learning to play a fun mix of music on the piano!  Learn how to read notes as well as play by ear - music scales, chords and songs!
• Ages 5-12
• Beginners Welcome! 
• No previous music experience is necessary!
• Private 30 min. lessons.
• Weekly lessons are held year round
“Jump in & Start Making Music!”

Pierre Jacques Pleau

Musician & Teaching Artist
Serving Youth & Families Since 1996

​Online Music Lesson Info >

​In-Person Music Lessons

• AmericInn - North Branch, MN, USA
• GrandStay Hotel - Cambridge, MN, USA
• Central Green Park - Cambridge, MN, USA
• Lion's Park - Lindstrom, MN, USA
• Mobile (your location), MN, USA
Location Info >

Stringed Instrument Prep Track Options:

​Violin • Fiddle • Ukulele • Mandolin • Guitar
Learn Music Basics on the Piano and then explore the ‘Stringed Instrument Prep Track Options’ or choose one from the start!
Example:  If you want to learn how to play the violin, your lessons will focus on playing scales and songs on the piano using the same range of notes as on the violin fingerboard.
Lessons also include demonstrations on the violin so that you can see and hear how the instruments relate to each other.

FAQ:

Q: “My child would like to learn how to play a stringed instrument, but they don’t have any previous music experience – should they learn the basics on the piano first?”
A:  “Music basics (note reading, playing by ear and rhythm…) can be learned on the piano keyboard or on a stringed instrument.  Here are a couple of things to consider when deciding which instrument to start with:  The piano keyboard gives beginners the opportunity to use both hands to play notes, which for some may be easier than fingering with the left hand and picking (guitar, ukulele, mandolin) or bowing (violin/fiddle) simultaneously with the right hand.  Also, in general when you push down a key on the piano it makes the sound you’d expect, whereas with a stringed instrument timing between the left & right hand needs to be achieved in order to produce clear tones.”
​Q: “If my child chooses to learn the Music Basics on the Piano Keyboard, how long before they’d be able to switch to a stringed instrument?”
​A:  “Being that learning the Music Basics first on the piano or on a stringed instrument from the start is personal preference the timeline is likewise based upon a student’s age, preferences, progression and goals.”

General Guidelines for Stringed Instruments:

Violin/Fiddle
Ages 5-6:  Progression is usually faster if children at this age learn the basics on the piano keyboard and then begin violin/fiddle lessons at age 6-7.
Ages 6-Adult:  By age 6-7 children have usually developed some of the focusing abilities and finger coordination that is necessary to effectively progress on this stringed instrument.
Ukulele
Ages 7-Adult:  By age 7-8 a child’s finger length and strength makes it possible for them to effectively press down the nylon strings, play melodies and shape finger/chord positions.
Guitar & Mandolin
Ages 9-Adult:  By age 8-10 a child’s finger length and strength makes it possible for them to effectively press down the steel strings, play melodies and shape finger/chord positions.

Music Books & Piano Recommendations

1st Piano Music Book
1st Music Book for ages 5-8:
​Alfred’s Basic Piano Library - Book One
All-in-One Course for Children:  Lesson, Theory & Solo Songs.
​1st Music Book for ages 9-12:
Alfred’s Basic Piano Library – Chord Approach - Level One
A Piano Method for the later Beginner
Piano/Keyboard Recommended for In-Person Music Lessons
Piano/Keyboard Recommended for Ages 5-8:
Yamaha Mini-key Portable Keyboard PSS-A50
• Lightweight & Small!
• Size:  20” x 8” x 1 3/4”
• Weight:  4 lb.
• Runs on 4 AA batteries
• Super Easy to bring to your music lessons!
• Approximate Cost:  $99.99
This small keyboard has good sound and can change octaves at the push of a button and so it’s like having a 61-key piano!
Piano/Keyboard Recommended for Ages 9-12: 
(This is also a good piano for ages 5-8):
Yamaha Keyboard NP12 61-Key Ultra-Portable Digital Piano
• Size:  49” x 10” X 4” 
• Weight:  12 lb.
• Runs on 6 AA batteries (&/or purchase an AC adaptor)
• Easy to bring to your music lessons!
• Approximate Cost:  $219.99
• Also purchase a lightweight keyboard stand to bring to lessons.
This keyboard has great sound and the key height and sensitivity make for a seamless transition to and from an acoustic upright or grand piano.
Piano/Keyboard Recommended for Online Music Lessons
​4 options:
• Yamaha Mini-key Portable Keyboard PSS-A50
• Yamaha Keyboard NP12 61-Key Ultra-Portable Digital Piano
• Any keyboard that has good sound and key sensitivity!
• An acoustic piano that is in tune!

"Have more Questions?"

Take a fun easygoing Intro Lesson to find out more about an Instrument!
Instrument provided upon request for the Intro Lesson - dependent on availability
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