FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Music Moves For Piano

Answers

How does Music Moves for Piano prepare students for traditional private lessons?

Children as young as four can enroll in Music Moves for Piano, provided they have reached this age by September 1 of the current school year.  Whether your child stays in the Music Moves for Piano Keyboard Games program through Book B, continues to private piano instruction at age 6, or switches to a different instrument, Music Moves for Piano will provide the musical readiness for success.

Music Moves for Piano begins piano instruction by ear. The method is based on research of how one learns music, and from the very first lesson, students learn to audiate (understand music) while developing keyboard performing skills. 

Traditional private piano lessons at Brookline Music School vary in approach and curriculum by instructor but typically place a greater emphasis on music notation. Students generally begin at age 6 or 7. Music Moves for Piano prepares students who want to move to private lessons with skills such as singing in tune, keeping a steady beat, coordinating the body, moving stylistically, building a vocabulary of tonal and rhythm patterns, improvising, and performing with proper technique. Ideal times to switch to private lessons are after completing either Book A or B, or when your child has developed these essential musical skills.

For more information or to discuss options for your child, please contact the Music Moves for Piano Coordinator at mm4p@bmsmusic.org.


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What are the practicing expectations?

Book A/B: Families should encourage students to practice frequently for short periods. At this level, students should play the pieces they have learned in class, review pieces they have already learned, listen to the CD, and create, improvise, and explore at the piano with various dynamics, articulation, and registers. Using rhythm patterns and chanting out loud while playing is important to maintain a consistent, steady beat and to guide improvisation. For more information, please refer to the Practicing at Home page and the practice packet your teacher sends home at the beginning of the term.


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Do we need a piano at home?

It is NOT necessary to have a piano for this class, but we do recommend either practicing a couple of days a week on any instrument you can have access to or purchasing a 60-key keyboard. These keyboards can be found at affordable prices from many online retailers and big box stores.

The keyboard should have a minimum of 60 keys. Many of these keyboards have "bells and whistles," such as additional sounds and drum patterns. You'll want to use the "Piano" or "Electric Piano" sound for practicing.


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When are classes held?

Brookline Music School has group piano classes every day. On weekdays, classes are typically held between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. On weekends, classes are held at various times throughout the day.


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What is the class calendar?

Classes run for 32 weeks, from September through late May or early June. Please refer to the calendar to check when specific classes are held. All students in the Music Moves for Piano program follow this calendar which coincides with the Public Schools of Brookline calendar.

Beyond the school year, summer group piano classes for new students are offered. Enrolled students will receive an e-mail in the spring about summer scheduling for continuing classes.


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How does registration work for continuing students?

Students enroll for the entire 32-week program each year, but payment is broken into Terms I (fall/winter) and Term II (spring). In late fall, families continuing will receive an invoice for Term II, which provides the payment deadline to guarantee a spot in class. Families will receive re-registration information for the following fall in the spring of each year. If registration and payment are not complete by the deadline on the invoice, BMS cannot guarantee the student’s spot in the class.

Generally, students remain in the same day/time scheduled for both terms. If a conflict prevents a student from being able to continue in the same class day/time, please email the Music Moves for Piano Coordinator at mm4p@bmsmusic.org with your scheduling request for the next term. Due to small class sizes, we cannot switch class day/time once the term has begun.


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How does Term I (fall/winter) registration work for new students?

Term 1 classes begin in September, with registration beginning in June, near the end of the prior school year. The registration date can be found on the Music Moves for Piano page

Classes fill quickly. We suggest prospective families fill out the student inquiry form to join the mailing list and be notified of registration dates/times, demo classes, and other important information for joining the program. For more information, contact the Music Moves for Piano Coordinator at mm4p@bmsmusic.org or the BMS office at 617-277-4593.


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How does Term II (spring) registration work for new students?

Term 2 classes begin in February, with registration beginning in January. The registration date can be found on the Music Moves for Piano page

Music Moves for Piano is a year-long program with infrequent openings between terms. Priority is granted to students already on our BMS waitlist when such openings occur. Enrolling in a class within our Classes For Young Children or Movement & Dance program guarantees your place on the priority waitlist.

Classes fill quickly. We suggest prospective families fill out the student inquiry form to join the mailing list and be notified of registration dates/times, demo classes, and other important information for joining the program. For more information, contact the Music Moves for Piano Coordinator at mm4p@bmsmusic.org or the BMS office at 617-277-4593.


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What is priority registration?

Priority for registration is given to students currently enrolled in any other class at Brookline Music School, as well as new students with a family member enrolled in classes or private lessons.

Please email Music Moves for Piano Coordinator at mm4p@bmsmusic.org or call the BMS office at 617-277-4593 to be added to the priority waitlist for Music Moves for Piano. All families on the priority waitlist are invited to register for classes several days before the open registration date.


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Are there Music Moves for Piano classes in the summer?

After Term II, we offer summer sessions to prepare your child for group piano classes during the school year. Current students will receive email notifications during Term II regarding the availability of summer opportunities for group piano continuation.


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What are Brookline Music School’s policies (absences, tardiness, withdrawal/refund, discounts, parking, school closings)?

Please visit our policy webpage for detailed information about our school policies. If your question is unanswered, please get in touch with Music Moves for Piano Coordinator at mm4p@bmsmusic.org.


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Are parents/caregivers allowed to stay for class?

Music Moves for Piano classes are drop-off classes, and parents/caregivers are not allowed to stay in the room during the class. However, parents are generally invited into the classroom each week at the end of class for announcements, etc..

Contact Us

Brookline Music School is a nonprofit organization that has provided excellence in music education to the Greater Boston community since 1924. We rely on the generous support of our donors to benefit the community through music.

Brookline Music School welcomes students of all ages. Enrollment is open year-round so students may begin private lesson study at any time. Join us!


Regular Hours

Monday to Friday: 9 am to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm

See the Lessons & Classes or Early Childhood calendars for holiday schedules including flex days, make-up days and closures.