At New Song School of the Arts, piano instruction follows a structured yet flexible approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace while mastering the core skills necessary to play proficiently. Each lesson is tailored to individual goals, but all students build a strong foundation in key areas such as sight reading, rhythm, technique, music theory, ear training, and performance.

For both children and adults, lessons include:

Sight Reading

• Understanding the Language of Music: Continuous sight-reading exercises are essential for helping students master the language of music. By regularly practicing note reading, students develop the ability to quickly interpret musical notation, improving their overall musicianship and versatility. Whether it’s reading chord charts, lead sheets, or classical scores, sight reading strengthens their ability to play new pieces accurately and fluently. This foundational skill is crucial for guitarists, bassists, and musicians of all levels, allowing them to engage with various musical styles and perform confidently in both solo and ensemble settings.

Rhythm

• The Heartbeat of Music: Developing strong rhythm skills is essential for helping students understand, feel, and play music with accuracy and groove. Rhythm is the foundation of all musical styles, from rock and jazz to classical and pop. Through consistent practice with rhythmic exercises, metronome work, and playing in ensembles, students learn to internalize timing, syncopation, and tempo changes. Mastering rhythm enables guitarists, bassists, and all musicians to lock in with a band, improve their timing, and create a solid foundation for both solo performances and group settings, making them more versatile and confident musicians.

Technique

• Promoting Musicianship & Artistry: Developing proper technique is essential for promoting musicianship and artistry. By focusing on proper hand positioning, finger strength, dexterity, and accuracy, students build a strong technical foundation that enhances their playing across all styles of music. Instructors ensure both acoustic and electric guitar students develop key skills, such as lead and rhythm playing for electric guitar, and fingerstyle or strumming patterns for acoustic guitar. Mastering these techniques enables students to play with precision and expression, improving their overall musical performance and artistic development. Proper technique prevents injury and allows for greater versatility, whether performing complex solos, rhythmic accompaniments, or improvisations.

Music Theory

• Deepening Appreciation and Understanding: Incorporating regular music theory lessons is essential for students to deepen their appreciation and understanding of how music works. By assigning theory exercises and holding students accountable for completing them each week, instructors help guitarists grasp key concepts such as scales, chord progressions, intervals, and harmony. Whether focusing on acoustic or electric guitar, understanding music theory allows students to improve their improvisation, songwriting, and overall musicianship. Strong theory knowledge empowers students to apply these principles in their playing, enhancing their ability to read sheet music, create original compositions, and perform with confidence across various musical genres.

Ear Training

• Empowering & Equipping Musicians to Play by Ear: Incorporating ear training alongside music theory equips students with the tools needed to confidently play by ear. By developing the ability to recognize intervals, chords, and melodies, guitar students can hear and replicate the natural phrasing, dynamics, and shape of the music they encounter. This skill enhances improvisation and songwriting and allows students to engage with music on a deeper level, identifying key progressions and harmonic structures. Whether playing acoustic or electric guitar, ear training empowers musicians to pick up songs more quickly, improvise with ease, and perform with greater musicality and expression, building their versatility and confidence.
• Creative Exploration and Improvisation: As students gain technical proficiency, they are encouraged to explore their creative side through improvisation and composition. Electric guitar students, in particular, will learn how to solo over chord progressions, utilize effects pedals, and create their own riffs. Acoustic guitarists may focus on songwriting and accompanying vocals, while bass guitar students will work on creating original bass lines that fit within the context of a band or chart.

Performance

• Becoming a Well-Rounded Musician: Learning to prepare, polish, and perform music is key to building self-esteem and confidence in students. Regular performance opportunities help guitarists improve stage presence, timing, and collaboration, whether in solo or ensemble settings. Bass guitarists focus on creating solid rhythm and groove, essential for band performances, while acoustic guitarists often work on vocal accompaniment or solo acoustic sets. Performance helps students overcome stage fright, engage with audiences, and develop discipline and perseverance, shaping them into confident, well-rounded musicians.

New Song School of the Arts’ piano program also emphasizes personalized learning goals to help students achieve specific milestones, whether it’s mastering a challenging piece, improving sight-reading, or composing original music. By focusing on a comprehensive and balanced approach, students become proficient pianists and develop a deep appreciation for music as an art form.