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Frequently Asked Questions

What age can my child start at Yamaha?

Yamaha Music Education has age guidelines to ensure children begin our courses at the most appropriate time educationally and developmentally. Our experience has shown that when children enter too early they can experience difficulty further into the course, as the skills they require are not as strong. Children can start our courses from age 3½.

Do I have to purchase a keyboard when my child begins a Junior Music or Young Musicians Course at Yamaha? What kind of instrument should I buy?

Yes, you need to have an instrument at home. It can be any type of Yamaha keyboard instrument as long as it has sufficient key range (61 keys or more); it must have standard-size keys and be in good-working condition. It is ideal to provide the child with a good instrument as early as possible. Yamaha has a great range of keyboards available for students. Please avail of our discounts to purchase your Yamaha instrument. www.yamahamusicschool.com.au/dealers/

What instrument will my child learn to play in Junior Music?

In the Junior Music Course (JMC), the emphasis is on music fundamentals instead of on the acquisition of technical mastery of any instrument. JMC uses electronic keyboards. However, students develop basic keyboard skills which can be transferred to the piano. Through a variety of musical subjects taught in class, the elements learned can be applied to the study of any musical instrument or voice.

What about learning other instruments?

At Yamaha we feel that the keyboard is the most appropriate instrument to begin on as it requires coordination from both hands, and students learn to read both treble and bass clefs. We have found that after learning on a keyboard picking up another instrument is much easier. We offer other courses in guitar, drums, piano and violin for older children and adults.

What if my child is faster or slower than the others in class?

As children are involved in a variety of activities in the lesson, it is possible that each child may develop some skills faster than others. While one child may sing well, another may have good rhythmic sense. Instructors have been trained to deal with the individual differences of children in a group lesson, and can facilitate children’s development in learning from one another’s strengths. This is one of the many benefits from learning in a group class.

How long is a semester and what are the term dates?

Yamaha follows the school year in each state. Semester One is January to June/July (Terms 1 and 2) and Semester Two is July to December (Terms 3 and 4).

Will my child who is 6 be too old compared with other children who begin the course at 4½?

Every class situation comprises children with different abilities and development and Yamaha teachers are skilled at handling mixed ability classrooms. In addition, Yamaha courses are designed to cater for this with a wide range of activities to maintain children's engagement. Teachers plan their lesson presentation carefully to provide new challenges and confirmation for deep undersranding. Children also learn from each other, and a range of ages actually helps children in their learning.

Why are electronic keyboards used in class?

The keyboard instrument is the ideal tool to obtain basic music abilities because:

It can produce constant, accurate pitch to help train the ear.
The individual notes are laid out in a clear way.
Even for small hands, it is easy to produce a sound.
Using an electronic keyboard will expose children to a variety of orchestral sounds.