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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase a keyboard when my child begins a JMC or YMC 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 keyboard instrument as long as it has sufficient key range (61 keys or more); it must have standard-size keys, accurate tuning 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.

How long is a semester?

Yamaha follows the school year in each state. Semester one is January to June/July (terms one and two) and semester two is July to December (terms three and four).

Is a private lesson better for my child?

The group lessons are fun and motivating, whilst following an outstanding syllabus that helps the children develop a strong musical ear and expressive musical performance skills. Group lessons also offer ensemble, composition and keyboard harmony activities, which complement private piano lessons as the children grow. Yamaha children have the opportunity to work towards exams including AMEB, and are consistently good achievers due to their strong musical foundations.

What about learning other instruments?

At Yamaha we feel that the keyboard is the most appropriate instrument to begin on as it requires co-ordination 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 instruments like violin and drums for older children.

What age can my child start at Yamaha?

Yamaha Music Education Centre 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.

What are the Yamaha term dates?

To keep it simple, Yamaha's term dates are the same as the school term in your state:

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. Classes are designed in such a way that each child can realise his or her potential in appreciation for an understanding of music.

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.

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.

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.