About the Harmony Road Program

“Bringing children to music for more than 30 years…..step by step”

I am proud to offer the HARMONY ROAD MUSIC COURSE, an international successful music instruction program, with participating schools located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. It is ideal to provide the basis for more advanced musical training as well as a lifetime of enjoyment of music.

The founder and composer, Jan Keyser, Portland, Oregon, USA, launched the first course in 1981. She developed her program with the strong believe that all children have an inner ability to learn and enjoy music, if the doors are open at the right time. “Much like putting data on a computer, we give very young students patterns of pitch and rhythms that will build their skills as they grow and develop.” Jan Keyser.

Harmony Road is a piano based music course for children. Although many other young children's music programs sing, dance and use rhythm instruments, they do not teach your child to play an instrument.

Harmony Road curriculum uses a total approach to music training through hearing, singing and playing. Courses follow a logical flow from one level to the next, providing students with a strong musical foundation.

Key distinctions include:

• Total music, rather than just playing the piano.
• Student's have the freedom to be creative by writing music, transposing and improvising.
• Learning to play ensembles where each person is playing a different part as in a "keyboard" band.
• A fun learning environment without the pressure to be perfect.
  

It is a Group Musicianship class curriculum includes four lesson elements: keyboard discovery and skills; solfege singing and ear training; rhythm and movement activities; and music improvisation and composing.

Parent participation is essential part of Harmony Road philosophy. Parent's involvement is a key factor in a student's success. All class environment provides a dynamic setting where students and you, parent, enjoy making music together! You may become a part of a rhythm ensemble or in a singing game or movement activities. Parents are very helpful guides for keyboard activities. They assist their child with home activities projects. Music class provides a very specific opportunity for bonding with your child. With the right support from you, playing music will become a natural part of your child's life.

Advantage to learn in a group atmosphere is the other essential part of Harmony Road philosophy. Every child loves music, music is a child's play, and children love to play together. During the classes, children learn from each other, become better sight readers, better “counters”, ensemble musicians, and better relaxed performers (they perform every single lesson in front of each other, their parents and the teacher).  Their motivation is higher. The students come to piano lessons prepared and ready to learn more! In a group team each child feels more comfortable for creativity and self-expression. The class become into a little orchestra and a teacher into a conductor.