The Filial Piano Method

a home school piano method

NOTICE: THE FILIAL PIANO METHOD IS STILL IN THE TESTING PHASE. COMPLETION DATE IS CURRENTLY UNDETERMINED.

WHAT IT IS

The Filial Piano Method (FPM) is new and unconventional method of learning the piano teaches the non-musical parent and child together how to play piano. As parental involvement in a young child's music education and home practice is essential for success, this method runs with that concept and makes the parent's involvement essential with minimal outside teacher help.

The FPM is focused mainly toward the home-schooling parent and child but is suitable for any parent who is willing to take a little time out of their day to give their child a solid musical education. The FPM also addresses common problems associated with numerous other piano method books and prevents them before they start.

HOW IT WORKS

The lessons of the FPM are organized like many other curriculum books. The format was inspired by Seigfried Engelmann's Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. The lessons are generally one to two pages long and are divided into three sub lessons, each to be done on three separate days during the week. Each sub lesson takes generally 5 to 15 minutes each, depending on the child's age, focus and natural understanding. This gives a very structured plan for the parent which is essential to any home schooling program.

WHAT PROBLEMS THE FPM ADDRESSES

Dependence on finger numbers
Dependence on note letter names (ABCDEFG)
Introduction of intervals too late
Hand and finger independence
Various rhythmic difficulties

These are just a handful of the many problems with learning the piano the FPM faces and (hopefully) solves for future students.

HOW ELSE THE FPM IS DIFFERENT

Clefs are introduced as they once were over 400 years ago, as a "movable C clef" fostering a deeper understanding of what a clef really is.
The Staff is introduced as three lines instead of five, making it easier to notice the different note locations.
Time Signatures are introduced in a way that makes more sense especially to children who haven't learned fractions yet.

WHAT IT INCLUDES

Purchasing the FPM package includes lifetime downloads to all lessons (final number of lessons is TBD) and worksheets in pdf format and all updates that are made to the FPM for life. Video evaluations of student are given by myself or another professional piano teacher for every level of lesson (usually every 10 lessons) to track their progress and provide help and support if needed. Lastly, access to the FPM youtube channel for all lesson exercises and instructional examples and any updates that are made to these videos or added videos for life.

WHAT ELSE YOU'LL NEED

You will need to obtain a suitable piano or keyboard on your own. If you are in the market for an acoustic piano, it is highly suggested that a local piano store or piano technician be consulted on purchasing a good condition piano. If you are in the market for an electric keyboard, which I happen to recommend, the most important thing is to get a full sized new or gently used keyboard with fully weighted keys. Here are a few models to consider: Casio Privia PX160BK, Roland FP-30, Yamaha P45. I myself own the Roland.

Second, if you are buying an acoustic piano, you will also need to obtain a metronome or metronome app for smartphone or tablet/ipad (all digital pianos now come with a built in metronome). Many great free apps exist out there so if you already have a "smart" device, this is a great alternative to buying a separate device. Other than those two things, having a printer to print the lessons is the only other necessary item you need.

WHO IT IS FOR

The FPM is intended for children ages 4 to 12 with the constant help of a parent or guardian, especially the younger they are. This is because the language is very basic and the progression is very slow, allowing the youngest learner to grasp onto concepts and master musical skills that will enable them to be successful. Methods for teens and adults will progress at a much more appropriate pace.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to participate in a trial.

Try it Free, No Strings Attached!