History: Keyboard Skills Curriculum

The more you teach, the more you learn about your teaching

As teachers, we continually search and sometimes, even struggle, to answer the “How”s, “Why”s, and “What if”s.

In spite of 50+ years of collective teaching experience, we were still dissatisfied with the level of our students’ accomplishment in group piano. For one, they did not have a high degree of physical comfort-they lacked true coordination and were tense in their wrists and hands. In addition, they simply did not retain and transfer the information they were taught. They appeared to lack motivation and never seemed to practice enough. “Something was wrong and we had to fix it!”

So, we reevaluated, reconsidered, redesigned, and were rejuvenated!

We pride ourselves in delivering the best education possible to our students.

This critical turning point led us on a journey in which we tried to better understand our students’ needs and even reassessed our own teaching styles. This journey was revealing and rewarding to us as teachers. In fact, it was life-altering.

The result was a complete overhaul of our approach.

We began to create new teaching materials that reflected our students’ preference for visual and audio formats and exploited their comfort with the internet.

We adopted a pacing and sequence that was more realistic and included more reinforcement. We took advantage of videos to give a special focus toward acquiring physical skills at the piano. We integrated all our materials to create a holistic curriculum-one in which students could apply the same content in a variety of related activities. In short, we connected the dots…

eNovativePiano is the evolution and essence of this transformation.

Online and available to students 24/7, this multimedia library is making a difference.

Our students are more engaged and independent in their learning and have demonstrated increased agility at the piano. As music educators, we are encouraged. With eNovativePiano, we look forward to our continued path in developing, redefining, and reaching out in the music making world.

What Teachers are Saying about eNovativePiano

Immediately Noticed the Difference

“At the beginning of each semester, I immediately noticed the difference between using a regular book and using eNovativePiano. The students are able to have practice sessions that are more productive because of the video clips. Their hand position has been so much better because of the visual reminders. Their rhythm has also greatly improved. I have loved using eNovativePiano. Thank you so much for putting the program together and allowing the rest of us to use it in our classrooms, as well!”

Dr. Margaret Perry, University of the Pacific

Develops All the Senses

“I’ve been using eNovativePiano as the primary curriculum for our music major piano classes this fall. The approach is thought out very well. It develops all the senses – aural, visual, tactile – for musical fluency at the keyboard. Having the videos and audio exercises available for the students, both in and out of the classroom via internet, is a plus as well. I would strongly encourage any teacher or student to consider using it in their lessons.”

Dr. Christy Vogt Corley, McNeese State University, LA

Increased Proficiency Completion Rates

“We really enjoyed using eNovativePiano this year. Our proficiency completion rates went up an average of 11% this year, up from previous years, and the sight-reading category in particular was much improved. We will definitely use it next year. Just let us know what it takes to make that happen, and we’ll do it!”

Dr. Jonathan Reed, Warner University, FL

Flexible & Convenient

“Students like the flexibility that allows them to move at their own pace, whether pushing forward to new material or, if necessary, repeating portions already covered. They especially enjoy the convenience of the program. They don’t have to bring a book to class, and they can do many of the activities away from the piano. They’ve even told me they can “practice” some of the exercises on their cell phones – without the piano OR computer!”

Dr. La Wanda Blakeney, Louisiana State University at Shreveport

Excellent Tutorial Videos

“An excellent concise format for introducing and reinforcing pattern reading through practice drills and manageable repertoire pieces. Great inclusion of harmonization and improvisation exercises. The website stresses the keyboard skills needed for most instrumentalists and provides an excellent tutorial videos for students to practice outside of class time.”

Dr. Rose Grace, Bethune-Cookman University, FL

Refreshing & Much More Interesting

“. . . compared to the textbook which I have used for the last umpteen years, I found it refreshing and much more interesting. Thanks again for creating such a wonderful, rich resource for class piano.”

Dr. Norma Brunner, Gordon College, MA

Amazing Results

“I teach 3rd-5th grade piano at an arts and technology school in a 16-keyboard lab setting without any assistance. eNovativePiano has brought ease and amazing results to a job that was nearly impossible and equally frustrating. This wonderful resource has helped me reach the goals that I have set for myself and for my students.”

Courtney Oubre, NCTM, J.W. James Arts and Technology Elementary School, Lafayette Parish, LA

Invaluable

“There is so much emphasis on proper technique – that’s invaluable. To hear the pieces being played and to see them being played, help you with the positioning of your hand and fingering. It so much better to have audio and video assist you.”

Blake Pujol, Sophomore Guitar Major in Jazz Studies, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Absolutely Love eNovativePiano

“After using eNovativePiano this year, I would not want to use anything else. I absolutely love eNovativePiano — I actually looked forward to my 8:00am piano classes this year! I think my class piano students achieved a much higher level of fluency using eNovativePiano and I’m especially pleased with the improvement in score reading and in sight reading. The harmonizations were great fun because of the wonderful sound files.”

Dr. Diana Belland, Northern Kentucky University

I LOVE Your Curriculum!

“I am officially 6 weeks in and I LOVE your curriculum. I have never had so many beginning adults students in class piano play with loose wrists, read notes with ease and have such solid rhythmic foundation.”

Amy Grinsteiner, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University

Can Tailor to Individual Students

“eNovativePiano has been a huge success here. The kids are working at all different levels and improving their skills, and when I was observed, my administrator was extremely impressed with the varied activities and how each student can truly work at their own pace. I think Grandview will be working with you guys for many years to come!”

Teresa Newman, Grandview High School

Meet the eNovators

50+ Years of Collective Teaching Experience

Susanna Garcia

Susanna Garcia has been teaching piano for over 40 years to students of every age and level. She has been an independent music teacher as well as a college professor and has taught in both the group and private lesson formats. Continue reading about Susanna Garcia…

Chan Kiat Lim

Chan Kiat Lim is active both as a private and group instructor. Grounded in the curriculum of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London and eventually receiving his conservatory training in the USA, Lim’s particular expertise and teaching approach is the fusion of these diverse musical worlds. Continue reading about Chan Kiat Lim…