HomeSchoolPiano

Name: HomeSchoolPiano
Brand: HomeSchoolPianohttps://homeschoolpiano.com/

by HomeSchoolPianohttps://homeschoolpiano.com/

ArtGrades 1–12

About This Curriculum

Online piano curriculum featuring video lessons by Willie Myette that teaches keyboard skills, music reading, improvisation, and composition through a comprehensive 6-step method.

What makes it unique: Unique focus on improvisation and composition from the beginning, developing complete musicians rather than just note-readers, with jazz-influenced teaching methodology

HomeSchoolPiano: Online Piano Instruction with Improvisation Focus

HomeSchoolPiano is an online piano curriculum by Willie Myette that teaches keyboard skills, music reading, and composition through video lessons for grades 1-12. The program emphasizes improvisation and creative music-making alongside traditional piano technique instruction.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking comprehensive piano instruction for multiple children ages 6 and up, particularly those wanting to include improvisation and creative music-making alongside traditional technique

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 2 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The program features clear direct instruction through video demonstrations where Willie models techniques with visual keyboard guidance.

Reviews describe Willie's clear teaching manner with 'virtual keyboard displayed above his actual keyboard using dark orange color to identify keys being played' and thorough explanations with repetition for retention

Structured Vs OpenStrength

The program effectively balances structured technique instruction with creative exploration through improvisation components from the beginning levels.

Reviews consistently praise the early inclusion of improvisation alongside structured lessons, with one reviewer noting students 'start using keys in the first lesson' and are 'encouraged to experiment and play around from the start'

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum teaches music-specific vocabulary and includes Willie's own vocalization system for rhythm understanding.

Reviews mention teaching of treble clef terminology ('treble clef OR G clef'), Willie's vocalization system using syllables like 'dah for quarter note and doo-oo for half note,' and music theory basics

Technique InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides structured instruction in piano techniques including fingering, keyboard skills, proper sitting position, and grab technique through progressive video lessons.

Reviews mention explicit instruction in fingering techniques, proper sitting position, grab technique, five-finger scales, and Willie demonstrates piano skills throughout lessons with clear visual guidance

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes supportive materials for non-musical parents but lacks comprehensive teacher training components.

Reviews mention downloadable PDF files for sheet music, clear video instructions, and that 'older students should be able to work independently,' but formal teacher training materials are not described

Art History KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum introduces different musical styles including jazz, rock, and classical, though comprehensive music history coverage is not clearly evident.

Reviews note that Myette introduces different musical styles and mentions his jazz background, but detailed music history or cultural context instruction is not specifically described

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, walkingfruitfully.com

Review Sources

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Key Facts

GradesGrades 1–12

SubjectArt

PedagogyUnschooling

Faith-BasedNo

FormatDigital

PricingMonthly subscription: $19.95/month for one student or $199.95/year; Family pricing available based on total students. Lifetime options previously available: $299 one-time payment or three payments of $99.97 for up to 5 students (pricing as of 2024)

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