How the lessons work

The emphasis is learning in a fun and instructive environment. Classes take place in local schools or halls, either after the school day, or on Saturdays. Lessons last for 1 hour, and are given weekly throughout local school term time. Children are taught in small groups and are provided with their own keyboard for the lessons. Parents are also able to attend lessons in order to help and support their children.

 

The Soundsteps Music Method

The Soundsteps Music Method is a complete teaching system and contains a unique and structured course of 15 Steps or books. The entire course stretches over 5 years allowing for a long-term relationship with pupils.

As well as learning how to play the keyboard, children are given an all round music education using musical games and quizzes which include aural and theory.

All children learn how to read, write and play music, and younger children learn through our Keyboard Street 'story book' of houses, shops and characters, which help to make the learning process easy and fun.

 

The Soundsteps teacher's manuals

The Soundsteps teacher's manuals, which accompany the 15 step series, provide teachers with detailed information on how to cover every lesson. Each lesson plan contains a copy of the music, and lists every point to cover in the lesson. The plans also give useful hints on how best to communicate the information in a child friendly way. There is also a booklet of game ideas called "Box of Tricks" which can be used at appropriate times in lessons.

 

The Soundsteps examination system

Soundsteps exams are optional for pupils, and take place at the end of each term. They provide valuable experience of the exam atmosphere whilst being encouraging and 'child friendly'. Each Step is graded and pupils are rewarded with a certificate, and report sheet which includes an end of term progress report. Soundsteps exams have proved to be an excellent way for children to develop towards taking Associated Board or Trinity Guildhall exams in the future.