First Principles of Music

a unique approach

Our piano lessons, voice lessons, and digital music lessons follow a first principles approach to learning music. This approach allows for faster learning, better understanding, and longer retention by focusing on foundational truths instead of rote memorization. Our ultimate goal is provide a learning journey for our students which allows them to master their instrument in as little as two years. Time frames will vary depending on age, commitment level, and musical propensities, but most students can expect to realize about 80% of their musical potential in 2-3 years. Similar results tend to take between 8-10 years with traditional lessons.

Traditional Method: "Play the C Major scale in the right hand with fingers 1,2, and 3 and then tuck your thumb under and play 1,2,3,4,5. For your left hand, play 5,4,3,2,1 and then cross your middle finger over and play 3,2,1. Now, for B Major play the same fingers in the right hand but play 4,3,2,1 and then 4,3,2,1 again in the left hand. For Ab Major, play 2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3 in the right hand and 3,2,1,4,3,2,1 in the left hand. Memorize the different fingerings for all 12 major scales and then memorize the different fingerings for all 12 minor scales."

Vs.

First Principles Method: "Every scale has 7 notes in it. The best way to play 7 notes is by playing groups of 3 fingers followed by groups of 4 fingers or visa versa. 3+4 always equals 7! Now let's find the most comfortable place to fit those finger groupings into each scale". See how much easier that is? Now that you understand the foundational principle behind playing major and minor scales it's much easier to decipher the details.