Method

Image from page 199 of Pariserliv i Firserne ... Medtalrige Illustrationer - 1885 - The British Library, United Kingdom - Public Domain. http://www.europeana.eu/es/item/2059209/data_sounds_11306789853

Learner Centered Approach

Besides all methodology and modern computer applications, I still believe that the starting point for all learning should be you, the learner. And I ask you to reflect on a few questions before engaging in your piano adventure:

• What is your motivation? 
• Why do you want to invest time and money in learning to play the piano? 
• Do you have concrete goals? 
• Or is it a requirement to excercise your profession as a primary teacher, a music therapist or an entertainer?
• Do you use music for your recreation and personal leisure?
• Do you feel that it has a healing effect or shall it simply entertain?
• Perhaps, you share your passion with friends and family and want to play in an ensemble?
• Or you might be simply curious?

Then let me know, what recourses you have available:

• Do you have already a piano?
• What are your computer skills?
• Do you have an Internet connection?
• What are your music skills?
• What is your general life experience with music?

That is all I need to know from you. Now it's my turn. I combine three methods for teaching the piano: 

1. Adaptive learning
2. Music therapy
3. Orff Approach

Adaptive learning

In general terms adaptive learning, also known as adaptive teaching, is a method that uses computer algorythms and artificial intelligence in order to modify the interaction between the learner and the learning tools. In the case of Piano Marvel this includes:

• Learning goals based on previous knowledge, time and interests
• Learning approaches based on learners' skills and preferences
• Different learning paths from which to choose (clasical graded methods, Orff and other interaction based approaches, etc.)

Further, as a teacher specialized in CLIL, STE(A)M, and Active Learning Methodologies, as your piano coach, I offer specific programmes for learners who wish to integrate:

• Foreign language learning
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Arts and Mathematics curriculum
• Learning experiences outside the classroom (in Museums, with horses, on field trips)
• Intergenerational learning (with the whole family)

Music therapy

In ancient Mesopotamia people believed that music has a magical power, with the ability to heal or to tear down walls.

Al-Farabi was an Islamic scholar who based his whole philosophy on music, similar to the ancient knowledge of the Indian Vedic tradition.

Through Al-Farabi this wisdom came to Europe, where it helped us to understand knowledge in Aristotle and the Pytagoreans better.

These are the predecessors for modern music therapy. As a trained music therapist I understand learning as a wholistic approach, which can have a healing or a destructive effect. This implies an ethical responsibility for the teacher. And it also offers the opportunity to use your music lesson for a far more integral approach to personal development if you wish.

Orff approach

There are four stages in the Orff Approach: 

1. imitation
2. exploration
3. improvisation
4. composition

We learn by imitating others through copy cat pieces or an interpretative reproduction. Check out the specific training section in Piano Marvel.

The exploration phase streches the possibilities of our instriument and experiments with other instruments. In this context we can also make use of the specific abilities of our MIDI piano, creating music that an accousting instrument would not allow to reproduce or adapt pieces for virtualr worlds such as Minecraft or Mozilla Hubs. A great help are the rhythm patterns for piano in Piano Marvel, and the pieces from drums.

Improvisation is piano performance without prior preparation, in this fiel we take advantage of the regular SASR training in Piano Marvel, that prepares us for this skill.

Finally, you shall apply all the learnt in your own compositions, starting from small pieces and supported by technological tools such as Hookpad.