The Music Program utilizes the Suzuki Method of teaching. Basically, this means, that with adequate practice, all students are taught in a way that they will be able to perform within a few months. We cannot underscore the need to practice, practice and practice.  If you feel that your son is not ready to practice on a regular and consistent basis, we suggest that he attends another elective in the Shaarei Arazim After School Program.

Any student that has been at least 3 semesters in our music program will be entitled to perform at our end of the year grand performance. Last year’s performance had an audience of over 700 people.

All students in the Keyboard class must have:

• A keyboard that has at least 61 keys, preferably with a plug. If they do not have a plug, they must have 2 sets of the correct size and amount of batteries. One set of batteries will be used in the keyboard and the second set to be left in the classroom.
• They will also must have headsets, and an adapter that connects the head sets to the keyboard. Earbuds that are frequently for phones, MP3 players, etc. are NOT recommended as they are not capable of handling larger sound sources such as keyboard. Standard over-the-ear headphones should work seamlessly with any keyboard. Most keyboards have a 1/4″ jack (adapters are easy to find in any music or electronics store), but sum do have 1/8″ (or 3.5 mm) jack. Please ensure that your son has the proper headset and adapter (if necessary) and that he brings it with him to each class.
• A folder for the music sheets & homework handouts.

Keyboard class on a Beginner level (1st semester): Students will learn the names of the keys and the proper fingering conducive to playing the keyboard. The concept behind musical notes will be visited and they will learn to play some simple songs. Students will also be taught some basic chords.

Yiddish Keyboard class on a Beginner/Intermediate levels (1st & 2nd semesters):  A special keyboard class in which the instructors are heimishe yungerlight who will be speaking in Yiddish only.

Keyboard class on an Intermediate level (2nd semester): Students will begin the basics of learning the notation aspect of sheet music. Students should be fluent with the names of the keys on the keyboard prior to attending this class. A little more emphasis will be placed on playing melody together with chords.

Keyboard class on an Advanced Intermediate level (3rd semester): Students should be able to play songs smoothly and without hesitation to enter the class. A lot more emphasis will be placed on playing melody and chords together and some more advanced chords may be introduced. Students will also begin to learn timing for sheet music reading.

Keyboard class on an Advanced level (4th semester): Students *MUST* be able to play by ear (this means that they can figure out a song on their own without the aid of sheet music) to be eligible for this class. A strong emphasis will be placed on proper timing while playing alone and with other musicians as this is an imperative skill to master for their Grand Performance at the end of the year. An introduction to the basics of music theory will be visited, provided that the class is ready and willing to delve into it.

Keyboard class on the Performance level: Students will now be joining a performance class where ensemble performance skills are practiced and honed together as an orchestra.

Looking to buy an instrument? Why not borrow first?

Keyboard is a classical instruments that every frum person starts and stops and has one sitting at the top of their closet somewhere. But, If you still insist on buying your own keyboard, a beginner 61 keys keyboard is relatively inexpensive. DB electronics from Lakewood will deliver for free, their number is 732-901-1280.