FAQs about Foundation Method

We are sharing with you questions that have been asked of us, and some likely to be asked. We deeply appreciate the questions as they help us to refine what has been a great foundational teaching tool for us to the benefit of our students.

1. Why does it sound like the same thing over and over?
We are using an approach of repetition to isolate an important set of music elements. By so doing we are able to concentrate on these elements without distraction. We use what becomes a familiar tune, and add variation with each new element that is introduced.

2. Why don't the students use a book?
They will, but not right at the beginning! Our approach allows the student to learn in the same way that a child learns a language--by hearing it over and over. After some time, that child is taught the alphabet and then learns to read after being able to speak. We have them play music, then read the music they have learnt to play. All the music that is used is scored and printed for teachers. When the student reaches "E" s/he will see the scores in "Eyeplay".

3. How long does it take for the students to play something?
Well, in the first lesson, the student will learn a TUNE--the most basic unit of a song. Then, throughout the thirty lessons of a year, that tune will be developed with harmony, rhythm, articulation, and dynamics, all with the ability to transpose to other keys.

4. Should we stop taking the book even though our child started with it?
Some of our students started in more conventional methods--both those who started here, and those referred to us from other schools/teachers. Of those, some have been "retrofitted" in our Method completely; others work between both; and a few have been exempted--all of the foregoing at the discretion of our teachers.

5. When did ColeMusiq start using this method?
We did our first testing of the Method during the 2006/2007 school year. The primary developer worked with a corps of students, revising the effort over and over during the year. Training sessions were held with piano teachers in the summer of 2007. The first year of full implementation with new students was 2007/2008.

5. How long does it take to complete the Method?
The Method is thirty (30) lessons over a three term period, meaning one school year. It is pitched for absolute beginners in their early teen to young adult years. Young children will usually take considerably longer as will middle and older adults.

6. How much practice is required each day to complete the Method?
About 45 minutes of practice is necessary every day in order to complete the Method in 30 lessons as pitched. Please see STANDARDS.