Our Custom Piano Curriculum
Building Lifelong Musicians—Not Just Piano Players
At Last Frontier Piano Studio, our curriculum is designed to help students develop confident musicianship, strong technique, and a lifelong love of music.
In the beginning stages, method books provide an important foundation for learning, but each student's curriculum is thoughtfully tailored to their individual goals, learning style, pace, and musical interests. Piano Safari is the primary method used with many beginning students because of its strong focus on technique, musical understanding, and creativity. However, I carefully select method books, repertoire, and supplemental materials that best support each student's growth. This personalized approach is why the studio offers four curriculum options, allowing each student to begin with materials that best fit their needs.
Students don't simply learn songs—they learn how music works. Through technique, theory, ear training, sight-reading, and musical exploration, students develop the skills needed to become independent and confident musicians..
Method Books We Use
Why Our Curriculum Works
Research-backed and widely respected
Develops strong music reading skills
Builds healthy whole body piano technique
Encourages creativity and confidence
Teaches sound before notation
Creates a solid foundation for classical study
More Than Just a Page-Turner Studio
Not every student begins their musical journey with us, and students come from a variety of backgrounds and learning experiences.
While method books provide a helpful framework for learning, we believe students need more than simply moving from one page to the next. This is why we supplement our curriculum heavily with additional repertoire, technique exercises, theory activities, ear training, sight-reading, and other learning resources. These materials allow us to address each student's individual needs and create a more complete musical education.
Whether a student is beginning lessons or transferring from another teacher, our goal is to help them grow as a well-rounded musician. Students can continue building on the skills they already have while developing strong foundations, confidence, and a deeper understanding of music.
What Students Learn
Every lesson is designed to help students grow into independent, confident musicians. Students develop:
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Musical Literacy
Read music fluently instead of relying on memorization.
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Listening & Ear Training
Develop strong listening skills and understand music beyond what's written on the page.
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Healthy Technique
Build efficient, relaxed playing habits that support long-term success.
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Creativity & Composition
Explore composition, improvisation, theory, and personal musical expression.
Growing Beyond Method Books
A Curriculum That Grows With Your Child
As students complete method books, their learning expands into carefully selected classical literature and additional contemporary repertoire based on their interests, needs and goals.
This may include:
RCM materials
Keith Snell Piano Literature
Bastien Piano Literature
Other graded classical collections
Every student progresses at their own pace while receiving individualized guidance and encouragement.
Some Supplemental Books We Use in the Studio
Museum Masterpieces
Jungle Beat
Beware the Jabberwock
Solo Xtreme
Grand Solos For Piano
Perfect Patterns
Historical literature
Historical literature is an important part of a well-rounded musical education at our studio. Students explore music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras while developing technique, artistry, musical expression, and a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of piano music. Through studying composers and works from different time periods, students gain a better understanding of musical styles, interpretation, and the expressive choices that help bring each piece to life.
Classical Books
Modern Repertoire
Classical Foundations. Modern Music Too.
While classical training provides the foundation of our curriculum, many students also enjoy exploring contemporary music that connects with their personal interests and keeps them motivated. Depending on each student's goals, level, and musical development, lessons may include carefully selected modern repertoire that complements technical development, musical understanding, and overall growth.
Examples may include:
Movie themes
Disney music
Pop arrangements
Jazz-inspired pieces and collections
Contemporary piano literature
Modern music is used to complement—not replace—the strong musical foundation students develop through classical study. Our goal is to help students become well-rounded musicians who can appreciate and perform a variety of musical styles while continuing to build strong skills at the piano.
What We Don’t Teach
Our studio focuses on traditional, skill-based piano education. While we enjoy incorporating a variety of musical styles, we do not teach chord charts and improvisation-focused instruction.
Why Families Appreciate Our Curriculum
Parents consistently tell us they appreciate that their children:
Learn to read music confidently
Develop disciplined practice habits
Build confidence through performance
Enjoy lessons while making steady progress
Gain skills that last a lifetime
Ready to Build a Strong Musical Foundation?
Whether your child is just beginning piano or transferring from another studio, we'll create a learning plan that supports their goals and inspires a lifelong love of music.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more about our curriculum and determine whether Last Frontier Piano Studio is the right fit for your family.