Foundations
Advance registration availableDo you or your child already play the piano? Deepen your knowledge, read sheet music with greater confidence, and play together with others.
Pre-register (no obligation)99 € per month · Materials included
In the Foundations class, you or your child will build on your basic piano skills. You should be able to navigate the keyboard, already play with both hands, and be eager to learn more about music and practice. We assign students to groups based on their skill level. Age and prior participation in a KeyNotes course do not determine placement.
Here's what you can expect from the course
Participants read sheet music and note intervals and play them directly on the piano. They learn to recognize whether a melody goes up or down. They also practice sight-reading: playing an unfamiliar piece directly from the sheet music.
Students practice finger control and coordination between both hands. They play notes either connected or separated from one another and listen to how the sound changes. In this way, they learn to use technique specifically to express the character of a piece.
Whether alone, in a duet, or in a group: The students practice their own parts and coordinate them with others. In doing so, they pay attention to their entry points, listen to one another, and learn to play together as an ensemble.
Participants learn about keys and chords by playing pieces and creating their own music. They adjust the volume and shape melodic phrases. In the process, they hear how the expression changes and bring their ideas to life on the piano.
Participants perform pieces on topics such as movies, world travel, or space. They listen to music, try out their own ideas, and practice reading sheet music and technique directly through these pieces.
When reading sheet music, participants pay attention to whether the melody rises or falls and how far apart the notes are. They associate these patterns with the note names and gradually learn to play new pieces on their own.
The accompaniment tracks match the style of the pieces. In the workbooks, participants will find exercises at various difficulty levels. This allows them to practice their own parts while still playing together.
The Learning Path in Foundations
Participants read sheet music in the treble clef and play it directly on the piano. They practice melodies, identify intervals, and change their hand positions as they play. In this way, they become increasingly confident in finding the right keys.
Participants learn to read notes in the bass clef and combine both staves while playing. To do this, they practice new rhythms, keys, and chords, thereby expanding their playing with both hands.
The KeyNotes Concept
We sing many songs in English and use English note names and workbooks. We explain the exercises in German.
If you're already familiar with German note names, we'll explain the differences right at the piano: The German "H" is "B" in English. The sound, key, and note position remain the same.
Foundations
We meet once a week for 45 minutes in a small group. Classes are suspended during Bavarian school breaks and on school holidays.
To practice at home, you'll need an instrument with 88 touch-sensitive keys. You can buy, borrow, or rent one. If you decide to purchase a digital piano, we recommend one with weighted keys. Our partner, startmusic, rents digital pianos starting at €29 per month. The rental fee is in addition to the cost of lessons.
Foundations in Small Groups
99 € per month
One-time €49 registration fee for "
" (including sheet music)
As soon as a suitable group starts, we'll contact you personally and invite you to a free trial class.
Pre-register (no obligation)Your pre-registration is non-binding.
Just give it a try
Please let us know if you're interested in Foundations by filling out our inquiry form.
We'll contact you personally as soon as a suitable group starts, and we'll schedule the trial session with you.
Experience "Foundations" in a free trial lesson. Together, we'll see how the program builds on your existing piano skills.
Good to Know
No. For the Foundations courses, you or your child should already have a solid grasp of the basics—for example, from Storytellers, KeyNotes Play, or private lessons. If you're just starting out, we'd be happy to help you choose a different KeyNotes program.
No. We’ll assess what you or your child can already do on the piano: Can you find your way around the keyboard? Do you already play with both hands? Would you like to learn more about music and practice regularly? Based on that, we’ll choose the right group for you.
No. You or your child can join the class even if you've previously taken lessons using a different piano method. What matters most is what you already know how to do on the piano.
Together, we'll see how well you or your child can find the keys, play with both hands, and read music. Then we'll choose a level with appropriate exercises.
We select exercises from the workbooks that match each participant’s skill level. Everyone practices their own part and then plays in a duet or in a group. This way, participants work toward their individual goals while still making music together.
We assign appropriate tasks from the lesson and provide practice materials and videos. Parents also receive Parent Practice Sheets with specific tasks and tips to help their child at home.
We provide everyone with a keyboard or electric piano featuring standard-sized, touch-sensitive keys. Participants use these to practice their own parts and then play in duets or with the group. We also use an acoustic piano.
Advance registration available
Use our trial class form to request the course of your choice. We'll add you to our list with no obligation and contact you personally as soon as a suitable group starts. Then you can try out the class for free.
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