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Beginning Piano Classes in Grants Pass

Imagine your child sitting at their own keyboard (wearing headphones), progressing at their own pace with individualized teacher support, surrounded by friends, confidently playing songs as they quickly progress through our carefully designed program.

In our Beginning Piano class, your child will build confidence, develop excellent musical skills, and discover the joy of making music. Providing double the weekly learning time of private lessons, our unique curriculum combines the strengths of two nationally respected group piano methods to create an engaging learning experience that is both enjoyable and highly effective.

Tuesdays @ 3 PM
Tuesdays @ 4 PM
Wednesdays @ 3 PM
Wednesdays @ 3:30 PM
Wednesdays @ 4:30 PM
Thursdays @ 4 PM
Fridays @ 3 PM

​What does the class look like?

 

The first 30 minutes of class are devoted almost entirely to playing. As your child learns and plays songs, the Piano Express App on the connected chromebook provides immediate feedback and help for making corrections and then provides awards for each success -- a strong motivation to master each piece! The teacher moves throughout the room, working one-on-one with each student, offering encouragement, reinforcing proper playing technique, answering questions, and helping them master any difficult sections of the music.

In the last half of the class, the headphones come off so the students can play songs together and participate in teacher-led activities that focus on proper playing technique, sight-reading, ear training, rhythm, improvisation, and beginning composition skills. We often run the entire 2nd half of the class as a game, using a spinner and moving around a gameboard posted at the front of the room as we do each music activity. The winner gets a prize. This is a favorite part of the class for many and is an enjoyable way to learn music concepts!

FAQs:

What piano methods do you use?

Our Beginner Piano program combines the strengths of the Piano Express and Mayron Cole methods. Both are highly acclaimed group piano curricula that dovetail effectively together, providing a carefully structured approach that is also very motivating! Your child will learn to read music, develop strong rhythm, note-reading, and keyboard skills, create their own music, and play with confidence.

Why choose group piano instead of private lessons?

Group piano offers the best of both worlds. To begin with, student get twice the time with the teacher as in private lessons. Every student has their own keyboard and progresses at an individual pace while also enjoying the encouragement and motivation that comes from learning with friends. Students develop confidence, listening skills, teamwork, and musicianship through group activities and ensemble playing, while still receiving individualized instruction from the teacher throughout each lesson.

Will my child receive individual attention?

Absolutely. During the first half of every class, the teacher works individually with each student, providing personalized instruction, reinforcing proper technique, answering questions, and helping students master each song before moving on.

What if my child has never played the piano before?

Perfect! Our Beginning Piano classes are specifically designed for complete beginners. No previous musical experience is necessary.

Does my child need a piano at home?

Yes. Regular home practice is essential for steady progress. We recommend a full-size digital keyboard with touch-sensitive weighted or semi-weighted keys.

How much should my child practice?

For most beginning students, 10–15 minutes a day, five or six days each week is ideal. Consistent, shorter practice sessions are far more effective than practicing for a long time only once or twice a week. However, if your schedule only allows for a few days a week, your child will still make progress, just not as quickly.

How many students are in each class?

We intentionally keep our class sizes small—typically 4 to 5 students—so every child receives plenty of individual attention while enjoying the fun and motivation of learning alongside friends.

What should my child bring to class?

Students should bring: -Their music bag (which they will receive the first day) -All piano lesson books -A positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

How can I help my child succeed?

Parents play an important role in their child’s success. You can help by: -Establishing a consistent practice routine -Encouraging effort and celebrating progress. -Recognizing each new accomplishment, no matter how small. -Attending performances and celebrating your child’s musical journey.

Are the classes fun?

Absolutely! We believe children learn best when they enjoy learning. Our classes combine engaging songs, games, ensemble playing, technology, and positive encouragement to create an environment where students look forward to coming each week. Our goal is to help every child develop a lifelong love of music while building a strong musical foundation.

Where can this class lead?

Your child will learn to play new and familiar songs in this beginning class. As they progress in their piano playing ability, their teacher will help them to choose additional songs they wish to learn that reflect your child's musical preferences. As your child continues in our group piano program, they will develop the skills and confidence to perform increasingly challenging music and, if they choose, prepare for nationally recognized piano exams such as Piano Adventures and ABRSM. For students who choose to pursue music beyond high school, preparation for ABRSM examinations builds a strong musical foundation and leads to internationally recognized credentials respected by colleges, universities, and conservatories worldwide.

Will my child eventually need private lessons?

Not necessarily. Our group piano curriculum is designed to continue well beyond the beginner level, and many students enjoy the benefits of learning in a group for years. The group setting provides ongoing motivation, ensemble playing opportunities, and the encouragement that comes from learning alongside friends. Some students eventually choose private lessons based on their individual goals and interests. Private lessons can be a great option for students who wish to focus on a particular musical style, prepare for auditions or college music study, or to pursue other specialized musical goals.

Meet the Instructors

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Deborah Pratt

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Stefan Barboza

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Celesta Brown

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Charter Schools

Is your child enrolled with Logos, Reach, or Teach Northwest Charter Schools?  
We are a Community Partner! During the school year these charter schools will help pay for your child's music classes or lessons if you are enrolled with them.

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Southern Oregon School of Music

141 NW C Street

Grants Pass, OR  97526​​

Contact Us:

​(541) 226-2300

email@soschoolofmusic.com

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Office Hours   

Monday-Friday: 10:00-5:30

Formerly known as Music4Kids. In September of 2025 Music4Kids changed it's name to Southern Oregon School of Music to better reflect their music lessons and classes for all ages including adults.  

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©2026 by Pratt Enterprises, Inc.

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