In RSM, holistic music education

consists of the fundamentals we

teach to all music students

regardless of the choice of

instruments they want to learn. We

do not only teach how to play an

instrument, we teach MUSIC.

 Music Fundamentals are the core element of music - elements that makes a piece
of music such as pitch, melody, rhythm, harmony, form, tempo and dynamics. The
importance of these fundamentals in music learning is similar to learning
“phonics” and “A, B, C” for English language, or the importance of vowels in
learning any languages.

Music, as another form of universal language cannot do without a whole body

experiences in moving (Rhythm), listening and singing. Learning to play an
What are Music instrument requires such fundamental experiences which will promote musicality.
All students enrolling in any instrumental courses from the beginner level (age
Fundamentals? specific) must attend our music fundamental group class that teaches these basic
elements that are essential to any instrumental learning.

Why Group Classes? Apart from these basics, we teach beyond each page of music with creativity,
specially during early years of learning. We use a multi-sensory approach to teach
music fundamentals in small groups. This approach creates a solid foundation for
all young music students regardless of instruments they choose to learn later. We
The way we teach. encourage students to start off with group learning as this is the most effective
way of learning, focusing on music fundamentals using keyboard as the primary
tool.

Individual lessons for specific instruments or voice can then be learnt when young
student’s motor skills / vocal chords are ready to take up the required technical
challenges. Our group learning pathway is designed to build a strong music
foundation so that when students move on to the instrument of their choice later,
they will not only be able to learn faster, but will also have a broad understanding
of how music is created via music improvisation and creation.

Students will also be exposed to activities such as group and solo performance,
concerts, showcases, competitions, attending out-of-classroom activities such as
workshops, festivals as part of their music education journey. We believe that
music lessons should not be confined to classroom and individual learning only.
 OUR LEARNING PATHWAYS FOR GROUP LEARNING
Our Learning Pathways ENTRY LEVELS / AGE SPECIFICS

Age 3 Kinderbeat 1
Each of these components below is
the core to all musicians or music
Age 4 Kinderbeat 2
learners. It is not only about
understanding music theory or
knowing the technical parts of Age 4-6 Kinderbeat 3 Junior Piano 1-4
playing an instrument but also to
“feel and experience” these
elements as a musician. Age 7-12 Primary Piano 1 & 2

Age 13 and Accent Piano 1 & 2

• Pitch - sing and hear above

• Time - feel and move

• Tone - listen and experience

• Harmony - sing, listen and play

ADVANCE COURSES (Optional - Recommended Group Lessons)

• Shape - Feel and express

Achiever Piano 1Advance Courses (Preliminary to Grade 1)
• Form - think and organise Achiever Piano 2 (Grade 1 to 2)

• Create - improvise and compose Achiever Piano 3 (Grade 2-3)

Achiever Piano 4 (Grade 4)

* Each book / level will take approximately 4-6 months to complete, depending on age and musical
background
Our group learning pathways are based on an award winning
music curriculum from Australia - Encore Music Education

Scan here for more info, or visit

https://www.encoremusiceducation.com.au/
 Individual classes will only be recommended from Age 6 or 7 and above,
depending if student’s motor-skills are ready for correct posture, hand’s shape
position and strength for technical exercises. Starting individual classes too early
will not help students learn faster but slower as lessons may get dry and lengthy
due to the inability to focus or master technical skills. Rushing through syllabus to
Individual Class Pathways create a false sense of “accomplishments” will result in weak technical skills
where bad playing habits will then be hard to correct in the future. Students with
weak or bad technical skills will inevitably end up having to spend more time and

When & Why? lessons to correct them later in higher grades / levels. Another disadvantage to
push young students towards individual lessons when they are not physically and
mentally ready may result in students losing interest in learning.

How we teach? In RSM, we believe that learning any musical instruments should not be limited to
classroom learning. Exposure to activities outside one to one learning is not only
essential in student’s growth, but participation in group performance like
ensemble, band and singing will enhance their collaborations, listening and
performance skills as well. Hence our individual class pathways include at least
twice a year of selected activities (internal or external) for students to take part in
apart from attending at least one group combine lesson once in every 8 weeks. *

Out-of-classroom
Grade 1 - 5 Technical Skills Repertoire Music Theory activities - twice per
year

Grade 6 & Above Individually planned based on requirements including the above elements for intermediate to Group musicianship
higher grades training / Ensembles -
Once every 8 weeks

Optional:
For all levels (Optional) Composition skills
preparation for
Requirements: Strong Music Fundamental & Musicianship skills.
performance /
Course / classes can be “add-on” to existing class, or stand alone, on case to case basis.
practical / theory exams

* The school reserves the right to convert one individual lesson every 8 weeks to group activities / musicianship / Ensemble class or field trips as this is also part of our education program.
 Apart from parents and family members, the teacher is the next most important
person in a child’s life, specially during early years of any form of education. This
is the time where teachers can help to either “make or break” an interest in a
student’s life. Hence in RSM, we believe that not only effective teaching methods
are important but teachers’ passion to pass on their skills and knowledge should
align with our passion in music education. Any world class syllabus is only as
good as the teacher!
Our Teachers
In RSM, our teachers are carefully selected and trained. We encourage regular
communications between teachers and parents to keep track on learning

Parents’ involvement progress. Parents’ involvement in their children’s education is necessary in order
to motivate them to practice between lessons.

Parents are encouraged to spend the last 5 minutes of student’s lessons in the
classroom (for individual classes) to be briefed by teachers on the progress and
homework required. It is a requirement for one parent / caretaker to attend
classes with children age 4 and below in group classes as we need to ensure that
parents / caretakers are familiar with the activities to do with the child at home.

For effective learning, every student is required to own an instrument and original
books / materials..