HISTORY

​

Yamaha Music Courses began in the mid 1950’s in Japan under the direction of Genichi Kawakami, the president of Yamaha Corporation. Mr. Kawakami established the non-profit Yamaha Music Foundation (YMF) in 1966 for the purpose of developing and promoting music education and popularization activities internationally. YMF guides the evolution of YMES in 40 countries with continuous research into child development and new teaching techniques. It also sponsors events such as the prestigious International Junior Original Concert (IJOC).

​

​

PHILOSOPHY

​

The Yamaha Music Education System represents the realization of YMF’s goal of promoting music globally and Yamaha’s belief that “music knows no national boundaries.” Children all around the world learn from the Yamaha method, contributing to the development of a new musical generation. In fact, IJOC performers, the most musically advanced YMES students, have been described as “ambassadors of music.”

​

The objective of the Yamaha System is to develop each student’s comprehensive musical ability in an environment that inspires a love of music and a lifetime of active music participation. The courses teach students to express themselves creatively through the language of music. As their education progresses, they build performance, improvisation and composition skills. This approach has produced award-winning professional musicians, successful music teachers and millions of music lovers worldwide.

​

​

STRUCTURED MUSIC EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN

​

Designed to meet the unique needs and developmental stages of each age group, Yamaha programs develop each student’s comprehensive musical ability in an environment that inspires a love of music and a lifetime of active music participation.

Yamaha develops musical skills with three fundamental principles:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

INTRODUCING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC FROM THE START

​

In order for children to enjoy music and to absorb and understand the given material easily, we believe it is best to give them appropriate guidance in accordance with the degree of their physical and mental development.  Based upon this concept of timely education, the Yamaha method introduces music fundamentals to children at the time when their hearing capabilities are rapidly developing.

​

​

WE ALL LEARN BETTER IN GROUPS

​

Group lessons have many advantages that enable children to enjoy rich musical experiences such as making friends through music, developing cooperativeness and deepening understanding of music through participation in ensembles.  For this purpose, Yamaha has adopted a method whereby students can listen and play in a group, learning music while enjoying it.

​

LEARNING THROUGH CREATING

​

In order to enable students to develop their creative capabilities, it is important to help them develop the ability to express themselves by thinking freely. We hope to help them acquire and enhance sensitivity and imagination, which are both sources of creativity, through our comprehensive system of music education.

​

​

WEEKLY GROUP LESSONS

​

Designed to meet the unique needs and developmental stages of each age group, Yamaha programs develop each student’s comprehensive musical ability in an environment that inspires a love of music and a lifetime of active music participation.

​

​

MUSIC WONDERLAND (Ages 3 to 4)

​

Music Wonderland is designed to provide children with an introduction to music in a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. Together with their parents, children experience singing, introductory keyboard activities, movement, and listening to music. Music Wonderland lays the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable music making through these carefully planned activities.  Early childhood is the ideal time to start music lessons. At this age, the ear is at its peak of sensitivity. Learning music is as natural as learning to speak. Students can begin in the Music Wonderland (age 3, 4) & naturally progress into the Junior Music Course (JMC1)(age 4, 5).

Music Wonderland (ages 3 to 4)
Class duration:  45 min

Course Length (Sept. thru June):  approx. 40 lessons

Cutoff Date (Registration becomes Closed):  October 31st
Max class size: 10 students

Min class size: 5 students

Cost: $18.75 per weekly lesson

Registration Fee (Includes Course Materials):  $95

​

Course Materials Contents:

​

• Workbooks 1 and 2

• Textbooks 1 and 2

• Compact Discs 1 and 2

• Student Bag

​

* Registration & Tuition fees will be pro-rated based on lesson day & start date

​

* All students need access to a full-sized key portable keyboard or piano for home practise 

​

​

JUNIOR MUSIC COURSE 1 (Ages 4 to 5)

​

Beyond Music Wonderland (for ages 3 to 4), JMC1 (Primary 1 & 2) is designed to give your child the best opportunity to develop basic music skills. The creative approach centers on developing the three essential elements of pitch, harmony, and rhythm. The Junior Music Course develops the musical child from within.  Music Wonderland is not required as a pre-requisite.

​

Junior Music Course (ages 4 to 5)
Class duration: 60 min

Course Length (Sept. thru June):  approx. 40 lessons

Cutoff Date (Registration becomes Closed):  October 31st
Max class size: 10 students

Min class size: 5 students

Cost: $25 per weekly lesson

Registration Fee (Includes Course Materials): $115

​

Course Materials Contents:

​

• Primary Workbooks 1 and 2

• Primary Textbooks 1 and 2

• Primary Compact Discs 1 and 2

• Primary DVDs 1 and 2

• Magnet Board and Magnets

• Student Bag to organize materials

​

* Registration & Tuition fees will be pro-rated based on lesson day & start date

​

* All students need access to a full-sized key portable keyboard or piano for home practise 

​