WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START?

The quick answer is... NOW! The best time to start learning music is as young as possible!

We have watched children move through the Forte programme from the early days of Jungle Music and see how easily they tackle the demands of the keyboard courses when they are 4 and 5 years of age.

The children who start in Jungle music courses are naturally:

• more musical,
• have a better sense of beat & rhythm,
• have a better sense of pitch
• and all the other elements and skills that go to make up music and musicality.

Frequently our little beginners out strip their older peers in the Junior Keys course which requires finger dexterity, concentration and other facilities that come with maturity. We are often truly proud and amazed at what wonderful little musicians we have!

Don't despair if your child is older now is always a good time to start. If your child is under 10 or 11 years a Forte music course is the best place to start.

WHAT IS THE BEST INSTRUME...

We offer both AMEB examinations and Foundation of Music education Exams. The Foundation of Music Education (FME) examinations are ideal for our younger students starting off. The syllabus dovetails in with the Forte course books and parents are delighted with their child's renewed enthusiasm and proficiency after undergoing these examinations. Children in Forte courses also dovetail in with the AMEB exam syllabus.

AMEB EXAMINATIONS

The AMEB offers an extensive set of examination ranging from practical examinations on almost any instrument to their theory examinations.

Practical Exams are conduction in various session over the year.
Theory Examinations are help 2 - 3 times per year at designated times.

Given the time pressures students have these days we generally recommend our piano student sit for the Piano for Leisure Syllabus. The pieces are more varied and popular in nature and the number of scales required are less. The standard of the pieces however is the same as the traditio...

Many of the positive attributes in terms of learning capability enhancement and personal growth mentioned above are also applicable to grown-ups, though in varying degrees.

MORE GENERALLY, MORE MATURE STUDENTS BENEFIT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

Music enriches the inner-self and is therapeutic in nature. In learning an instrument, our energies are channeled into a constructive outlet. Through playing music, we can give an expressive shape to our experience. It puts us in touch with our feelings, and also helps us relate to the wider world, getting away from our daily routine.

Music performance teaches people how to cope with anxiety when expressing oneself in any forum. Literally, it familiarises one with the dynamics of performing under direct scrutiny; instilling self-confidence and poise.

Ensemble performance teaches teamwork and cooperation. It reinforces certain social values in our lives.

Most important, taking up music lessons is a direct approach to developing a lifelong apprec...

FOR THE VERY YOUNG CHILD

The Jungle Music and Music is Fun (MIF) programmes exposes your child to a rich sensory-based experience where they can participate and enjoy a range of activities.

Jungle Music will teach you how to use music as a tool to aid your parenting. Music can be an effective way to settle a crying baby, to help children with transition and to overcome resistance to new and unfamiliar experiences. Jungle Music's songs and quirky actions equip parents with a useful "bag of tricks" for when boredom sets in – in a shopping queue, in the car or whenever young minds need to be kept amused.

Forte's early childhood music programmes will benefit your child through:

• enhancing brain development. Jungle Music and MIF can improve your child's ability to think, learn, reason and create.
• promoting active participation by children, which is essential for heightened brain development
• a strong focus on fun, sensory-based activities enhances your child's learning experience and
...

Music is a universal language and mankind's oldest art form. Even before a child learns to speak, they learn to communicate and connect with song and sound. Children take to music naturally. Some suggest that babies are born with inherent musical capabilities because their responses to music are immediate and instinctive: they are not learned.

While every child can enjoy, learn and grow through music, there is increasing evidence to show that active participation in musical activities can actually alter the anatomy of the brain. Researchers believe that early musical experiences intensify the development of neuronal synapses. By increasing the number of interconnections between brain cells, music essentially enhances a child's ability to think, learn, reason and create.

It is important to note however, that for music to have a profound effect on cognitive development, a child must physically engage in musical activities. Furthermore, these activities must provide a comprehensive sens...

For many of us as children music lessons were something to be endured rather than enjoyed. All those tedious scales and boring pieces to practise. Well, all that can be different now. Your child can love his or her lessons and truly enjoy learning music.

To many people, the language of music is a mystery but it need not be. Forte courses are specially designed so your child will have a greater appreciation for and understanding of music.

A GOOD TEACHER IS VITAL

While your Forte teacher will have the necessary musical skills and qualifications, teachers at Forte are specially chosen for their warmth, enthusiasm and ability to relate to children.

SO... WHAT CHANGES CAN I EXPECT TO NOTICE?

As your child assimilates the learning throughout the week you may hear him burst into little phrases of singing at times as he goes about his normal routine. When you play the music in the car notice the environment settle as your child listens to his Forte music. You may even catch your child doi...