The greatest teaching and performing artists of our time are the result of hundreds of years worth of pedagogical and technical development all funneling down to our generation. We have examined these artists to discover how the "geniuses" do it, and teach that model (which we call the "Learning Pyramid") to our students. It is modified to the individuality of each student (every mind and body is extraordinarily different) enabling them to move on to the next level of our Learning Pyramid.

The Learning Pyramid: Our Model for Interaction The concept of the "Pyramid" is simple: Posture is the foundation of all musical development and without it you cannot climb to the next level of the pyramid. Technique and Literacy are built upon this foundation and pave the way to Expressive tools and ultimately Artistry. Without a preceding layer occurring, a succeeding layer is not possible. Did you know? A majority of the music teachers we have met in both the public and private sector focus upon Literacy as their foundation instead of Posture. As a result, when their students transfer to our school they can read notes but they may hold the instrument incorrectly, play out of tune, or miscount rhythms (or not count at all). With OUR Learning Model, the basics are instilled constantly and corrected before bad habits can form. Studies show that it takes 10 times longer to break a habit than it did to form the habit in the first place. String students of "bowed and fretless" instruments may spend many months working on the first two levels before note reading is introduced. Pianists begin note-reading immediately because Posture and Technique are so much easier to acquire on a piano. Our computerized music theory speeds up the process of becoming musically competent so that focus can move toward the top of the pyramid and into Expression and Artistry. Our ultimate goal is to teach each student to teach themselves so that they no longer need us. We utilize many layers of teaching techniques depending on the needs of each student. Positive reinforcement, mind-mapping, visualization, problem extinction, overcoming stage-fright, channeling nervous energy, developing your memory, speed learning, utilizing "overwhelm" to bring out virtuosity, developing creativity, improvisation, playing through the mind of the composer, and many other techniques are combined for maximum effectiveness. We do not simply teach music. We change the way our students think and interact with the world around them in a most positive way, forever. A single idea, if it is right, saves the labor of an infinity of experiences.