KC Piano Zoo FAQ

What is KC Piano Zoo?

KC Piano Zoo is a piano and musicianship program based on the national music program Harmony Road. The Harmony Road curriculum engages children and their parents through solfege singing, ear training, rhythmic activities, keyboard playing, and composing. This comprehensive program is designed to help children discover the world of music through activities that develop the whole child.

Who teaches at KC Piano Zoo?

I do!! My name is Heidi Vieira and I am the owner/teacher at KC Piano Zoo, which I began in the fall of 1997. Currently I operate studios at Schmitt Music and The Culture House. I have a degree in Music Education and taught general music, band, and choir K-12 for four years. I have taught private piano for 18 years and although I find private teaching enjoyable, I missed the group interaction that occurred among the students in my classroom and was delighted to discover the Harmony Road curriculum which integrates so many of the other elements I enjoy in music. I received my Harmony Road certification in 1997. Depending on the number of students enrolled, I hire other teachers to help me with my class load.

What classes are available for children?

Toddler Tunes: 2--3½ year olds (3 by December 1, 2006) 16 week sessions A joyful first music experience of finger plays, piano exploration, rhythm games and singing. Class meets for 30 minutes. Parental involvement in class and at home.

Music in Me: 3½ --4 ½ year olds (4 by December 1, 2006) Children who have had several sessions of Toddler Tunes and have the teacher’s permission may also participate in this class More Music in Me: 4 ½ --5 year olds (5 December 1, 2006) Children who have completed Music in Me and have the teacher’s permission may also participate in this class Two 16-week semesters Once a week for 45 minutes Music in Me and More Music in Me are dynamic readiness programs for young children with emphasis on ear training, solfege singing, movement, keyboard activities, pitch, and rhythm awareness. Creativity is stressed. Class meets for 45 minutes once a week. Parental involvement in class and at home.

Harmony Road: 5—6 year olds (older five year olds through kindergarten) Children who have completed More Music and Me and have the teacher’s permission may also participate in this class. 2-Year Program Once a week for 55 minutes The Harmony Road course is carefully constructed for children to learn the basic building blocks of music. Emphasis is on ear training, solfege singing, keyboard playing, ensemble rhythm activities, movement and creativity. This exceptional course gives the student “inner hearing”, which makes transposing, improvisation and composing easily accessible in their musical studies. Class meet for 50--55 minutes once a week. Parental involvement in class and at home.

Young Musician: 1st and 2nd grade 2-Year Program Once a week for 55 minutes The Young Musician Course introduces beginning students to keyboard performance and note reading in a holistic program, including the organized development of pitch, rhythm, solfege singing, keyboard, and movement activities. Class meets for 50--55 minutes once a week. Parent involvement in class and at home.

Keyboard Prep: 3rd through 5th grade 18-Month Program Once a week for 55 minutes The Keyboard Prep course is designed for “older beginners” who are studying music for the first time. This motivating program develops the student’s basic musicianship skills through ear training, solfege singing, keyboard performance and writing music. Class meets for 50--55 minutes once a week. Parental involvement encouraged.

Why should I consider KC Piano Zoo over private lessons?

With a nearly 75% dropout rate for beginners in private lessons within the first two years, parents want to do their best to ensure an enjoyable first experience with piano. KC Piano Zoo offers an alternative to what traditional piano has to offer. We offer a wide variety of activities during the lesson time that keep children engaged and motivated to keep practicing. While we do teach theory and music reading concepts from the very first class, young students should have emphasis placed on the ear and voice training appropriate to their age level, not abstract concepts. Students in our classes learn music naturally, as a second language, by experiencing music first and then playing. Most children enjoy the time spent with their parents and other children in the classroom. The parental participation in class and at home, aids in the reinforcement of concepts taught during class time.

What kind of instrument will I need for this class?

Pianos or digital keyboards are nice to have and if your child continues, you will eventually need to purchase one, but are not necessary for young beginners. An electronic keyboard can be purchased at Costco or similar places for under $150.00. The size I recommend starting with should have at least 60 keys.

How do I register for a class?

See the tuition schedule in the Welcome to KC Piano Zoo policy document for fees, tuition and registration instructions. All classes are held at The Culture House, 14808 W 117th Street, Olathe Kansas (119th and Blackbob) and Schmitt Music 119th and Metcalf—Rosana Square