Frequently Asked Questions

Q : Why is parent’s participation required for the Music Wonderland class?

A : Young children always want “to be like mom” or “to be like dad”. Parents can inspire their children to love music simply by participating in class with them. Having their parents in class would also make young children feel secure and happy, which help them to learn and participate during lesson. In addition, it helps the parents to coach their children with their music homework.


Q : What is the difference between the 6-month and 1-year Music Wonderland courses? And why is there an age restriction?

A : The age requirement is set in place to ensure that the learning experience for students is maximized. Potential students have to enroll in the age-appropriate course so that they can progress smoothly to the next level in the Yamaha Music Education System. The pedagogical contents of the 1-year course vary from that of the 6-months course. They are tailored to the developmental stages of children of different ages. The 1-year course that is designed to engage the younger child (3 years 2 months) may not hold the interest of the older child. Likewise, the 6-months course may not be appropriate for the younger child.


Q : If my child is sick on the lesson day, can I attend the lesson without my child?

A : Yes, the parent is allowed to attend the lesson without the child.

Q : Why is parent’s participation required for the YJC class?

A : Having their parents in class would make young children feel secure and happy, which help them to learn and participate during lesson. In addition, parents can provide the encouragement and motivation for their children to achieve more out of the lessons. Parent’s attendance will also help the child with his/her home practices, which is essential for progress.


Q : If my child is sick on the lesson day, can I attend the lesson without my child?

A : Yes, the parent is allowed to attend the lesson without the child.


Q : Can I transfer my child from YJC to an individual coaching course (such as Yamaha Piano Course)?

A : Transfer from one course to another can be done, with the assumption that the student meets the age requirement for the new course. However, we strongly encourage students to complete the 4-year YJC before taking up an individual coaching course. The YJC is a holistic approach to music education, which would give the student a strong foundation. Furthermore, young children would find going to a group class more interesting as they get to socialize with their peers.


Q : Is it necessary to buy the CD and DVD?

A : Yes. The CD and DVD are learning aids that support learning and home practice.


Q : Do I have to buy 2 sets of course materials for my pair of children attending the same class? Can I accompany my 2 children or it must be 2 adults to 2 children?

A : Yes, each child needs a set of materials as they will be seated at separate instruments. And it has to be 1 adult to 1 child.

Q : What is Yamaha Piano Course?

A : Yamaha Piano Course (YPC) is a systematic course structure to facilitate an organized study of piano on an individual learning basis.


Q : Why the change from Classical Piano Course to YPC?

A : Previously, there was no core textbook used in Classical Piano Course. Choice of books was left to the teacher’s discretion. With the implementation of YPC, the core textbooks are Yamaha Pianoforte 1-12, a systematic curriculum designed by YMF Japan. The clear advantage of using a standardised series: in case there is a change of teachers, textbooks and levels are not affected.


Q : What is so special about the Pianoforte curriculum? Aren’t all textbooks and music schools about the same?

A : The contents of the Pianoforte textbooks are unique. Besides the usual contents found in other piano textbooks, there are subjects catering to training of musicianship skills. Example: solfege, keyboard harmony, improvisation. An important feature is – all subjects are compiled in one textbook, thus making it a convenient and valuable material. In addition, there is a CD for level 1-8, providing the student with references for model performances, and even accompaniment at the earlier stages.


Q : Who are the Yamaha Piano Teachers?

A : Teachers are all qualified and trained Yamaha Piano Teachers and registered with the Ministry of Education.


Q : I only want my child to attempt ABRSM exams. Is there a course just for this goal?

A : The YPC does meet your goal. The textbook materials will lead to the preparation of ABRSM exams, and other exam boards as well. Example: Yamaha Grade 13 to 6 examinations.


Q : My child is 5 yrs old, and would like to join a piano course. Can my child join the Yamaha Piano Course?

A : The Yamaha Piano Course is designed for children who are 6 years of age or older. If your child is younger than 6 years old, we would advise you to enroll in the Yamaha Junior Course.


Q : My child wants to enroll in Yamaha Piano Course, but doesn’t want to take exams. Is this possible?

A : Yes, the child is able to take the course without taking any exams as Yamaha believes that “Music is for everyone to enjoy.” However, please provide us with a written note to state your request.


Q : What is the final examination goal for this course?

A : Yamaha Grade 6 / ABRSM Grade 7.


Q : If my child wishes to go beyond ABRSM Grade 7, Yamaha Grade 6, is he/she able to?

A : Yes, he/she will be able to proceed beyond the stated grades.


Q : My child would like to enroll for Yamaha Piano Course, but already has prior music training. How would this work?

A : Your child would enter based on the latest examination passed. If your child hasn’t taken any examination, he/she would be auditioned for the appropriate placement.


Q : My child has already passed ABRSM Grade 4. Will there be any difficulty entering YPC at this level, without any prior YPC background?

A : There should not be any difficulty, if your child has already made the mark in the exam. It would be left to the teacher’s expertise to introduce the musicianship subjects at a suitable time, depending on the student’s situation.


Q : Besides using the Pianoforte textbooks, will my child have to buy other supplementary materials?

A : Although the Pianoforte textbooks are complete by themselves, you may need to buy other materials if there are certain exams your child is attempting.


Q : Since YPC does lead to Yamaha exam and other exam boards as well, would it be more ideal than doing the JXC program in YJC?

A : The YJC program is conducted in a group environment, with additional musicianship subjects like lyric singing, ensemble playing and composition. Solfege singing pieces, keyboard harmony pieces, although covered in YPC, are not identical either. The “ideal” then, would be JXC with YPC.


Q : Is music theory taught in YPC?

A : Rudiments are taught as they appear in the scores in the textbook. Theory books will be additional materials, if students are preparing for theory exams.

Q : What is Piano Course For Children?

A : Piano Course For Children is a 4-year piano course for children conducted in a group setting.


Q : What assessments will the students be preparing for?

Q : Why do you require students to be of certain age to join the courses?

A : We believe in timely music education. The Yamaha music courses are designed to maximize the development of potential at each stage (age), and the age requirement is in place to ensure that students will not be disadvantaged due to disparity in mental and physical maturity.


Q : Should I enroll for group or individual lesson if I am a beginner?

A : It depends on your learning preference. Some people prefer the dynamics of group class and find it motivating while others prefer the pace of 1-to-1 lessons. It may be helpful for you to know that individual lessons are conducted during weekdays, with the exception of Yamaha Pianoforte Course.


Q : Does sibling of a current student get priority to enroll in course?

A : Enrolment is on a first-come-first-serve basis and priority is not given to any party.


Q : Will lessons that fall on Public Holidays be replaced? Will lessons missed be replaced?

A : Lessons will not be conducted during the Yamaha Term Holidays and on the gazetted Public Holidays. There is, strictly, no replacement of lessons. Lessons that are missed will not be replaced.


Q : Can I transfer my lesson to someone else if I can’t attend it? Can I get a refund of the lesson that I cannot attend?

A : No, lessons are not transferable nor refundable.


Q : What are the fees that I have to pay to enroll in a course?

A : In addition to course fee, there are the registration fee and a deposit of $150 if you decide to opt out of GIRO fee payment scheme. Your deposit will be returned to you, if there is no outstanding fee, when you graduate from or terminate the course.


Q : When is the course fee payable?

A : Most course fees are payable monthly or before the commencement of each term (3 months). To confirm your place in the class, we would need you to make payment for the first month/term/2months fee upon registration.

GIRO deduction is done between the 4th to the 6th day of every month/term/2months. If the GIRO deduction is unsuccessful, we will inform you to make payment over the counter. A GIRO surcharge of $5 (subjected to GST) is applicable.

For non-GIRO payment, course fee is due on the last day of every preceding month/term. Payment made after the due date is considered as late payment and an admin fee of $5 (subjected to GST) is applicable.


Q : How do I terminate my course?

A : For termination of course, please give the School a 1 calendar month notice. (For example, if your last month of attendance is in December, you are required inform the school in writing by 30th November.)

For termination of course before class commencement, the course fee and deposit, if any, will be returned to you once you have completed the procedures. The registration fee is non-refundable.