Upper Valley Music Center Announces New Keyboard Lab

Upper Valley Music Center, a community music school based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, has launched a new keyboard instruction program for students of all ages.

Starting in March, the Beginning Keyboard Skills class will give newcomers the chance to learn basic keyboard skills, music theory, and technique in a small group.

UVMC’s new Keyboard Lab, located in the 20 West Park Street studio, is equipped with weighted-action 88-key keyboards for up to six students. There is a keyboard and headset for each student and the teacher, and conferencing technology maximizes the time spent playing in each class, allowing the teacher to give each student individual feedback and facilitate playing together as a group.

Chenyu Wang, a member of UVMC’s piano faculty, helped develop this new program, bringing extensive experience in piano pedagogy as well as performance. 

“Group class fosters a social environment of learning and playing the piano that will keep students motivated. It also promotes self-directed learning and problem solving by encouraging students to listen to themselves and others,” Wang said. “Our first session is perfect for beginners who don’t have any piano learning experiences and want to start. This introduction to keyboard skills and music theory can later be applied in piano lessons or transferred to other instruments or musical study.”

Erin Smith, UVMC’s Education Director, is especially excited about how this program will allow more students to begin their musical journey. 

“Piano lessons are perennially in demand and this group class will allow more people to start than can be accommodated in one-on-one lessons, while also giving them the benefits of learning in a group,” Smith said. “We’re hoping spring’s classes will grow into sections for more ages and levels in future semesters.” 

Beginning Keyboard Skills starts in March. Adult classes are on Fridays from 1-1:45 pm for 12 weeks and children’s classes (ages 4-6 with a grown up) are on Saturdays from 2-2:45 pm for 10 weeks. 

Learn more at https://uvmusic.org/news/classes/beginning-keyboard-skills