The YAMAHA Music Education System (YMES)assumes the systematic teaching of children from the age of four months and covers a period of seven years. It is based on a comprehensive approach to music education, which pays special attention to stimulating the creativity of each child, through reproduction and composition. The basis of the system is the “Junior Music Course" programme, which is followed by the “Junior Extension Course", “Junior Advanced Course" and finally, the “Advanced Extension Course".

We are convinced that involvement in music and creating music should be a permanent feature of modern society.

Playing and listening to music has a positive and lasting impact on the way we live and on our perception of the world around us.

YAMAHA’s curricula pay close attention to the specific capabilities of children at a given moment of development, while focusing on their physical, intellectual and emotional well-being.

The following principles determine the pedagogical practices of teachers in YAMAHA Music Schools:

Education in a specified time period

…sets a very clear direction for the concept of lessons

Children learn their native language, in a relaxed environment with others. Between 4 and 6 years of age, children go through an intense development period relating to listening skills.

This is an important stage, not only for language learning, but also for musical education.

YAMAHA Music School attaches particular importance to ensuring that music lessons are adapted to the age of the child. This stage of life is very important for the future development of musical and intellectual abilities.

Group lessons

… are the central element of the YAMAHA School of Music system

Creating a positive learning environment that provides interesting experiences for students and stimulating all the senses is a challenge for teachers involved in lessons. Students from very different backgrounds, and different levels of prior musical education are encouraged to study together, although they also receive focused individual support. They comprehensively develop their musical abilities, while at the same time participating in the process of mutual help and group motivation, which contributes to the sense of team play when they play together as a group.

Many years of practical experience and scientific research are used in the teaching process, allowing individual musical success by all members of the group.

Focus on creativity

… is of key importance in the teaching concept at YAMAHA Music Schools.

A good knowledge of the fundamentals of music is a cornerstone of developing creativity, which allows students to implement their own musical ideas. Improvisation, arrangement and other creative techniques are welcomed additions to standard lessons. Various styles and genres are accepted, which are treated equally, and didactic materials are adapted to the student’s age – which helps to make practice a joyful experience from the very beginning.

The overriding principle is “Learning through play", and this is a key feature of classes at YAMAHA Music Schools.