Whether you are new to teaching or a veteran teacher, our rote and reading approach will enable your students to thrive in lessons and enjoy music for the rest of their lives.
Trusted for more than a decade by thousands of piano teachers and parents around the world
Piano Safari's innovative, research-based method provides a holistic approach combining ears, eyes, and imagination that allows children to become musically literate at the piano.
We balance technical development with creative exploration, supported by a rich library of supplemental materials. We help your students develop confident reading skills while equipping them with a solid artistic foundation for lifelong musical engagement so they continue to find joy in playing long after lessons end.
Our reading approach trains students to recognize melodic contour and musical patterns. This meticulously sequenced progression develops reading fluency, makes transposition intuitive, and expands skill without requiring memorization of every note name. Unlike traditional methods that rush through concepts, our intervallic approach provides the repetition necessary to ensure concept mastery before advancement, building confident readers who understand the structure of music.
Our method includes pieces taught by pattern recognition and demonstration, allowing beginners to play engaging and musically rich music from the start. This approach introduces stylistic variety beyond what students can initially read, utilizes the full range of the piano, and allows focus on playing with correct technique while listening for a beautiful sound. Students develop into motivated and secure performers while their reading skills develop in parallel.
Our research-based technique exercises use engaging animal imagery to develop foundational gestures essential for healthy piano playing. These exercises establish proper movement before introducing traditional scales and chords, creating a more natural technical progression. Students build a solid foundation while having fun—making technique practice something they look forward to rather than avoid.
Our method includes improvisation activities from the very first lessons, encouraging students to explore and create their own music alongside learning to play repertoire. These structured yet flexible exercises develop musical intuition, deepen understanding of theory concepts, and build confidence in self-expression. When composition and improvisation are a natural part of learning rather than a separate advanced skill, students develop a more personal connection to the piano and greater musical independence.
We have carefully curated a diverse collection of supplements from various composers, including rote pieces, sheet music, holiday and sacred selections, and ensemble works. Whether you teach private or group lessons, work with beginners or advancing students, or instruct children or adults, you'll find something to suit your needs. Our supplements support different learning styles and help students strengthen their weaknesses while celebrating their strengths.
Trying something new can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join our thriving global community of piano teachers on Facebook, where educators share their experiences and successes with our method. Additionally, the Piano Safari Institute offers training through prerecorded courses, providing the support you need every step of the way.
Piano Safari provides a holistic approach that balances technical skill, reading ability, and creative exploration. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on note reading, we integrate rote learning, intervallic reading, improvisation, and carefully designed technique exercises to develop well-rounded musicians.
Our core method is designed for students who start around the age of 6 or 7. We also have a beginning book for younger students between the ages of 4-6, Piano Safari Friends, and an Older Student series for beginners age 12 and up. Our pedagogical approach adapts to individual student needs, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and learning styles.
Absolutely not! Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran, our method provides clear, research-based guidance. The materials are designed to support teachers at all levels, with comprehensive instructions and a structured approach that helps both new and experienced teachers succeed.
We combat student distraction through engaging, creative approaches like animal-themed technique exercises, rote pieces that allow immediate music-making, and built-in improvisation activities. Our method keeps students excited about learning by making piano fun and allowing them to create music from the very beginning.
Our comprehensive system includes method books, technique books, sight reading cards and books, repertoire collections, and supplementary materials. Each component is carefully designed to work together, providing a complete learning experience that develops musical literacy, technical skill, and creative expression.