Research shows that music and language learning processes are similar. When we learn our mother tongue, we get immersed in the sounds first, start imitating words and recognizing them. Once we start speaking, it is possible to learn the symbols (letters, words) that represent what we know already. Grammar comes only afterward.

This is the core of our teaching philosophy: music is taught following the steps of language acquisition. This principle is based on E. Gordon research and his “Music Learning Theory”.

Students learn best by listening and understanding aurally first, then recognizing and imitating patterns (similar to words in music). This allows them to start “speaking music” by using it and experimenting with it in several ways: improvising, creating with the elements they know, playing by ear, etc. Learning how to read happens as well, in parallel,  but this time with a deeper meaning, since students understand fully what they are reading because they have “spoken it” already.

We believe in educating well rounded musicians, and not just “score decoders”. We want students to be able to “use” music from all different angles.

Our students are proficient readers, but also proficient improvisers and composers, who can also vary and create in different ways with the music they learn (by ear or by reading) and create personal arrangements of pop, film music, jazz or other types of music they want to learn.

Understanding music as a language and being able to speak it as such is the core of our teaching philosophy.

We are firm believers that exams shouldn’t be the goal of learning music, but just another way to asses the level. Because of that we won’t limit our teaching to the requirements of an exam syllabus. We believe that doing so can be to the detriment of the development of a wide range of skills, which include playing by ear, improvisation, composition etc.

We will not ‘fast track’ a pupil through exams by compromising the development of secure musical foundations. However, we are happy to take pupils through the exams route as part of their own musical development. We teach all grades from Grade 1 to Diploma level and keep a 100% rate of passing (being the majority Merits and Distinctions).

Our main goal at MMQ Piano Studio is to create a community of piano lovers, for students, parents and teachers, while delivering a high quality, holistic approach to piano learning.

Students have the opportunity to make friends through group lessons, workshops, concerts and other activities designed to socialize while making music. Adult Students have a place for them to feel at home, where, apart from their individual lessons, they can meet regularly in meet ups, adult concerts, outside activities and masterclasses.

Parents have all the help required to be 100% involved in their kids journey if they wish. We offer as well an environment where parents can be in touch, chat and meet other families in the same situation.

Teachers have the chance to work in a team with like minded people, so we can all learn from each other and feel the School as a common project were everyone can offer their input, with a common goal: giving high quality piano education and continue learning and expanding their teaching knowledge. A place to be curious and grow as teachers.

We believe is our responsibility to help our teachers continue growing in their musician and teaching careers.
They attend regularly to piano teaching workshops and conferences, and stay informed about current piano pedagogy trends and perspectives by reading blogs and doing online Piano Teaching Courses.

Our teachers have regular mentoring and teaching assestments with our Head Teacher so their teaching style keeps fresh by gaining resources continusly.

Being active members of several organizations: GIML (Gordon Institute of Music Learning), IGEME ( Institute of Gordon Spain for Musical Education), CPT (Curious Piano Teachers), VMT (Vibrant Music Teaching) and EPTA UK (European Piano Teachers Association) help us in our growth journey.

The younger the student, the more help they need between lessons.
Although each family’s availability is different, we offer you all the support needed to be involved and informed as much as you can in your child’s musical journey. This will ensure the best possible results for your kid.

We encourage parents to attend the lessons to understand the process and the practice needed. And it is a way of learning music for free for parents!
We send regular reports to keep you informed of progress, content, and skills learnt. You will receive several emails and blog posts with information about our curriculum, teaching philosophy and style, and ways to help with your child’s practice.
To finish with, Parents’ Information Workshops and one on one progress meetings with our Head Teacher are available regularly during the year.