History
The Harmony Road music program was created by Jan Keyser, an early childhood music specialist, of Portland, Oregon. The first music courses were published in the late 1980's. Today, there are over 100 locations in the US. The Harmony Road Music Course has recently expanded to offer classes in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, and Canada. The Bakersfield location has been offering classes since 2003.
Specialties
Harmony Road Music School offers early childhood music & movement classes for toddlers and preschoolers age 16m-4 yrs as well as group piano classes for children from Kindergarten - 6th grade. All of our classes involve the parent as an integral part of the child's musical experience. Our program is unique in that we include piano keyboard activities in each lesson, with each child and parent sitting at their own piano in the class. Classes for toddlers and preschoolers include activities such as singing, moving to music, playing with rhythm instruments (bells, egg shakers, hand drums, tambourines and rhythm sticks), rocking/cuddling songs, finger games, and introductory keyboard activities. Children at this age learn about the black keys/white keys and high/low sounds. Classes are grouped by age, with progressively more piano activities as children move from our toddler program to the preschool curriculum. Group piano classes start at age 5 and include a parent at each lesson. Activities include singing (both with words and solfege), ear training/note reading games, movement, circle dances, playing with rhythm instruments, and keyboard repertoire. Students also learn beginning composition. Class recitals are held twice yearly. Advancing students are able to participate in various adjudicated events such as MTAC's Certificate of Merit program, Jazz Pop Festival, Romantic Era Festival, and Guild. The Harmony Road program is available in over 100 locations in the US.