Discovering Music, Art, Sound and Calm Through the Piano/Keyboard

Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano but believed you were "too old" to begin? This course is designed especially for adults who are ready to discover that it's never too late to experience the joy of making music.

Rather than focusing solely on learning to play the piano, this course explores the connections between music, creativity, listening, mindfulness, and personal expression. Students will learn foundational keyboard skills while gaining an appreciation for music from a variety of genres and traditions. Whether you have never touched a keyboard, once sang in choir, can read a little music, or simply love listening to music, you are welcome here.

Each class combines practical keyboard instruction with music appreciation, discussion, and opportunities to experience the calming, restorative qualities of making music.

No previous piano experience is required.

Course Length: 10 Weeks

Class Format: One 60-minute session each week held virtually via Zoom

Class Size: This class is limited to ten students

Students: Adults (18+)

Registration Fee: $10 (non-refundable)

Tuition: $90* (See Tuition Payment Options Below)

Day of the Week: Sundays

Time: 6:00 P.M. Central Time* (UTC−5 during Daylight Saving Time / UTC-6 beginning November 1)

Class Sessions (60 minutes each):

• September 13 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• September 20 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• September 27 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• October 4 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• October 11 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• October 18 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• October 25 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• November 1 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-5)

• November 8 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-6)

• November 15 at 6:00 P.M. (UTC-6)

*Tuition Payment Options

Students may choose one of the following payment options below.

Option 1:

Pay the full tuition of $90 before the course begins.

Option 2:

Pay in three installments:

• First installment: $30 due on or before September 10

• Second installment: $30 due October 1

• Third installment: $30 due November 1

Registration Instructions

Step 1: Complete the Class Inquiry Form 

Complete the Class Inquiry Form here. 

Step 2: Meet With The Instructor

The class instructor and/or the program director will email you to set up a 15-minute meeting (via phone or zoom).

Step 3: Complete Registration

Registration forms and registration payment link will be emailed to you after you meet with your instructor and/or the program director. Complete these forms and pay the nonrefundable registration fee in order to reserve your spot in the class.

Step 3: Pay Tuition | Pay First Tuition Installment

Pay the full tuition or  pay your first tuition installment on or before September 10.

Step 4: Attend Class

Join your first live Zoom session on Sunday, September 13 at 6:00 P.M. Central Time.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify the layout of the piano keyboard.

• Demonstrate proper posture, hand position, and finger technique.

• Read simple musical notation.

• Understand basic rhythm and note values.

• Play simple melodies with both hands.

• Recognize common musical forms and styles.

• Play basic chords and chord progressions.

• Appreciate music from a wide variety of genres.

• Develop confidence in making music.

• Experience music as a lifelong source of creativity, enjoyment, and personal well-being.

Materials Needed

• 61- or 88-key keyboard or acoustic piano

• Keyboard stand or table

• Bench or chair with proper height

• Adult beginner piano method book (recommended by instructor)

• Notebook for practice reflections

• Pencil

• Highlighter

• Headphones (optional)

Recommended Practice

Students are encouraged to practice 15–20 minutes a day, at least five days each week. Consistent, enjoyable practice will produce greater progress than occasional long practice sessions.

Teaching Philosophy

Learning music as an adult is not about becoming a concert pianist. It is about discovering creativity, developing confidence, sharpening the mind, and finding joy in the process. Every student progresses at their own pace, and every lesson is designed to foster curiosity, encouragement, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Weekly Course Outline

Week 1

Welcome to the Piano! It's Never Too Late!

Learning Objectives

• Become familiar with the keyboard.

• Learn correct posture.

• Explore hand position.

• Discover how music supports relaxation and lifelong learning.

Topics

• Course overview

• Keyboard geography

• White and black keys

• Finger numbers

• Sitting position

• Introduction to mindful listening

In-Class Activities

• Finding groups of two and three black keys

• Playing first notes

• Listening to calming piano music

• Group discussion

Practice at Home

Spend 10–15 minutes becoming comfortable locating notes on the keyboard.

Week 2

Rhythm: The Heartbeat of Music

Learning Objectives

• Understand steady beat.

• Learn note values.

• Play simple rhythmic patterns.

Topics

• Quarter notes

• Half notes

• Whole notes

• Counting aloud

• Clapping exercises

• Introduction to the metronome

Music Appreciation

Exploring rhythm in classical, jazz, gospel, pop, and world music.

Practice at Home

Practice counting while playing simple five-finger exercises.

Week 3

Reading Music Without Fear

Learning Objectives

• Learn the musical staff.

• Read simple melodies.

• Understand treble and bass clefs.

Topics

• Musical alphabet

• Staff

• Clefs

• Landmark notes

• Reading simple music

Music Appreciation

How composers write stories through music.

Practice at Home

Read and play several beginner melodies.

Week 4

Playing with Both Hands

Learning Objectives

• Coordinate both hands.

• Develop finger independence.

• Improve confidence.

Topics

• Five-finger patterns

• Simple two-hand exercises

• Dynamics

• Expression

Music Appreciation

The emotional language of music.

Practice at Home

Play short two-hand exercises.

Week 5

Chords: The Building Blocks of Songs

Learning Objectives

• Build major chords.

• Learn chord symbols.

• Play simple accompaniments.

Topics

• Triads

• Root position

• C, F, and G chords

• Chord progressions

Music Appreciation

Why the same three or four chords appear in so many songs.

Practice at Home

Practice changing smoothly between chords.

Week 6

Music Around the World

Learning Objectives

• Explore diverse musical traditions.

• Identify stylistic differences.

• Appreciate cultural influences.

Genres Explored

• Classical

• Jazz

• Blues

• Gospel

• Folk

• Country

• Broadway

• Popular Music

• World Music

Keyboard Activity

Play melodies inspired by different musical styles.

Week 7

Playing by Ear

Learning Objectives

• Develop listening skills.

• Recognize musical patterns.

• Build confidence without relying solely on written music.

Topics

• Listening exercises

• Echo playing

• Simple improvisation

• Musical memory

Practice at Home

Play familiar melodies by ear.

Week 8

Music, Creativity, and Calm

Learning Objectives

• Experience music as a wellness practice.

• Explore improvisation.

• Reduce performance anxiety.

Topics

• Creating relaxing soundscapes

• Musical mindfulness

• Breathing while playing

• Expressive performance

Listening Session

Reflective piano literature and contemporary instrumental music.

Week 9

Bringing Music Together

Learning Objectives

• Combine reading, chords, rhythm, and expression.

• Prepare a favorite piece.

Topics

• Performance preparation

• Musical phrasing

• Confidence building

• Sharing music with others

Practice at Home

Prepare one short musical selection.

Week 10

Celebration of Music

Learning Objectives

• Celebrate personal growth.

• Perform in a supportive environment.

• Reflect on lifelong learning.

Activities

• Optional student performances

• Music appreciation discussion

• Reflection on progress

• Continuing resources

• Questions and celebration

Students will leave with the confidence to continue learning independently and to enjoy music as a lifelong companion.