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Pop Piano lessons
for kids
Our piano lessons for kids are designed to be fun and practical without compromising on proper piano techniques such as playing postures and fingerings; together with skill sets that are necessary for modern musicians such as improvisation and playing by ear with melody and chords in both solo playing and accompaniment settings. The piano lessons are conducted 1-to-1 in a conducive stress-free environment through fun and interactive modules in-conjunction with the P.B.E.Syllabus™ for kids.
Pop Piano lessons for kids (administrative information):
Course title: P.B.E.S™ Pop Junior Course (for kids)
Mode of coaching: one-on-one lessons (individual)
Age group: for 7-12 years old
Lesson duration: 45 minutes
Lessons frequency: 1 lesson per week
Prerequisite: Zero music background
Available levels: P.B.E.S™ Level 1 / 1B / 2 / 2B / 3 / 3B / 4 / 4B
Monthly fees: $196 / $204 / $212 / $220 / $228 / $236 / $244 / $252 respectively
Children with zero background can enroll to P.B.E.S™ Level 1. The entire course can also be fully customized upon request (without following the P.B.E.Syllabus™) In addition, when you enroll for the P.B.E.S™ Pop Piano Junior course, you will receive the following incentives, exclusive to PBE students:
a) P.B.E.S™ Student Edition Textbook (for your child’s current P.B.E.S™ Level)
b) P.B.E.S™ Song Excerpts Black Booklet / CE card
c) 
Login ID and Password for P.B.E.I.S™ Online Student Portal
d) Whatsapp Newsfeed & admission to PBE Club where you can enjoy free usage our practice studios, free scores transcribing, discounts on musical instruments & more
Learn the right way to play Piano
MOST children are learning to play piano the WRONG way through rote memorization and playing note for note. (Watch the video below to understand) When parents talk about Grade 1, grade 2, grade 8, etc. it often refers to the Classical piano grading coupled with the examinations. Each grade takes an average of 1 year to pass, where you will be given 3 exam pieces to prepare for the year. So a student will practise the 3 pieces and play them well, which is ALL you need to pass each grade. Once you pass a grade, you move on to the next. And the cycle repeats.
So, here’s the problem. Ask anyone who had their classical piano grades. Give them a piano and ask them to play ANY simple song with 2 hands on the fly. Like a happy birthday song, OR Mary had a little lamb. It’s likely they can’t. Because they need the scores. We have met countless of grade 8 and diploma classical pianists who cannot play anything aside their exam pieces. Doesn’t this contradict the objectives of learning music?
Pop Piano Junior P.B.E.Syllabus™
P.B.E.S™ Level 1
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 1
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
Subject: 1:1 | Note reading (I)
Subject: 1:2 | Posture and fingering
Subject: 1:3 | Play Single Note Melody
Subject: 1:4 | Triads Part (I)
Subject: 1:5 | C & F major Intervals
Subject: 1:6 | G7 interval
Subject: 1:7 | Understanding broken chords
Subject: 1:8 | Movable 'Do' technique
Subject: 1:9 | Rhythm training Part 1
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 1:
- The ability to play an elementary piece of music using I IV & V
- Cultivating good piano posture
- Developing a sense of rhythm
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 1:
- No music background
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 1:
1-6* months (depending on individual's progress) *maximum
Download Level 1 syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 1B
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 1B
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
1B1 | Keys and scales
1B:2 | (1 – 5 – 10) Broken Chord
1B:3 | + LH variations (1-5-10)
1B:5 | + RH fill ins
1B:6 | (1 – 5 – 1 – 3 - 5) Broken Chord
1B:7 | Basic comping
1B:8 | Using 2 hand patterns
1B:9 | Chord progressions
1B:10 | Basic song arrangements
1B:11 | Finger independence skills
1B:12 | Ear Training for kids (Part 1)
ANNEX A - Recap/revision of Level 1 subjects
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 1B:
- The ability to play in both 4 & 8 beat rhythm
- Able to apply left hand patterns
- Able to read melody and chord symbols
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 1B:
- Able to play elementary tunes with two hands
- No chord knowledge required
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 1B:
1-12 months (depending on individual's progress)
Download Level 1B syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 2
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 2
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
Subject: 2:1 | Finger independence II
Subject: 2:2 | The Sustain Pedal
Subject: 2:3 | The 9th Note
Subject: 2:4 | Basics of Chord Inversions
Subject: 2:5 | Reading fake sheets with chord symbols
Subject: 2:6 | Broken Chord Techniques
Subject: 2:7 | Minor triads
Subject: 2:8 | Chromatic solfege ear training
Subject: 2:9 | Rhythm training Part 2
Subject 2:10 | Basic RH harmonisation
Subject: 2:11 | (Annex A) Revision of Level 1 techniques
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 2:
- The ability to read fake sheets and apply improvisation techniques
- Use of right hand in both solo playing and 2 hand patterns)
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 2:
- Previous classical piano background (Grade 3 & above) or self taught
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 2:
6*-12 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum
Download Level 2 syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 2B
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 2B
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
2B:1 | Maj7 and m7
2B:2 | Wide playing
2B:3 | Usage of 7th notes in voice leading
2B:4 | Right hand fill ins using chord notes
2B:5 | Block chord (1+5+7)
2B:6 | Broken + broken chords
2B:7 | Variation between block and broken
2B:8 | Basic syncopation
2B:9 | Block + broken chords
2B:10 | Sus2 and Sus4 chords
2B:11 | Playing in different keys
2B:12 | Chord progressions II
2B:13 | Level 2B Rhythm Training
2B:14 | Ear Training (colors and moods)
ANNEX A - Recap/revision of Level 2 subjects
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 2B:
- Able to apply basic improvisation on both left and right hand
- Usage of 9th notes during improvisation
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 2B:
- Completion of P.B.E.S™ Level 2
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 2B:
4*-12 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum
Download Level 2B syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 3
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 3
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
3:1 | ii V I chord progression
3:2 | ii vi ii V chord progression
3:3 | Relative major and minor
3:4 | Basic 16th beat patterns
3:5 | LH Approach notes
3:6 | Voice leading using 7th and 9th
3:7 | Accenting on last beat
3:8 | New age close playing
3:9 | Triplets application
3:10 | Riffs
3:11 | Rock Piano style
3:12 | 3-note RH harmonization
3:13 Level 3 Rhythm Training
3:14 Ear Training (extended chords I)
Annex A Recap/revision of Level 2&2A subjects
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 3:
- The ability to improvise with semi-quavers
- Application of all 7ths and 9ths
- Able to improvise a song at will
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 3:
- Completion of P.B.E.S™ Level 2B
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 3:
4*-12 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum
Download Level 3 syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 3B
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 3B
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
3B:1 | Introductions using motifs
3B:2 | LH Approach notes (II)
3B:3 | Build up for V trial
3B:4 | 11th chords
3B:5 | Voicings with 11ths
3B:6 | ‘in betweens’ (16th)
3B:7 | Advance comping
3B:8 | Scale notes (fillers)
3B:9 | dim7 II VI & Aug7 chords
3B:10 | Slash chords
3B:11 | Key modulation
3B:12 | Improvisation 3B
3B:13 | Level 3b Rhythm Training
3B:14 | Ear Training (extended chords II)
ANNEX A - Recap/revision of Level 3 subjects
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 3B:
- The ability to improvise in both 8th and 16th beat rhythm
- The ability to write a melody with diatonic chords
- Able to apply voice leading for 2 hand patterns
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 3B:
- Completion of P.B.E.S™ Level 3
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 3B:
4*-12 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum
Download Level 3B syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 4
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 4
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
4:1 | Chord substitution and re-harmonization I
4:2 | Blues genre
4:3 | Reggae genre
4:4 | Latin genre
4:5 | Case study of popular chord progressions I
4:6 | Case study of pentatonic scale
4:6 | Case study of Hirajōshi scale
4:7 | Motifs as a source of improvisation
4:8 | Key modulation II
4:9 | Basic jazz theory applicable in Pop
4:10 | Walking bass for Pop
4:11 | Rhythmic displacement I
4:12 | Direct and parallel modulation I
4:13 | Pivot chords
4:14 | + Song arrangements for bridges
4:15 | Playing by ear I
4:16 | Case study I
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 4:
- Introduction to musicianship and playing by ear
- Introduction to Blues and other contemporary genres
- The ability to improvise a tune with advanced arrangements
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 4:
- Completion of P.B.E.S™ Level 3B
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 4 :
4*-12 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum
Download Level 4 syllabus
P.B.E.S™ Level 4B
Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Junior Level 4B
(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)
4B:1 Chord substitution and re-harmonization II
4B:2 | Performing/keyboard techniques
4B:3 | Case study of popular chord progressions II
4B:4 | Swing improvisation (Pop context)
4B:5 | Advanced song interpretations
4B:6 | Musicianship in band setting
4B:7 | Chord substitution and re-harmonization II
4B:8 | Song composition
4B:9 | Rhythmic displacement II
4B:10 | Key modulation III
4B:11 | Free styling improvisation
4B:12 | Direct and parallel modulation II
4B:13 | Applications of Scales in all 12 keys
4B:14 | Advanced song arrangements
4B:15 | Song writing
4B:16 | Playing by ear II
Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 4B:
- The ability to play by ear
- To be able to interpret songs with self arranged rendition using rhythmic displacement and re-harmonization
Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 4B:
- Completion of P.B.E.S™ Level 4
Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 4B:
4*-12 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum
Download Level 4B syllabus
Below is a case study example of an excerpt from the song “Sadness and Sorrow (Naruto OST)” improvised using techniques from each of the 4 P.B.E.S™ levels (Level 1-2-3-4). The following 4 videos will give you an idea on what you will learn for every level during your piano lessons. Note: The chosen song example is random. Your child will learn the song of your choice and apply the same techniques.
This what your child should achieve by the end of P.B.E.S™ Level 1 / 1B
Techniques included (but not limited to) LH 1-5-8 | 1-5-10 Broken chord patterns | RH Single melody note | Basic ending with 9th note
This what your child should achieve by the end of P.B.E.S™ Level 3 / 3B
Techniques included (but not limited to) 16 beat rhythm | 7th & 9th notes | 3 note harmonisation | fill-ins using scale notes | voice leading
This what your child should achieve by the end of P.B.E.S™ Level 2 / 2B
Techniques included (but not limited to) broken chord patterns with 9th note | 2 hand-patterns | RH 3rd & 6th interval harmonisation
This what your child should achieve by the end of P.B.E.S™ Level 4 / 4B
Techniques included (but not limited to) rhythmic displacements | )V reharmonisation | RH octave harmonisation | 4-3-1 motifs
PBE students showcase
Video title: An interview with student Rene Lee and her dad Jason Lee
Rene enrolled in the Pop Piano Junior course since 2012 and completed P.B.E.S™ Level 4. The dad explains the differences between Classical and Contemporary Piano while Rene shares her joy of being able to play her favorite Chinese songs by ear.
Video title: Ryan Lew performing at the 2019 PBE Japan annual recital
Ryan enrolled in the Pop Piano Junior course since 2017 and completed P.B.E.S™ Level 3. Listen to his rendition of Sparkle by Radwimps. Every year, we offer opportunities for PBE students from Singapore to perform in Shinagawa (Japan) along side with PBE Japan students.
Video title: 2 PBE students (Jude and Alexsis) casually jamming
Alexis enrolled in the Pop Vocal course since 2015 and completed P.B.E.S™ Level 2 while Jude (on the right) enrolled in the Pop Piano Junior course since 2014 and completed P.B.E.S™ Level 2. Listen to their rendition of ‘How far I’ll go’ from the Disney movie – Moana
Video title: Nanainaba performing 'River flows in you' by Yiruma
Nanainaba (student of PBE Japan) enrolled in the Pop Piano Junior course since 2014 at the age of 9 and had completed P.B.E.S™ Level 3. Listen to his rendition of ‘River flows in you’ in the key of A.
How is our school different from other music schools?
Exam free, zero pressure, 100% fun without compromising, and musicianship training
To put it simply, we train your child to be musicians, not ‘exam passers’. While other schools focus mostly on Classical, we teach the importance of music – to improvise and play by ear. We want your child to naturally enjoy music and be well trained musicians when they grow up.
Our teachers understand what it takes to create the rapport with your child
Our aim is to ensure that your kid enjoys playing music without stress and also without compromising on the proper playing techniques. We want your kid to practice the piano at home without being forced to. It is possible only with good rapport.
Not one fits for all. All kids react differently to different teachers.
We know how tough it is for kids to voice out. e.g. the differences in characteristics – whether animated or soft-spoken or simply unable to ‘click’. As a school, we take careful consideration in assigning the most suitable instructor for your child. As a parent, you are allowed to switch the instructor if you find him or her unsuitable.
Children don't listen to 'Mary had a little Lamb' anymore, thanks to Youtube
It cannot be further stressed how important it is, to learn and play something that your kid listens to. That is the only way they can relate. Aside from the daunting drilling and Hanon finger exercises, which we cannot deny are beneficial to every pianist – ultimately your child should be playing the songs of your choice. 
Learn more
Hollow prosperity do NOT motivate us.
Money isn’t our passion.
During piano lessons, every textbook, scores and materials are typically provided for free. You will never be made to purchase any instruments, score sheets, instructional books, etc. Most schools do, we don’t. Our teachings have a high value which conveys our message of integrity.
Invitation to perform at our annual student recitals: locally or in Shinagawa (Japan)
Every year, there are 2 annual student recital concerts. One is held in Singapore and the other is held in Shinagawa (Japan) – 5 Chome – 18 – 1 Higashioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo-to 140 – 0011. We showcase our students of all ages, even complete beginners.
Piano lessons for kids - What goes on during lessons?
Our school has 2 levels with facilities such as practise rooms, state of the art studios and waiting areas. The lesson timings are controlled by a systematic school bell which assures every child has the complete 45mins time span for every lesson.
Each lesson is carried out on a private one-on-one basis by your child’s assigned permanent teacher. Every teaching studio is rigged with premium weighted keys (with hammer actions, similar to acoustic piano keys), coupled with a studio 4:1 sound system. Learn more
Learn more
Your child would select a song in accordance with your P.B.E.S™ level, while your teacher provides the ‘stripped-down’ scores (fake sheets), consisting of the melody and chords only.
The picture shows an average students’ hand out sheet with teacher’s handwritten notes, encouraging spontaneity using techniques from P.B.E.S™.
On average, your child will learn between 1-2 songs per month (4 lessons). A progress system (CE card) has been enacted for student monitoring throughout the entire course.
P.B.E.S™ techniques (both practical and theory) are usually used to teach every song that is fitting and ‘compatible’ with other songs.
The picture shows an excerpt of P.B.E.Syllabus™ – A guideline that is applicable to any song of your choice that your child plan to learn. Every lesson is customized and yet structured simultaneously, with or without following the P.B.E.Syllabus™. Learn more
Learn more
Local & International celebrities / guest artistes / music collaborators
For the most part, PBE was never a ‘star-struck’ music school or at least our culture was never about grooming students to be artistes but rather hobbyist musicians. Nevertheless, our brand identity has attracted local celebrities (Chen Xiuhuan, Jeremy Chan, Maxi Lim, Sora Ma, Zhang ZhenHuan) to learn from us and we are really very honored.
We also like to take the opportunity to thank all of our PBE guest artistes and music collaborators we have worked with since 2003.
FAQ about time slots:
You may sign up online or at our school physically or via whatsapp at 91798110.
45mins. 1 to 1.
1130am & 83opm for weekdays and 11am & 415pm for weekends
When you postpone a lesson, you gain a makeup lesson which has a 1 year expiry. In brief, you need to give 3 days advanced notice and 1 day advanced notice for peak and off peak lessons respectively.
No, we do not conduct group lessons for children.
Please whatsapp us at 91798110, as our schedule changes every other day.
Send us an email, we should be able to work out something for you.
Yes, it is possible (subject to availability). Just let us know as soon as possible.
Other FAQ:
Our trial lesson (45mins) is payable at $65.
The monthly charges are
$180 (Level 1)
$188 (Level 1B)
$196 (Level 2)
$204 (Level 2B)
$212 (Level 3)
$220 ( Level 3B)
$228 (Level 4)
Charges above based on per month (one lesson per week). $20 one time admin fee and $100 refundable deposit (upon giving a 1 month advanced notice for termination) All textbooks and scores will be provided for free.
We highly recommend your child to have at least a ‘weighted-key’ keyboard or digital piano.
Our materials are not for sale to the general public.
It does not matter which part of the month you register and commence your first lesson, as school fees will be fairly prorated accordingly.
Your school fees will be prorate accordingly.
Yes, but only for the 1st lesson or trial lesson.
