P.B.E.S™ Pop Piano lessons for adults

We have been providing piano lessons for adults for beginners and all levels since 2003. Unlike traditional piano, a pop pianist takes the basic skeleton of a song and then plays and embellishes the song as he sees fit. Our Pop piano lessons (for adults) cover improvisation techniques that can be used for almost any song including English, Chinese, Jap/Korean OST, or even contemporary worship. There are just too many ways to play any specific song. Start your Pop Piano lessons today with us and learn the true art of improvisation on the piano.

Piano lessons for adults (administrative information):

Course title: Pop Piano Improvisation Course (for adults)
Mode of coaching: one-on-one lessons (individual)
Age group: for Adults and Teens
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: $172 / $180 / $188 / $196 / $204 / $212 / $220 / $228 respectively

Adults with little to 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™) Upon enrolling into the Pop Piano Improvisation course, you will receive the following, exclusive to PBE students:

a) P.B.E.S™ Student Edition Textbook (for your current P.B.E.S™ Level)
b) P.B.E.S™ Song Excerpts Black Booklet
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 the free usage of the practice studios, free scores transcribing, discounts on musical instruments & more

Useful links:

Sign up now (Pop piano lessons for adults)

Course fees & schedule

for self-assessment to determine your current P.B.E.S™ Level

PBE student privileges

The trend in adults learning piano?

List of songs (fake sheets)

Zoom lessons

Frequently asked questions

P.B.E.S™ Level 1

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 1

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

1:1 | Fundamentals of music notation

Reading staff (optional) / Note values

1:2 | Posture and fingering

Playing posture / Drop technique / Hand shape

1:3 | Use of the Sustain Pedal

1:4 | Play Single Note Melody

1:4b | + LH root note

1:4c | + LH basic intervals

1:4d | + LH variations I

1:5 | Triads Part (I) *how to teach

1:6 | (1 + 3 + 5) Block Chords

1:6b | + LH root note (comping)

1:6c | + LH variations II

1:7 | (1 – 5 – 8) Broken Chord

1:7b | + rhythmic variations (4 & 8 beat)

1:7c | Introduction to

2 hand patterns (comping)

1:8 | Improvisation I

1:9 | Basic coordination skills and rhythm training

Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 1:

The ability to play an elementary piece of music on the piano
Applying the rudiments of music
Developing proper fingering and basic coordination skills

Prerequisite for P.B.E.S™ Level 1:

Total zero music background

Duration for P.B.E.S™ Level 1:

1-3* months (depending on individual's progress) *maximum

Download Level 1 syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 1B

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 1B

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

1B:1&2 | Keys and scales

1B:3 | (1 – 5 – 10) Broken Chord

1B:3b | + LH variations (1-5-10) I

1B:3c | + LH variations (1-5-10) II

1B:3d | + RH fill ins using intervals

1B:4 | (1 – 5 – 1 – 3 - 5) Broken Chord

1B:4b |+ 2 hand patterns

(comping) I LH-1-5s

1B:4c | + 2 hand patterns

(comping) II LH-1-8

1B:5 | End a song with C(add2)

1B: 5a | + Song arrangements for

verse and chorus

1B:6 | Improvisation 1B

1B:7 | Basic coordination skills

and rhythm training

1B:8 | Ear Training (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 (with or without reading)
Able to apply basic improvisationc

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:

1-6* months (depending on individual's progress) *maximum

Download Level 1B syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 2

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 2

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

2:1 | Fingering Techniques

(Left hand fingering for 1-5)

2:2 | Sustain pedal application

2:3 | The 9th Note

2:4 | Two-hand Patterns (comping & solo)

2:4b | + RH fill-ins using chord notes

2:5 | Broken Chord Technique II

2:6 | (5-notes using 9th) / (Broken+Block)

2:7 | Basic block chord variations

2:8 | Octave Displacement

2:9 | RH 2-Note harmonization

2:10 | Triads Part (II)

2:11 | Improvising in D &Bb

2: 11b | + Song arrangements for

verse and chorus

2:12 | Improvisation 2

2:13 | Level 2 Rhythm Training

2:14 | Ear Training (Part 2)

ANNEX A - Recap/revision of Level 1&1B subjects

Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 2:

The ability to interpret fake sheets with basic improvisation techniques
Use of right hand in playing harmony and basic fill-ins (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:

4*-9 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum

Download Level 2 syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 2B

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 2B

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

2B:1| Major minor and dominant 7th chords

2B:2| Two hand patterns (with voice leading)

2B:3| Right hand fill ins using chord notes (7th & 9th)

2B:4| Wide playing

2B:5| Block chord (1+5+7)

2B:6| Variation between (1+5+7) and broken chords

2B:7| Basic syncopation

2B:8| Block + broken chords

2B:9| Broken + broken chords

2B:10| Suspended chords

2B:11| Key modulation

2B:12| End a song with minor 6th and major 7th

2B:13| Level 2B Rhythm Training

2B:14| Ear Training (Part 2B)

ANNEX A - Recap/revision of Level 2 subjects

Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 2B:

The ability to comfortably execute improvisation variations on left and right hand with song arrangements
Usage of 9th notes for all major and minor triads in easy keys

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*-9 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum

Download Level 2B syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 3

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 3

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

3:1 | Minor and Dominant 7th chords

3:2 | Relative major and minor

3:3 | 16th beat patterns (‘hold & run’)

3:3b | + Comping application

3:4 | Voice leading

3:5 | Accenting on last beat II

3:6 | Advanced close playing

3:7 | Right hand fill-ins (in triplets)

3:8 | Approach notes

3:9 | Motifs

3:10 | 12/8) & Rock Piano style

3:11/12 | Major 7th & sus chords

3:13 | 3-note right hand harmonization

3:14 | Chord progressions Part 2

3:15 Applications of Scales (E key)

3:16 Song arrangements f chorus

3:17 Improvisation 3

3:18 Level 3 Rhythm Training

3:19 Ear Training (Part 2B)

Annex A Recap/revision of Level 2&2A subjects

Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 3:

The ability to play in 16 beat rhythm
Application of maj7 , m7 and sus4
Triplets in 8 & 16beat rhthm
Able to improvise a song at will with or without fakesheet

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*-9 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum

Download Level 3 syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 3B

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 3B

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

3B:1 | Minor and Dominant

3B:1a | Advanced voicings

3B:2 | Major 7th chords (voicings)

3B:3 | ‘in betweens’ (16th)

3B:3b | + Comping application

3B:4 | Right hand fill-ins (Scale notes)

3B:5 | Accenting on last beat I

3B:6 | Approach notes II (in 16th beat)

3B:7 | Application of slash chords

3B:8 | dim7 II VI & Aug7 chords

3B:9 | 11th chords

3B:10 | Motifs with harmony

3B:11 | RH approach notes

3B:12 | Ending with chord progressions Part 2 / application of Ab key

3B:13 | Introductions

3B:14 | Improvisation 3B

3B:15 | Level 3b Rhythm Training

3B:16 |Ear Training (Part 3B)

ANNEX A - Recap/revision of Level 3 subjects

Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 3B:

The ability to play in 16 beat rhythm with 8 beat variations
Able to apply voice leading
Able to improvise a melody with given chord progressions

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*-9 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum

Download Level 3B syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 4

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 4

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

4:1 | ii-V-I progressions and

substitute triads in improvisation

4:2 | Advanced right hand fill-ins I

4:3/4 | 4-note right hand harmonization

4:5 | Advanced 16th beat

4:6 | Pentatonic & blues scale

4:7 | Motifs as a source of improvisation

4:8 | Key modulation

4:9 | Basic jazz theory applicable in Pop

4:10 | Walking bass for Pop

4:11 | Pop reharmonization I

4:12 | Bossa Nova & Latin / Rock

4:13 | Advanced comping I

4:14&15 | Ending with chord progressions Part 3 / application of B key

4:16 | + Song arrangements for bridges

4:17 | Case study I

Objectives for P.B.E.S™ Level 4:

To explore other uptempo contemporary genres
To introduce to Pop-Jazz
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*-9 months (depending on individual's progress) *minimum

Download Level 4 syllabus

P.B.E.S™ Level 4B

Syllabus content for P.B.E.S™ Level 4B

(in conjunction with P.B.E.Syllabus™)

4B:1 | Performing/keyboard techniques

4B:2 | Advanced right hand fill-ins II

4B:3 | Swing improvisation (Pop context)

4B:4 | Reggae improvisation

4B:5 | Advanced song interpretations

4B:6 | Musicianship in band setting

4B:7 | Advanced modulation

4B:8 | Song composition

4B:9 | Solo and compoing improvisation

4B:10 | Blues improvisation

4:11 | Pop reharmonization II

4B:11 | Free styling improvisation

4B:12 | Applications of Scales (C# & F# key)

4B:13 | + Advanced song arrangements

4B:14 | Advanced melody improvisation

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*-9 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. As a student, you will learn the song of your choice and apply the same techniques.

This what you 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 is what you 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 is what you 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 is what you 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

As a team of instructors together, we can testify that no attitude issues are present during your piano lessons

A peculiar way to say that we are a friendly team of such, but the truth is that musicians on a more general scope, are infamously known for their eccentricity. Nonetheless, this is no excuse for musicians to behave with any sort of attitude. Over the past 18 years, we have grown, not just as a business but in the way that we think. We understand the importance of developing good people, and teamwork skills. As service providers, we are accustomed to adapting our mode of delivery to suit our students’ needs.

Play the Pop songs you listen to. Not 'Mary had a little Lamb'.

It is important to learn and play something that you would prefer. May it be Chinese, English Pop, OST, contemporary worship, etc. We have a library of 2000 over fake sheets readily available. For beginners, we have painstakingly filtered out the easier songs for learning purposes. While you have the opportunity to learn the songs of your choice, it is our responsibility to ensure that the song is suitable for learning.

You have the option to change your teacher during your piano lessons should you need to do so (and we will never be offended!):

It can be due to any reasons that may not necessarily be negative, for example the differences in characteristics – whether animated or soft spoken, musical influences, language barriers, etc. We know how tough it is for students to voice out their inner concerns, which is why sometimes we do periodically ask them and in the most casual manner to provide a sense of ease. In retrospect, this really is one of the perks of joining a music school, because you are not bound by one instructor (should things not work out).

We are not driven by hollow prosperity. Money isn’t our passion.

All textbooks, scores and materials will be provided for free during your piano lessons. You will NEVER be forced to purchase any instruments, score sheets, instructional books or anything of that sort. Most schools do, we don’t. Our teachings, lessons and methodology has a high value which carries our message of integrity.

PBE Student interviews:

Our establishment had over 6000 Pop Piano enrolled students over the past 18 years, arguably making us the most popular music school for Contemporary Piano in Singapore. Have a listen to some of our students’ playing and true testimonials. We promise there was no bribing or biasness, or fabrication made during the entire filming and editing process.

The trend for adults learning Pop Piano

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 to learn from us and we are really very honored.

In alphabetical order, Chen Xiuhuan, Jeremy Chan, Maxi Lim, Sora Ma, Zhang ZhenHuan

FAQ about time slots:

How long is each piano lesson?

45mins. 1 to 1.

What is the earliest or latest day/time slot?

1130am & 83opm for weekdays and 11am & 415pm for weekends

What if I can't make it for certain lessons?

The lesson(s) that you postponed will be credited as makeup lesson(s) which has a 1 year expiry. You are required to give 3 days advanced notice and 1 day advanced notice for peak and off peak lessons respectively.

How do I go about enrolling?

You may sign up online or at our school physically or via whatsapp at 91798110.

Do you have group piano lesson?

Yes, however, you are required to form your own group. For example, you and your friend can enroll together and opt to be in the same class.

What are the available day/time slots?

Please whatsapp us at 91798110, as our schedule changes every other day.

What if I can't make it on a fixed slot?

Send us an email, we should be able to work out something for you.

Other FAQ:

Do you have any trial piano lesson?

Our trial lesson is payable at $65.

How much are the piano lessons?

The monthly charges are

$172 (Level 1)
$180(Level 1B)
$188 (Level 2)
$196 (Level 2B)
$204 (Level 3)
$212 (Level 3B)
$220 ( Level 4)
$228 (Level 4B)

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.

I do not have a piano, is that ok?

That is ok. In fact, once you are a registered student, you are able to use our practise rooms (with pianos) for free.

Can I purchase your P.B.E.S™ textbook?

Our materials are not for sale to the general public.

How do I know which level should I enrol?

CLICK HERE

I am a complete adult beginner, can I learn?

Yes! Half the student population of our school are adults with zero music background.

What happens if I enrol mid month?

It does not matter which part of the month you register and commence your first lesson, as school fees will be prorated accordingly.