COPYRIGHT © 2003-2020 PLAY BY EAR
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 a traditional pianist, 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
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 improvisation
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 comping 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
Free practice studios for active PBE students
If you are an active PBE student, you are entitled to use our practice area, furnished with digital pianos and individual lamps dedicated for personalized enclosure. You will be provided with complimentary ear phones as well.
We as a team of teachers 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 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 and understand the importance of developing good people skills.
You have the option to change your teacher during your
piano lessons should you need to do so
It can be due to many reasons that may not necessarily be negative, for example, the differences in personality or musical influences. Rest assured, we will and never be offended. In retrospect, this is one of the perks of joining a music school, because you are not bound by one instructor (should things not work out).
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 (even for complete beginners), may it be Chinese, English, K-Pop, OST, contemporary worship, etc. We have a library of 2000 over fake sheets readily available. 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.
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.
Invitation to perform for our annual student recitals locally or in Shinagawa (Japan)
Every year, there are 2 annual student recital concerts. One is held locally 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 different levels even complete beginners.
How are the piano lessons carried out?
Each 45mins piano lesson is personalized and yet structured simultaneously (with or without following the P.B.E.Syllabus™).
You would select a song in tandem with your P.B.E.S™ level and your instructor will provide the ‘stripped-down’ scores (fake sheets), comprising of only the melody and chords.
Each song will be taught using P.B.E.S™ techniques (both practical and theory) that are appropriate, which are ‘compatible’ for other songs.
You can choose to read proper notation or not. On average, you will learn between 1-4 songs per month (4 lessons). A progress system has been implemented/enacted for student monitoring throughout the entire course.
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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.
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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
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FAQ about time slots:
45mins. 1 to 1.
1130am & 83opm for weekdays and 11am & 415pm for weekends
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.
You may sign up online or at our school physically or via whatsapp at 91798110.
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.
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.
Other FAQ:
Our trial lesson is payable at $65.
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.
That is ok. In fact, once you are a registered student, you are able to use our practise rooms (with pianos) for free.
Our materials are not for sale to the general public.
Yes! Half the student population of our school are adults with zero music background.
It does not matter which part of the month you register and commence your first lesson, as school fees will be prorated accordingly.
