Curriculum

AMI Curriculum 

Having a clear music curriculum transforms lessons from casual play into a powerful journey of growth, mastery, and expression. Whether learning piano, strings, winds, or brass, a well-designed curriculum sets intentional goals that guide students step-by-step—building technique, musicality, and confidence along the way. With structure and purpose, students stay motivated and can see (and hear!) their progress unfold.

PIANO

– 3 months – 2-3 pieces, pentatonic sale, proper sitting and hand posture, able to play both hands together, read music
– 6 months – 5-8 pieces, 1 octave scale, knowing the clefs, reading notes, being able to play with a metronome, doing basic phrasing and articulation
– 1yr – Suzuki Bk 1-2, 2 octave scales, reading notes – dynamics – basic articulations (slur, staccato, etc), knowing 3 key signatures, understanding flat – natural – sharp, basic use of sustain pedal
– 1.5yrs – Suzuki Bk 2-3, 3 octave scales (3 maj and 3 min scales), general musicianship (analyzing music ABA structure etc, energy, phrasing, dynamics, articulation, pedals, time, etc)
– 2yrs – Suzuki Bk 3-5, 4 octave scales (3 maj & 3 min), sight reading, understanding how to practice, esp bubble method (transition sections)
– 3+yrs – Scales, etudes, double stops scales, performance pieces, etc

STRINGS

– 3 months – 1-2 pieces, pentatonic sale, 2 strings, able to consistently use full bow, proper bow hold and posture, proper left hand structure
– 6 months – 4-5 pieces, 1 octave scale, all strings playability, knowing the clef, reading notes, being able to play with a metronome/piano
– 1yr – Suzuki Bk 1, 2 octave scales, reading notes – dynamics – basic articulations (slur, staccato, martelle, etc), knowing 3 key signatures, understanding flat – natural – sharp, dev rich sound with full bow, proper left hand attack and pluck
– 1.5yrs – Suzuki Bk 2, shifting (French / Russian), 2 octave (3 maj and 3 min scales), basic shifting, understanding intonation – how to tune notes, general musicianship (analyzing music ABA structure etc, energy, phrasing, dynamics, articulation, time, etc)
– 2yrs – Suzuki Bk 3, 3 octave scales (2 maj & 2 min), sight reading, understanding how to practice esp bubble method (transition sections), vibrato
– 3+yrs – Scales, etudes, double stops scales, performance pieces, etc

WINDS

– 3 months – 1-2 pieces, pentatonic sale, proper posture, create decent sound
– 6 months – 4-5 pieces, 1 octave scale, increase range to 1.5 octaves, knowing the clef, reading notes, being able to play with a metronome/piano
– 1yr – Suzuki Bk 1, 2 octave scales, reading notes – dynamics – basic articulations (slur, staccato, etc), knowing 3 key signatures, understanding flat – natural – sharp, dev rich sustained sound
– 1.5yrs – Suzuki Bk 2, 2 octave (3 maj and 3 min scales), understanding intonation – how to tune notes, general musicianship (analyzing music ABA structure etc, energy, phrasing, dynamics, articulation, time, etc)
– 2yrs – Suzuki Bk 3, 3 octave scales (2 maj & 2 min), sight reading, understanding how to practice esp bubble method (transition sections), vibrato
– 3+yrs – Scales, etudes, performance pieces, etc

BRASS

– 3 months – 1-2 pieces, pentatonic sale, proper posture, create decent sound
– 6 months – 4-5 pieces, 1 octave scale, increase range to 1.5 octaves, knowing the clef, reading notes, being able to play with a metronome/piano
– 1yr – Suzuki Bk 1, 2 octave scales, reading notes – dynamics – basic articulations (slur, staccato, etc), knowing 3 key signatures, understanding flat – natural – sharp, dev rich sustained sound,
– 1.5yrs – Suzuki Bk 2, 2 octave (3 maj and 3 min scales), understanding intonation – how to tune notes, general musicianship (analyzing music ABA structure etc, energy, phrasing, dynamics, articulation, time, etc)
– 2yrs – Suzuki Bk 3, 3 octave scales (2 maj & 2 min), sight reading, understanding how to practice esp bubble method (transition sections), vibrato
– 3+yrs – Scales, etudes, performance pieces, etc