Beginner 1
A secure, enjoyable beginning: treble notes C–G, basic notes and rests, pulse, listening and a healthy practice habit.
The Music Roomby RebekahA guide for parents
Making sense of your child’s
musical pathway.
There is no single timetable for becoming a musician. This guide explains what your child is learning, how the beginner stages fit together and when an assessment may be helpful.
The Learning Room pathway
Three stages. One individual journey.
The stages create a clear sense of direction without rushing a learner. Progress is based on secure understanding, confidence and readiness—not simply how many activities have been completed. The structured digital pathway is being developed for piano first; other instruments continue through an individual lesson pathway with shared musicianship activities.
Beginner 2
Treble and bass clef, quavers and complete bars, dynamics, articulation, pitch direction and growing independence between lessons.
Beginner 3
Two-handed playing, musical expression, listening games, creativity and the performance habits needed for an optional Prep Test.
What each stage contains
A balanced musical curriculum.
Each level brings reading, rhythm, listening and practical playing together. Online activities support the lesson work; they do not replace individual teaching or move a learner to the next stage automatically.
Beginner 1
- Reading
- Treble C–G
- Rhythm
- Crotchet, minim and semibreve notes and rests
- Listening
- Pulse and simple musical contrasts
- Playing
- Posture, hand shape and a steady practice routine
Beginner 2
- Reading
- A wider treble range and an introduction to bass clef
- Rhythm
- Quavers, dotted minims and simple 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 bars
- Listening
- Higher, lower or the same
- Playing
- Dynamics, legato, staccato and greater independence
Beginner 3
- Reading
- Two-handed reading within suitable pieces
- Rhythm
- Steady pulse and accurate patterns in complete pieces
- Listening
- Prep Test-style listening games and musical response
- Playing
- Three set pieces, an own-choice piece and confident performance habits
Assessments, without the pressure
The right goal for the right learner.
ABRSM is my principal exam board, but I can teach through other boards when a different route better suits the learner. An exam is always a possible destination—not the whole purpose of music.
ABRSM Prep Test
A friendly first assessment with no pass or fail. For piano, the learner performs three set pieces and one suitable own-choice piece of around 16 to 24 bars, then takes part in simple listening games. They receive a certificate and helpful written feedback.
Practical Grades
A rounded assessment of prepared pieces and broader musicianship. The exact route is discussed carefully so that an exam supports the learner rather than becoming the whole purpose of lessons.
Performance Grades
A performance-focused option built around presenting a programme of music. This can suit learners who thrive when preparing and communicating complete pieces.
Music Theory
Theory is taught as a practical musical language: notation, rhythm, harmony and structure are connected to what the learner can hear and play.
Official ABRSM information
Exam requirements can change. These links take you to the current official information; Rebekah will confirm the appropriate syllabus and entry route before preparation begins.
Beyond the beginner pathway
Support that grows with the learner.
Piano is the principal instrument at The Music Room, with teaching also available in flute, violin, recorder, singing and music theory.
Instrumental learning
Secure technique, reading, listening and expression across piano, flute, violin, recorder and singing.
GCSE & A Level Music
Clear, individual support with the musical knowledge, analysis and understanding required for academic study.
Scholarship preparation
Focused preparation for auditions and scholarship applications, including repertoire, musicianship, presentation and confidence.
Creative musicianship
Listening, improvising, responding and understanding music—not only reproducing the notes on the page.
Your child first
Not sure which route is right?
That is completely normal. Rebekah will recommend a pathway after getting to know the learner, their interests and the way they learn best.