Every beginner who starts piano lessons has to deal with 2 problems at the same time: coordination development and reading. All the music methods worldwide is trying to combat these problems in 2 different ways: traditional schools use "hand position" approach by fastening each finger to a key. Their philosophy is if they don't introduce beginners to sight-reading, it would cause problems with music literacy in the future. Another approach presented by Suzuki school and all the methods based on "finger numbers" have another important point; beginners ought to play music ASAP and read music later.
We developed "Elementary presentation" of music notation and gradual changes towards traditional abstract music staff. The invention basically is similar to the approach of how to teach letters. For example, kids see a picture of an apple and they know what apple is and how to pronounce it. All that they have to figure out is the abstract letter 'A' which they see next to it.
We developed a picture/color decoding system capable of teaching coordination and reading development in a healthy and natural balance. This approach gives every individual ability to learn how to play piano and read music from a very early age.
What prompted you to create the “Soft Way to Mozart”?
Many people can read books but helpless when it comes to sheet music. Music notation is very difficult to learn even with a teacher at your side. I know, I've been there, done that. When I was a child I had a hard time at the beginning of my music education until I got the ability to hear perfect pitch.
When I graduated from a music school with honors, I was wondering, why the system couldn't teach me before I got perfect pitch. I just wanted to create something that will help the average person to learn music reading successfully – and I did!
You work closely with children, what have you learned through your interactions with them?
Many adults think, that small children are just cute little creatures, like dolls. I see them as individuals first of all, little people with brains, personality and character. They are, in fact, much smarter than people think. Our goal s to equip these little people for life with happiness, health and knowledge.
What other goals do you wish to accomplish as a pianist and as a teacher?
I have 2 goals in my mind: to create more fairy tales about music theory and history, more learning materials for beginners and to see universal music literacy. My dream is to see every individual capable of reading music scores the way we read books. I wish to see sheet music in bookstores being as popular as literature. I also wish to see people smarter with a more balanced brain, happier and more compassionate to each other.
One way to achieve this is to give them music literacy and skills to make music. Soft Mozart is capable to help anyone to become a better person. If I would see the program in every household (like TV or telephone), in every school or day care center, my mission would be accomplished.
