Philosophy and Methods
ABOUT KEYS TO LIFE
KTL is a leading Portland music school because our approach to teaching music is based on two main principles:
We allow children to play music that interests them: Students enjoy the learning process more and grow faster if they play music they know and like. If they are unsure, we will help them find music that speaks to them and is appropriate for their level.
Learning by ear: If children put in the time to learn something by ear, their ownership of the experience and confidence in their abilities grow exponentially
Keys to Life Provides:
Custom music classes: We design private instruction and group music classes for all ages.
A well-rounded education: We develop the student’s music reading abilities, theory comprehension, technique, rhythm, ear training, creativity, and performance practice.
Goals: We set goals at the start of each semester, keep track of our assignments, and give on demand progress reports.
Opportunities for growth: We offer many ways for students to develop their musical skills including formal and mini recitals, UpStartRock, the Karaoke Concert, invitational performances for upper level students, demo recordings, and teen volunteering at our summer camp.
Jam Sessions: Students get time at their lessons to have a supported jam session and are encouraged to figure out songs by ear and devise their own songs.
Accountability: We hold students and teachers accountable through performances
Performances are essential to grow musically. They give our students an opportunity to perform for each other, their families, and the greater community in a setting that actually helps them face stage fright and conquer it. We hold two formal recitals each year and mini recitals at community retirement homes.
KTL’s Secret that Gets Kids Practicing
We believe that every student enjoys the learning process more and grows faster as a musician if they play music that interests them.
It also helps immensely if the student has a deep sense of how the music they’re learning is supposed to sound which means we prize learning by ear as much as we do learning by reading. We cultivate both skills.
Along with their lesson and theory books, students get to choose their own music or are given help in finding music that speaks to them that’s appropriate for their level.
Going along with their creative development, students get time at their lessons to have a supported jam session and are encouraged to figure out songs by ear and devise their own songs. We make lessons fun, interesting, and challenging.
A Typical Lesson
Often, a lesson will start with the student telling their teacher how their week went with practicing. Then they may show their teacher what song they’ve figured out by ear and the teacher will help them take it to the next level: either by giving them a more efficient way to play it, by adding harmony, or by showing them the next part of the song.
Then, the student will present their week’s assignments including any technical exercises, repertoire, and theory work. The teacher may choose to focus on a few particular pieces or get to each assignment.
The teacher motivates and rewards young students with stickers and prizes. If there is a performance coming up, that takes priority at the lesson.
Finally, the teacher and student go over the week’s assignment in their notebook. Through the talents and expertise of KTL’s teachers, all this can happen in as little as 30 minutes!
We’re Always Listening!
We encourage our students to take their musical journey as deep as it can go. Thus, we tailor each lesson and class to the unique interest and abilities of each student. Still, we want to know how we can serve you better and help further your musical goals. Those families that ask for what they want, make their goals clear, and support their students get the best results.
KTL History
Beginning in 2007, Sara Duncan has grown KTL from her personal home studio to a thriving community that serves nearly 200 families. KTL has multiple locations throughout the Portland area, provides students of all ages classes suited to their needs and interests, and offers lessons for most instruments and styles. KTL has biannual formal recitals, mini recitals at local retirement homes, rock shows at a local pubs and other performance opportunities based on student interest. The school grows on its own reputation and values. We are very grateful to the community!