The Marlais Method:Cultivating a Love for Piano Through Structured, Joyful Learning
The Marlais Method of teaching piano is a unique and inspiring approach that lays a robust musical foundation for students, fostering not only skill but also a lifelong love for playing. Rooted in the belief that joy in learning leads to greater success, this method integrates core musical skills—musicality, body-friendly technique, note reading, intervallic recognition, rhythm, theory, and composition—through consistent reinforcement, positive pedagogy, and an approach that’s both structured and imaginative.
Building a Foundation of Joy and Excellence in Piano Playing
In the Marlais Method, each lesson is designed to bring out the inherent joy in music. A child who finds joy in playing will naturally develop good habits, and this method builds on that principle from the very start. By addressing critical techniques and common challenges early on, it encourages students to develop healthy posture, correct hand position, and sound-producing gestures—all essential to advancing in skill and expression. Through creative analogies, the method also clarifies how the complete playing mechanism, along with the ear, is used to instill excellent technique and musicianship. Each of the physical gestures are taught in ways that are accessible and fun. Never again will teachers and students wish to use ambiguous and incorrect terminology such as “twist,” “bounce,” “grip”, “brace”, “move your thumb under your palm”, and “stretch”.
Core Principles of the Marlais Method
The Marlais Method upholds Seven Core Principles that guide each stage of a student’s journey in learning the piano:
- Readiness: Ensuring the student is prepared for each new concept and skill.
- Consistent Reinforcement: Practicing each concept repeatedly for mastery.
- Positive Pedagogy: Fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.
- Logical Order: Teaching concepts in a progression that builds on prior knowledge.
- Sufficient Reinforcement: Revisiting skills to solidify understanding and technique.
- Excitement for Learning: Making each lesson a new adventure in music.
- Freedom of Repertoire Choice: Allowing students to explore music that resonates with them, enhancing their connection to the piano.
Practicing Piano with Purpose
The Marlais Method teaches students how to approach practice thoughtfully and effectively, with strategies that empower them to listen, reflect, and refine their skills:
- Play-Prepare Practice: A step-by-step guide to setting up and mastering new pieces.
- Listening Skills: Developing a keen ear for tone, rhythm, and expression.
- Blocking and Unit Practice: Breaking down complex passages for easier learning.
- Ornamentation and Rubato: Learning decorative techniques and flexibility in timing.
- Metronome Use: Establishing rhythm consistency and discipline.
- Repetition: Applying repetition healthily to build muscle memory without fatigue.
- Advanced Techniques: Shaping phrases, practicing chords, and balancing hands for dynamic control.
Fostering Artistic Personality
Beyond technique, the Marlais Method helps students shape their artistic identity, nurturing imagination, dynamic control, and expressive gestures. Through the art of listening and imaginative exercises, students learn to interpret music in unique ways, adding a personal touch to their playing.
- Sound, Gesture, and Imagination: By incorporating sound awareness, physical gestures, and imaginative thinking into every lesson, the Marlais Method encourages students to play not just with their hands, but with their hearts.
Collaborative Confidence: Piano Ensembles
Playing as part of a piano ensemble builds teamwork and confidence, offering students the chance to experience music in a communal setting. The Marlais Method provides guidance on effective practice strategies for duets and duos, helping students overcome performance anxiety and enjoy shared musical expression.
Connecting Technique with Musicality
The Marlais Method emphasizes the seamless connection between technical skills and musical expression, allowing students to develop a beautiful, expressive tone at every level. From basic posture to advanced weight control, students learn how specific physical movements support both technical execution and musical artistry, creating a solid foundation for interpreting complex works.
Special Focus: Impressionist and Pre-Impressionist Repertoire
Exploring Impressionist music is an exciting part of the Marlais Method, as students delve into the art, history, and poetry of this rich period in piano composition. Pre-Impressionist pieces introduce younger students to the imagery and sound of this style, helping them grow in artistic expression and develop a beautiful touch for this unique repertoire.
The Marlais Method transforms the learning experience, making each piano lesson a journey of joy, skill, and artistic discovery. Through structured teaching, creative freedom, and a focus on positivity, students not only become proficient pianists but also passionate musicians.
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The Marlais Method also incorporates the entire Pianist’s Curriculum, which is everything that a student needs to take them from the beginner levels through advanced levels. Sight reading, Rhythm, Theory, Ear Training, Recital pieces, Master composers, Activity books on master composers, Repertoire spanning the eras, pieces based on intervallic reading, Notespellers, Etudes, Sonatinas, Technique exercises, scales, chords, arpeggios, and art music in a series called, Contemporary Keyboard editions. Students not only learn classical music, but also become acquainted with jazz, blues, and rags, duets, Christmas, classical themes, timeless hymns, and wonderful solo repertoire. Perfect for transfer students as well as adults and non traditional students.