Thinking of Transferring from Private Lessons? What to Know About Sightreading and Our Program

If you're considering a switch from traditional private lessons to our Accelerated Program, or if your child has already had several years of instruction elsewhere, you're not alone. Many of our students come from private lesson backgrounds—and while the transition can feel different at first, it often leads to incredible breakthroughs in reading fluency and long-term musical independence.
Here’s what makes our method unique, and why sight reading plays such a big role in our students' success:

​The Power of Reading, Not Repeating
At the heart of our program is a setting designed for continuous exposure to fresh, new music, guided practice during the lesson, and a clear standard for musical mastery. Students in each class work independently at their own level, with teachers providing feedback, support, and correction—but not constant demonstration.

This is an intentional shift. Rather than teaching by rote or by ear (which often creates dependency), we guide students to find answers, solve problems, and build technique on their own—with the teacher always present to monitor and coach as needed. The result? Students become confident, independent musicians who know how to think musically, not just follow.

​Sight Reading vs. Practicing
While we absolutely want our students to build a strong performance repertoire, we equally emphasize sight reading. Why? Because practicing familiar pieces over and over—while useful—can actually erode fluency if it’s not balanced with the challenge of reading something new.

For many transfer students, this approach can feel strange at first. It may seem like they’re not “progressing” in the usual way, because we temporarily pause on performance polish and instead introduce music at their true sight reading level. This level is often lower than what they can practice and memorize—and that’s okay! It’s normal. Sight reading is a completely different skill set and requires constant exposure to unfamiliar music, not repetition of what’s already known.

​Why the Teacher Steps Back
One of the biggest differences students (and parents) notice is that our teachers aren’t sitting right beside each student the entire lesson. Instead, they rotate, observe, and step in as needed—always listening and keeping students on task.

This is not a lack of attention—it’s an intentional way to help students take ownership of their learning. It helps them develop self-direction, accountability, and true understanding, rather than waiting for every instruction or correction. It might feel unusual at first—but once students get used to it, their growth often accelerates.

​Why Group Lessons Work Better
All of this—sight reading, musical fluency, effective practice habits—can only be fully accomplished in a small group setting. Traditional one-to-one lessons often create dependency on the teacher for feedback, motivation, and next steps. These lessons also rely on the student practicing alone during the week, and the lesson itself is usually focused on correcting the same few pieces week after week.

Our model flips that. Practice happens during the lesson, and students are constantly reading and progressing. Once their sight reading level catches up to their playing level, they no longer hit plateaus. Any new song—regardless of difficulty—becomes approachable.

​Progress You Can See
Some students take to this model right away. Others need a few weeks to adjust. But once the routine clicks, progress is fast and motivating. Students start moving through material at twice the pace of traditional lessons, and gain the confidence that comes from real understanding—not just repetition.

And yes—our students perform in recitals, participate in festivals, and enter competitions. They just do so with a deeper sense of fluency, balance, and skill.

If you're transferring from private lessons, we hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect—and why we teach the way we do. We’re here to help your child become a lifelong, fluent musician—and sight reading is the key that unlocks that door.

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