Mission Statement

Tickled Ivories is committed to providing an exceptional, fun piano experience for children where learning is accomplished through discovery and play.  We impart joy, creativity, intrigue, and educational advantages to children in a weekly piano class.  We believe a complete understanding of the intricacies of child development as well as respect for each child’s “bent” and uniqueness is paramount to the learning process.  Never compromised is the integrity of our product delivered with the highest level of care and respect for children and their families.

A Word From Caryl Moses: Founder, Tickled Ivories Tickled Ivories believes that music moves us all. It moves us physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. It is our mission to enrich the lives of children by establishing a solid musical foundation through providing quality, affordable piano instruction.

We believe that piano education gives children life advantages and prepares a foundation for future success both academically and beyond. Here are some reasons why:

• Provides educational advantages
  • Numerous studies available show children who play an instrument, score higher on both standard and spatial cognitive development tests alike. In one particular study conducted by Dr. Frances Rauscher (a psychologist at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh) and Gordon Shaw (a physicist at of the University of California at Irvine) tested preschoolers who received piano instruction. They found that preschoolers who received piano lessons scored 34% higher than their nonmusical counterparts in tests measuring spatial-temporal reasoning, which is the brain function used to understand math, science and engineering.
• Increases coordination
  • Increased eye-hand coordination is almost a given for children that learn to play the piano. Children who play the piano have improved fine motor skills and, unlike other instruments, the piano requires both hands to work independently of each other. This experience increases a child's overall dexterity and complex thought processes.
• Increases concentration
  • Reading a piece of music takes a great deal of focus, causing a child to interpret a note and a rhythm, translate it into hand movements on the keyboard. Reading and playing music allows children to think both critically and creatively, critical skills for success in a multitude of other endeavors
• Increases language and thinking skills
  • Music is a language, and children are programmed to absorb languages. Studies have shown that kids can most easily learn new languages when they start at a young age. Piano lessons help children develop the very same skills needed to accomplish language arts, like reading. Children have to translate the strange marks on those bars of music and turn them into a song. This learning process enhances the area of the brain that processes new languages.
• Increases math skills
  • Music and math are connected. Often times, children find it easier to tune into music which results at better aptitude and performance in math. Piano lessons could help the child who struggles with math in school.
• Increases confidence and pride
  • Many children have a low self-esteem. Piano lessons can encourage and provide a sense of accomplishment for children. When children participate in piano performances or graduate to the next level piano book, his/her self-esteem improves. Children are thrilled to receive medals, ribbons or certificates which celebrate their accomplishments!
• Develops a lifelong skill
  • Playing piano is much like riding a bike. When children take lessons at a young age, they develop musical skills that will last a lifetime. While they may not continue lessons indefinitely or perhaps change instruments in the future, piano lessons establish an excellent foundation in music.
• Group lessons provide a inviting atmosphere for learning

The energy children in group lessons share and the fun they have playing for each other also breaks down their worries and fears about performing that help them achieve their musical goals. Plus they see that other children face similar challenges in learning to play the piano as they do. Group lessons provide students of all ages a classical piano education in a fun, fast-paced class with their peers.

Make a joyful noise!