Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

What do they say about us?

We pride ourselves in the success of our teaching scheme and our customer service and below are just a few comments taken from emails and thank you cards from parents. Firstly though, a review from West Sussex County Council when the Funky Monkey Keyboard Scheme was first implemented in the schools in the area

 

Assessment from Music Co-Ordinator for WSCC Music Service:

• '(These) were thoroughly enjoyable lessons to watch. Your calm yet purposeful manner created a good working environment for pupils. The expectations you have for pupils are clearly understood by the pupils, ie coming in and putting headphones on/practising'

• 'You have excellent subject knowledge imparted in a way that is easily understood'

• 'Lessons have a good pace and effective use was made of resources. Well-sequenced activities flowed seamlessly through lessons. Your FM publication is a well-balanced resource that mixes practical and theoretical exercises in fun progression'

• 'You achieved very high standards for working and pupil behaviour by developing pupils sense of autonomy'

• 'The advantage of using headphones is that pupils can be responsible for their own learning'

• 'Pupils were given regular feedback on what they needed to do to improve – good rapport and the pupils were eager to please'

• 'Gold stars a real incentive'

'Connor has been doing keyboard with you for many terms now and we would like to thank you for giving him such a fun and educational introduction to music. The keyboard is in our lounge so he entertains all our guests (whether they like it or not) and even did a concert for his grandparents in South Africa using Skype!  He played the tunes and they had to guess which song it was.   Thank goodness his granny is an Abba fan - he played 'Super Trouper' over and over.   

We went into Toys 'R' Us on the weekend and he casually strolled up to the keyboard there and played the first few bars of Vivaldi's 'Spring' without even thinking about it! I don't think he realises that he's learned to read music, because he's enjoyed it so much.'
N Stewart, Sevenoaks

'I just wanted to say how much my daughter is enjoying the Funky Monkey summer school she has been doing this week. On every occasion, since her first visit, I have asked if she wants to return and she has always given a very excited 'yes' without any hesitation (which is a little unusual for her!).  Despite being a very unmusical person myself, I can see that she is also clearly learning the keyboard - practical and theory which is just great for a little one!'
T Meek, Streatham

'Hi Ali, I just wanted to let you know Anna had the results of her Grade 1 piano today and she got a Distinction!  Much of that is due to the great introduction to music you gave her so we thank you very much for all your hard work with her over almost 2 years'
C King, Sevenoaks

'Oliver is really enjoying the lessons...and has recently taken to coming down to play his 'Funky Monkey' tunes on our piano before school. It's such a good idea getting children to not only play music but write it down too!'
K Hubbard, Tunbridge Wells

'Martha has really enjoyed the 3 years of Funky Monkey and I can't believe that so much time has passed. She will be starting with a piano teacher in September but is very fond of the keyboards and is a bit of a rock chick so I think the keyboard will continue to get lots of use. I think it has only just dawned on her that she won't be coming back so thank you again to you and your staff.'
Mrs Page, Streatham

'Michael is now on Book 5 of the Funky Monkey series and is practising regularly. We are invited to attend many 'recitals' where we are are all asked to sit quietly in our chairs and concentrate!'
Mr Ustonovich-Repa, East Dulwich

'Just wanted to thank you and Darren for the classes, Eddie is getting so much out of them. He's just been playing the most recent tunes with great confidence. We're impressed at how much musical knowledge you're passing on, and the fact that he is clearly enjoying the classes. Eddie is, of course, picking up musical information at school too, but we're clear that most of this has come from your sessions.'
Mrs Rayner, Brixton

'Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes have been brilliant - they were the highlight of Campbell's week for ages'
Mrs Quemby, East Dulwich

'We enjoyed the end of term concert so much - it was amazing to us to see Fynn taking part so confidently, he's usually so shy about any kind of public focus being on him. It's a great credit to the classes that he clearly enjoys them so much and feels so confident playing.'
Mrs Walsh, Herne Hill