The Educational Basis for Digital Rote Learning at Piano Labs

At Piano Labs, we use digital rote learning to support early musical development through pattern recognition, aural memory, and motor coordination. This approach draws on established research in music education and cognitive learning science.

1. Early Success Builds Engagement and Motivation

Children begin lessons eager to play real music. Meeting that goal early fosters trust, engagement, and intrinsic motivation. Dr Julie Knerr (2013), co-author of Piano Safari, notes that the most effective way to satisfy a child’s early desire to play is through rote learning — teaching by imitation before notation.

“The child’s goal is to play great sounding pieces right away and have a fun time. Our goal is to satisfy this in an engaging way.”

— Knerr, 2013

2. Every Child Learns at Their Own Pace — Without Pressure

One of the greatest challenges in group settings is pacing: some children are ready to move ahead, while others need more time to grasp a concept. Our guided video instruction solves this by allowing each child to work at their own speed — repeating, reinforcing, or advancing as needed.

This model ensures that no student is ever held back by the group or rushed before they’re ready, creating a more secure and confidence-building experience. Meanwhile, the teacher provides individual guidance where needed, ensuring every child progresses with confidence and clarity (Knerr, 2013).

“We want the first days at the piano to be fun, easy, and frustration-free… and to develop the student’s trust that we will not require anything too hard.”

— Knerr, 2013

3. Patterned Music Enhances Understanding

The rote pieces used in our lessons are intentionally composed using logical topographical patterns on the piano (e.g. black key groups, repeated shapes). Dr Knerr emphasises that such patterned music helps children perceive that music is not random, but made of meaningful, structured elements — a key insight that underpins musical fluency and later reading.

“Rote Pieces… show students that music is not a random collection of notes. Instead, music is created using logical patterns.”

— Knerr, 2013

4. Video Modelling Supports Motor Learning and Aural Skills

Short video demonstrations allow children to watch, copy, and repeat physical actions — a method supported by neuroscience through the mirror neuron system, which is especially active in young learners (Rizzolatti & Craighero, 2004). This leads to improved coordination, timing, and aural memory.

5. Notation Comes After Musical Foundations Are Secure

Reading notation is a separate skill from playing music (Knerr 2012) and should be introduced only after a strong foundation of rhythm, aural memory, coordination, and musical expression is in place. Delaying notation allows students to develop fluency without frustration — ultimately improving their reading success when it is introduced.

References

  • Knerr, J. (2013). Piano Safari Repertoire Book 1: Introductory Unit. Piano Safari Publications.

  • Gordon, E. E. (2012). Learning Sequences in Music: A Contemporary Music Learning Theory. GIA Publications.

  • Rizzolatti, G., & Craighero, L. (2004). The mirror-neuron system. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 27, 169–192.