Waterford School Unveils State-of-the-Art Piano Laboratory for Elementary School Students

Last week, the Waterford School in Sandy, Utah unveiled a state-of-the-art Piano Lab in its Lower School.

The Piano Lab includes twenty-four full keyboard digital pianos and a teacher console. A microphone headset for each student allows individualized or group instruction by the teacher. The Lab also includes a flat-screen display at the front of the classroom, along with four iMacs with internet and music application interface that utilize keyboards for composition, recording and performing.

During the 2013-14 academic year, students in Waterford's Kindergarten through second grade classes will use the instruments each week as part of their music curriculum. Use will extend to the third through fifth grade classes in the next year.

"At Waterford we believe that every child is an artist, said Nancy Heuston, Waterford Head of School. "On a daily basis, we observe young people throughout our campus expressing their unique gifts through our many art programs. With the unveiling of the Lower School Piano Lab, we are able to introduce our youngest students to the world of music. This extraordinary gift is from a generous patron who has put into our hands a tool that we have envisioned since the founding of the school. What an extraordinary gift to receive and to share."

Jay Beck, Lower School Music Faculty, designed and oversaw the installation of the Lab. He is excited about the multitude of teaching opportunities this will bring. "This new facility will enhance and enrich the singing, music literacy, and instrumental instruction already in place at the Waterford School. Piano keyboard familiarity and skills, keyboard staff relationships, music theory and reading, piano technique, playing and performing will contribute significantly to developing each young musician."

The Waterford School is Utah's premier private, liberal arts college-preparatory school for students in preschool through grade 12. The school offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum including visual art, photography, music, theater, and dance. For more information about Waterford's art education programs visit http://waterfordschool.org/our-programs/the-arts/.