Program Comparison: Self-Paced vs. 6-Month Accelerated
Feature | Self-Paced Program | 6-Month Accelerated Program |
Pace of Study | Flexible—progress at your own speed | Structured—weekly assignments and deadlines |
Time Commitment | Designed to fit around your schedule | Requires daytime, weekday availability |
Completion Timeline | Up to 24 months (extension available) | Completed in approximately 6 months |
Learning Style | Reflective, self-directed, mastery-based | Immersive, disciplined, fast-track learning |
Accountability | Self-motivated with instructor support | High accountability with regular check-ins |
Instructor Interaction | Feedback on exams and videos; Zoom sessions as needed | Frequent live sessions (2–3 times per week or more) |
Feedback Speed | Ongoing, based on submissions | Immediate and continuous during live sessions |
Best For | Students with busy or unpredictable schedules; those who prefer to take their time mastering skills | Students who want rapid progress and can commit fully to an intensive schedule |
Skill Development | Emphasis on repetition and gradual refinement | Emphasis on consistency, momentum, and real-time correction |
Structure | Flexible sequence with guided support | Clearly defined weekly progression |
Practice Approach | Repeat exercises until confident before submitting | Complete assigned work within each week’s timeframe |
Experience Level | Ideal for beginners or those balancing other responsibilities | Ideal for highly motivated students ready for full immersion |
Goal | Deep understanding developed over time | Professional-level competency in the shortest timeframe |
How to Choose
- Choose the Self-Paced Program if you need flexibility and want the freedom to fully absorb each step without time pressure.
- Choose the 6-Month Accelerated Program if you’re ready to commit, stay on a structured schedule, and reach a high level of proficiency as quickly as possible.
The Lessons
Lesson 1: Making a Good Start
Lesson 2: The Other Masters of the Piano
Lesson 3: The Piano - A Brief History
Lesson 4: Basic Designs of Pianos
Lesson 5: The Environment and the Piano
Lesson 6: Basic Music Theory
Lesson 7: The Nature of Sound
Lesson 8: Introduction to Tuning
Lesson 9: Unisons and Octaves
Lesson 10: Fifths and Fourths
Lesson 11: Closed Group Intervals
Lesson 12: The Major Third
Lesson 13: Tuning Chromatic Thirds
Lesson 14: The Major Sixth
Lesson 15: Tuning Contiguous Thirds
Lesson 16: Aural Gauge Tools Part I
Lesson 17: Aural Gauge Tools Part II
Lesson 18: The minor third
Lesson 19: Aural Gauge Tools Part III
Lesson 20: The Fifth Dimension Tool
Lesson 21: The Sixth Dimension Tool
Lesson 22: Equal Temperament
Lesson 23: Tuning Below the Temperament
Lesson 24: Tuning Above the Temperament
Lesson 25: Dynamic Unisons
Lessons TL1 through TL6 cover the information needed to pass the PTG Technical Exam.
Lesson TL1: Introduction to the Grand Piano
Lesson TL2: Introduction to the Vertical Piano
Lesson TL3: Action Geometry
Lesson TL4: Regulating the Grand Action Model
Lesson TL5: Regulating the Vertical Action Model
Lesson TL6: General Repairs
Lesson TL7: Full Grand Regulation
Lesson TL8: Full Vertical Regulation
Lesson TL9: Grand Voicing