Download (PDF Format) - Steveston Village

Let your child discover the
magic of music
One of Canada's most respected piano method programs for children is now being published
right here in Steveston! The Kelly Kirby Introductory Piano Program originated over 65 years
ago at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto where Mrs. May Kelly Kirby was asked to
develop a program that would introduce children to the fundamentals of note reading and
rhythm. After completion of the 4 book series, children would then be able to continue on with
piano studies or move on to another instrument with all of the basic fundamentals in place.
After passing away in the 1980's, Mrs. Kirby's associate teacher, Margaret Holman, continued
publishing the books and distributing them from Toronto. Prior to Mrs. Holman's death in the
summer of 2011, she and her husband met with Linda Shirley, Director of 'The Arts Connection'
in Steveston and discussed their desire to have her take over the publication of the books so that
it would continue to be available to young children. For several years now, Linda has been the
President of the Vancouver Kelly Kirby Music Society. The books are used by a network of teachers
throughout Canada and the United States and qualified teachers who have taken the Teacher's
Course and have returned to Asia are now teaching it in China and other areas abroad.
This piano method is superior to many others in that it lays a firm foundation in the fundamentals
of note reading and the understanding of rhythm. Children develop amazing sight reading and
ear training skills, all the while enjoying this fun-filled program. Taught by most teachers on a oneto-one
basis, this workbook style approach makes the lesson an active one where flashcards, a
supplementary workbook and assembling the books becomes part of the lesson. Kelly Kirby
"Graduates" are recognized with an official "Graduation Certificate" at an annual recital held for all
Vancouver graduates, and when the children continue their studies and begin taking Royal
Conservatory of Toronto Examinations, they are eligible to apply for scholarships and trophies
based on their examination accomplishments, as long as they continue their studies with a
qualified Kelly Kirby teacher.
Linda Shirley has taught the program in Richmond since the early 1980's and since she opened
The Arts Connection in 1990, she has had a group of qualified Kelly Kirby instructors working with
her at her studio. Linda is proud to say that she now has students who studied with her from her
home studio in the 1970's and 80's bringing their children...a second generation now..... to study
Kelly Kirby with her! That in itself is a testimonial to the benefits and success of this " made in
Canada " program!!
Linda Shirley
Director
Steveston's Arts Connection Ltd.
#170 - 3900 Steveston Hwy.,
Richmond, B.C. V7E 2K2
604-241-0141
www.steveston.ca
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