Class Piano Lab Manufacturers: Yamaha
Also see: Everything you've ever wanted to know about Class Piano Labs
The MIE [Music in Education] System Yamaha manufactures two different Class Piano Lab setups:
- MIE ["Music In Education"] System, shown here and described below
- MLC100, a traditional class piano lab controllerThe MIE system is specifically designed for ELEMENTARY school music education and is combined with a complete music curriculum. Consequently, we would not recommend it for traditional class piano lab setup. However, it may be ideal for large general music classes in elementary schools.
The MIE Teacher Station:
The teacher station has 4 components:
- the Mixer Box
- the Remote Control
- USB Midi Interface
- MIDI MergerInstead of a traditional Teacher Control Unit, Yamaha has designed their system so the teacher can be totally mobile (itinerant).
This is accomplished with a portable handheld remote control which allows the teacher to listen in as well as control the pianos of individual students while walking around the room. Consequently, the teacher is not restricted to sitting in one location.
The Student Keyboards
The MIE-2XG allows two students to work at one, 2-octave keyboard. But please note: the keyboards are NOT weighted and the 2-octave design is extremely limiting for serious piano study.
The Headphones
The Yamaha headphones are built with DURABILITY in mind.
[None of the Yamaha links below work anymore because Yamaha has updated its website. We will update this page as soon as possible.]
The Curriculum. See this link for detailed info regarding the Yamaha MIE Curriculum.
The Yamaha MIE System is designed for low budgets and maximum number of students in a class. There are two recommended configurations:
The "full MIE-II PC System" (accommodates up to 30 students) costs under $15,00.00 plus shipping (based on Yamaha's published suggested price).
The "smaller" MIE-U system (identical to the full system, except it accommodates up to 14 students) costs under $9,000 plus shipping (based on Yamaha's published suggested price).
The Yamaha MIE System keyboards are VERY "low end" in quality. Except for the unique 2-keyboard design, they are essentially what you would expect to find at Walmart for under $250.00. But, they do have their place for schools/studios where budgets constraints are severe and they are probably better than not having ANY keyboards at all.
See sample room layouts.
This approach to class/group piano seems designed for elementary schools where general music education with a "hands-on" approach is the philosophy. Smith Creek Music refrains from judging the efficacy of such an approach for teaching piano skills. However, Yamaha has testimonials which attests to its success.
Yamaha is committed to their "Music School" concept which includes integrated curriculum and music education materials (textbooks, software, CD's, etc. -- designed by Yamaha, of course). The Yamaha "Music Education" experience is centered around individual Yamaha Music School strategically located around the country. See Yamaha School Locations.
Smith Creek Music does not recommend a Yamaha MIE System for those interested in a more TRADITIONAL class/group piano lab, for example:
88 notes, weighted keys, one person-per piano, relatively small classes (8-16), teacher control from a teacher workstation.
Yamaha simply DOES NOT HAVE a traditional teacher-controller-class-piano-lab.However, Yamaha DOES make several great digital pianos in a console model suitable for use in a class/group piano lab. We were particularly impressed by these models:
Visit Yamaha's home site.
See our List of Pianos.
See A Critical Overview of Class Piano Lab Manufacturers.
Contact us for information about designing and installing a class/group piano lab in your school.
