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Piano Method Makes Stars: Fun Learning Wins Competitions
25 May
Summary
- 96% of students reach diploma level, taking four years.
- Method starts with numbers and games, not sheet music.
- Students win national medals with original compositions.

A revolutionary piano teaching method, dubbed the "Payam Method," is transforming how students learn and excel in music competitions.
Developed by Payam Khastkhodaei, this approach begins with basic numbers and engaging games, deviating from traditional sheet music instruction. Students learn through play, fostering a deep enjoyment of music that accelerates their progress and success rates.
This method has demonstrated remarkable results, with 96% of students achieving a "diploma level" in approximately four years, a drastic improvement compared to the traditional 1-2% success rate over 12 years.
The "Payam Method" is gaining national traction, partly due to Hadi Partovi, CEO of code.org, who is now leading Payam Music's expansion efforts.
Partovi aims to establish schools nationwide, inspired by the method's success in competitions, including national awards in the 2024 PTA Reflections program where students secured four out of fourteen national medals.
Prominent figures like composer Hans Zimmer have endorsed the method, recalling their own struggles with traditional music education and praising Khastkhodaei's ability to inspire joy and confidence in young musicians.
Parents report significant positive impacts on their children, highlighting increased confidence and a newfound love for learning music through this playful and effective system.