A note from Miss Christine
I'm so excited to have your family as part of Christine Fogh Music! Piano Express is one of my favorite programs to teach because I watch students make real, noticeable progress week after week — and that's exciting for everyone.
This page has everything you need to get started and stay on track. Bookmark it — you'll want to come back to it again and again! And if you ever have questions, I'm always just a message away.
This page has everything you need to get started and stay on track. Bookmark it — you'll want to come back to it again and again! And if you ever have questions, I'm always just a message away.
How It Works
Before diving into the details, here's the simple version of how your child's musical life at Christine Fogh Music is organized. There are two main places where their progress lives:
Before diving into the details, here's the simple version of how your child's musical life at Christine Fogh Music is organized. There are two main places where their progress lives:
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PIANO EXPRESS APP
Piano Express is your child's primary method book — just like a traditional lesson book, except it's interactive. Every song is teaching something specific: a new technique, a new concept, a new skill.
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PRACTICE SPACE
Students can pass off songs at home and move on to the next piece right away, rather than waiting for their teacher's approval at the next lesson.
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In short: Stars live in Piano Express. Everything else — repertoire, time tracking, communication, and community — lives in Practice Space. Once your child is a little further along, I'll start adding repertoire pieces to their Practice Space for them to work on alongside their method book.
CONNECT
Your Studio Tools
As a Christine Fogh Music family, you have access to three platforms. Here's what each one is for and how to get in:
As a Christine Fogh Music family, you have access to three platforms. Here's what each one is for and how to get in:
My Music Staff
Billing lives here. View invoices, make payments, and manage your account. You can also use it to reschedule — if you can't make your regular class one week, log in to add your student to a different available class time.
Billing lives here. View invoices, make payments, and manage your account. You can also use it to reschedule — if you can't make your regular class one week, log in to add your student to a different available class time.
Practice Space
Our studio community hub. Practice materials, recital repertoire, studio challenges, and direct access to Miss Christine all live here. Students can also share videos, photos, and encouragement with each other. Jump in anytime! If you don't have an account already, it's easy to create one! Just click "Don't have an account? Sign up!" Then use studio code 71CTO2.
You can access Practice Space through any web browser or on the Apple or Google Play Store.
Our studio community hub. Practice materials, recital repertoire, studio challenges, and direct access to Miss Christine all live here. Students can also share videos, photos, and encouragement with each other. Jump in anytime! If you don't have an account already, it's easy to create one! Just click "Don't have an account? Sign up!" Then use studio code 71CTO2.
You can access Practice Space through any web browser or on the Apple or Google Play Store.
Piano Express App
Your child's interactive method book. Used in class during assessment time and at home if you have a keyboard hooked up. Stars, progress, and song history all live here.
Your child's interactive method book. Used in class during assessment time and at home if you have a keyboard hooked up. Stars, progress, and song history all live here.
AT HOME
Getting Set Up
How your child practices at home depends on what equipment you have. Both paths work great — here's what each one looks like:
How your child practices at home depends on what equipment you have. Both paths work great — here's what each one looks like:
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I have a digital piano
Connect your keyboard to your device and log into Piano Express at home. Your child can practice songs, earn stars, and track their progress all week long. Stars earned at home count toward their weekly Bach Bucks and their graduation requirements. See login instructions below |
I have an acoustic piano
No problem! Your child can still practice their songs, watch lesson videos, and log their time in Practice Space. The final graded assessment happens in class. See full acoustic piano practice guide below |
Need a keyboard? We offer a rental program for $35/month — includes keyboard, stand, power cord, and the correct adapter for your device. It's the easiest way to get started without committing to a purchase. Learn more about our rental program.
Prefer to buy? I've put together a list of everything I recommend — keyboards, cables, and accessories that work great with Piano Express.
Shop Christine's Things I Like list.
Prefer to buy? I've put together a list of everything I recommend — keyboards, cables, and accessories that work great with Piano Express.
Shop Christine's Things I Like list.
Logging into Piano Express
- Make sure your keyboard is powered on before logging in so the app can detect it.
- Open Chrome on a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Android device — or download the Piano Express app from the iOS App Store on an iPad. Do not use Safari.
- Go to play.thepianoexpress.com and allow the site to use your camera when prompted.
- Hold up your child's QR code to the camera to log in. The QR code is on the back of their binder — it's the only way to log in, so keep that binder handy!
Compatible devices: All Chromebooks · All Windows laptops · All Mac laptops · All Linux laptops · iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.4+) · Some Android & Samsung devices
PRACTICE
How to practice
This is the most important section on this page. How your child practices makes an enormous difference in how quickly they progress. Follow these steps every time — whether they're on a digital keyboard or an acoustic piano:
This is the most important section on this page. How your child practices makes an enormous difference in how quickly they progress. Follow these steps every time — whether they're on a digital keyboard or an acoustic piano:
1
Open your binder first
Before doing anything else, find your song in your binder. Look at the notes and finger numbers on the page — don't read from the screen. Your book is your guide.
Open your binder first
Before doing anything else, find your song in your binder. Look at the notes and finger numbers on the page — don't read from the screen. Your book is your guide.
2
Watch the video if there is one
Some songs and concepts have a short video. Watch it before you start playing — it may introduce something new that will help you learn the piece correctly from the beginning.
Watch the video if there is one
Some songs and concepts have a short video. Watch it before you start playing — it may introduce something new that will help you learn the piece correctly from the beginning.
3
Start with one hand at a time — the correct hand
Your book will show RH (right hand) or LH (left hand) for each part. Use the correct hand — this matters for technique, not just notes. Your starting position is usually in the middle of the keyboard. If all your notes are coming up red, check that your hands aren't one position too high or too low. Once each hand feels solid, try putting them together.
Start with one hand at a time — the correct hand
Your book will show RH (right hand) or LH (left hand) for each part. Use the correct hand — this matters for technique, not just notes. Your starting position is usually in the middle of the keyboard. If all your notes are coming up red, check that your hands aren't one position too high or too low. Once each hand feels solid, try putting them together.
4
Apply your technique
As you practice, remember the skills we work on in class — flexible wrist, balanced fingers, arm weight, and relaxed hands. The notes are only half of it. How you play them is what makes it music.
Apply your technique
As you practice, remember the skills we work on in class — flexible wrist, balanced fingers, arm weight, and relaxed hands. The notes are only half of it. How you play them is what makes it music.
5
Use Practice Mode to prepare, then go for Play Mode
Warm up in Practice Mode first — slow it down, work hands apart, and isolate tricky sections. If the backing track makes it harder, practice without it until the notes feel solid. When you're ready, switch to Play Mode to earn your stars.
After each Play Mode attempt, check your score breakdown — it tells you exactly what to work on next:
Use Practice Mode to prepare, then go for Play Mode
Warm up in Practice Mode first — slow it down, work hands apart, and isolate tricky sections. If the backing track makes it harder, practice without it until the notes feel solid. When you're ready, switch to Play Mode to earn your stars.
After each Play Mode attempt, check your score breakdown — it tells you exactly what to work on next:
- Missed notes — wrong keys or fingers
- Missed rhythms — right notes but too fast or too slow
- Extra notes — pressing keys that aren't in the song
6
Stuck? Message Miss Christine on Practice Space
Send a video of what you're working on, or just describe what's giving you trouble. I'll give you some pointers to get you moving again!
Stuck? Message Miss Christine on Practice Space
Send a video of what you're working on, or just describe what's giving you trouble. I'll give you some pointers to get you moving again!
🎯 Weekly goal: At least 2 songs or theory activities per week — no maximum! The more your child practices, the more Bach Bucks they earn. During recital season, I'll reach out with additional repertoire and specific practice goals.
IN THE APP
Practice Mode vs. Play Mode
Piano Express has two modes and they serve very different purposes. Make sure your student knows the difference!
Piano Express has two modes and they serve very different purposes. Make sure your student knows the difference!
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Practice Mode
Build the Skill
This is your warm-up zone. In Practice Mode, students are not graded and do not earn stars. Use it to slow a song down, practice one hand at a time, or isolate a tricky section with Slice & Focus. Work the hard parts here before going for a score. No stars earned here — that's okay! This is exactly where the real learning happens. |
Play Mode
Earn Your Stars
This is the graded mode. Students are scored on notes and rhythm and earn stars based on their accuracy. A minimum of 1 star (80%+) is required to pass a song and move on. Aim higher — 3 stars (95%+) is what you're really going for! Stars earned here translate directly into Bach Bucks. |
PRACTICE MODE SPEEDS
When you open Practice Mode, you can choose your speed. Start wherever feels right for the song!
When you open Practice Mode, you can choose your speed. Start wherever feels right for the song!
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🐌 Slowest
Great for brand new songs or really tricky sections. |
🐢 Slower
A step up — use when slowest feels too easy |
🐇 Normal
Full speed — aim for 95%+ here before switching to Play Mode |
⚠️ Heads up: If a student scores below 80% five times in a row in Play Mode, the app automatically slows them down to snail speed. They'll need to score 80%+ to unlock full speed again. Passing at slow speed does NOT count as passing the song — stars can only be earned at normal speed in Play Mode!
✂️ Slice & Focus: In Practice Mode, students can select just a few measures to work on instead of the whole song. Perfect for a tricky ending or one hard section that keeps tripping them up.
✂️ Slice & Focus: In Practice Mode, students can select just a few measures to work on instead of the whole song. Perfect for a tricky ending or one hard section that keeps tripping them up.
PIANOFORTE
Practicing on an Acoustic Piano
🎹 If your student practices on an acoustic piano at home, their weekly routine looks a little different — but it's just as effective. Here's how it works:
🎹 If your student practices on an acoustic piano at home, their weekly routine looks a little different — but it's just as effective. Here's how it works:
Practice at home
Work through songs on your acoustic piano using your binder. Follow the same 6-step practice routine — correct hand position, technique, one hand at a time, all of it. You can still log into Piano Express to watch the lesson videos for each song. You just won't be scored until class.
Log your time in Practice Space
Since you can't earn stars at home, practice time logged in Practice Space is what earns your Bach Bucks during the week. Make sure to start your session in Practice Space so your time is tracked!
Final assessment in studio
When you're ready to be graded on a song, your teacher will assess you in class using the Piano Express app. This is where you earn your stars and work toward graduation.
Important — using playback tracks at home: If your child wants to practice along with the Piano Express backing tracks at home, make sure they are in Practice Mode, not Play Mode. Since their keyboard isn't connected to the app, Play Mode will mark everything incorrect. Practice Mode is safe to use anytime without being connected.
Summary for acoustic students: Practice at home on your piano → log your time in Practice Space to earn Bach Bucks → get graded in class to earn stars. You're not missing out on anything — just a slightly different path to the same goal!
Work through songs on your acoustic piano using your binder. Follow the same 6-step practice routine — correct hand position, technique, one hand at a time, all of it. You can still log into Piano Express to watch the lesson videos for each song. You just won't be scored until class.
Log your time in Practice Space
Since you can't earn stars at home, practice time logged in Practice Space is what earns your Bach Bucks during the week. Make sure to start your session in Practice Space so your time is tracked!
Final assessment in studio
When you're ready to be graded on a song, your teacher will assess you in class using the Piano Express app. This is where you earn your stars and work toward graduation.
Important — using playback tracks at home: If your child wants to practice along with the Piano Express backing tracks at home, make sure they are in Practice Mode, not Play Mode. Since their keyboard isn't connected to the app, Play Mode will mark everything incorrect. Practice Mode is safe to use anytime without being connected.
Summary for acoustic students: Practice at home on your piano → log your time in Practice Space to earn Bach Bucks → get graded in class to earn stars. You're not missing out on anything — just a slightly different path to the same goal!
INCENTIVES
Stars, Crowns & Bach Bucks
Piano Express has a built-in reward system that keeps students motivated — and it Connects directly to our studio's Bach Bucks program.
Piano Express has a built-in reward system that keeps students motivated — and it Connects directly to our studio's Bach Bucks program.
⭐
One Star: Passed! 80%+ accuracy. Earns $1 Bach Buck.
⭐⭐
Two Stars: Good! 90%+ accuracy. Earns $2 Bach Bucks.
⭐⭐ ⭐
Three Stars: Excellent! 95%+ accuracy. Earns $3 Bach Bucks.
💎
Diamonds: Score 95%+ again on a 3-star song. Each repeat turns a star into a diamond.
👑
Crown: All 3 stars become diamonds, then one final 95%+ run earns a crown. Earns $5 Bach Bucks!
🔥
Flames: Earned through theory activities and flashcards in the app.
⚠️ Bach Bucks are earned once per song. The moment your student receives Bach Bucks for a song, that song is closed for future earnings. Bach Bucks can be redeemed in our studio store — please talk with your student ahead of time about what you feel comfortable with them purchasing.
One Star: Passed! 80%+ accuracy. Earns $1 Bach Buck.
⭐⭐
Two Stars: Good! 90%+ accuracy. Earns $2 Bach Bucks.
⭐⭐ ⭐
Three Stars: Excellent! 95%+ accuracy. Earns $3 Bach Bucks.
💎
Diamonds: Score 95%+ again on a 3-star song. Each repeat turns a star into a diamond.
👑
Crown: All 3 stars become diamonds, then one final 95%+ run earns a crown. Earns $5 Bach Bucks!
🔥
Flames: Earned through theory activities and flashcards in the app.
⚠️ Bach Bucks are earned once per song. The moment your student receives Bach Bucks for a song, that song is closed for future earnings. Bach Bucks can be redeemed in our studio store — please talk with your student ahead of time about what you feel comfortable with them purchasing.
Unlocking the Final Review
To graduate from the Green Level, students must meet all four requirements:
⭐ At least 1 star on every song in the book
🌟 A required total number of stars across all songs
🔥A required number of flames from theory activities
To graduate from the Green Level, students must meet all four requirements:
⭐ At least 1 star on every song in the book
🌟 A required total number of stars across all songs
🔥A required number of flames from theory activities
🏆 Strategy tip from Miss Christine: Work on getting crowns on your easiest songs first! Five plays at 95%+ and you've got a crown. Knock those out early and graduation gets a lot smoother.
TRIUMPHS
Milestones and Celebrations
At Christine Fogh Music, we love celebrating progress! Here's what students can look forward to as they work through their level:
At Christine Fogh Music, we love celebrating progress! Here's what students can look forward to as they work through their level:
The Crown Ceremony
When a student unlocks their Final Review — meaning they've earned all their required stars, flames, and crowns — they get crowned! A real (paper) crown to take home. It's a big deal and we make sure everyone knows it.
Trigger: Final Review unlocked
Wall of Fame
Every student who completes a level gets their photo up on our studio board. A permanent record of their achievement — and a great reminder of how far they've come.
Trigger: Level completed
Level Bracelet
Each completed level earns a keepsake bracelet. Students collect one for every level they finish — so by the time they're a few levels in, they've got quite a stack going!
Trigger: Level completed + 25 Bach Bucks
When a student unlocks their Final Review — meaning they've earned all their required stars, flames, and crowns — they get crowned! A real (paper) crown to take home. It's a big deal and we make sure everyone knows it.
Trigger: Final Review unlocked
Wall of Fame
Every student who completes a level gets their photo up on our studio board. A permanent record of their achievement — and a great reminder of how far they've come.
Trigger: Level completed
Level Bracelet
Each completed level earns a keepsake bracelet. Students collect one for every level they finish — so by the time they're a few levels in, they've got quite a stack going!
Trigger: Level completed + 25 Bach Bucks
PARENTS
What to Watch For at Home
You don't need to be a piano teacher to support your child's practice! Just give a gentle nudge if you notice any of these things:
👆 Wrong finger numbers
Each song has specific finger numbers. If they're using different fingers,
remind them to check their binder.
🤲 Stiff or tense hands
Hands should be relaxed and rounded. If they look tense or flat-fingered, have
them take a breath and reset.
💪 Banging instead of arm weight
Loud notes come from a gentle drop of the arm, not hammering. Encourage a
soft, controlled drop into the key.
📖 Reading from the screen
The screen shows progress, not the music. Eyes should be on the binder, not the app.
You don't need to be a piano teacher to support your child's practice! Just give a gentle nudge if you notice any of these things:
👆 Wrong finger numbers
Each song has specific finger numbers. If they're using different fingers,
remind them to check their binder.
🤲 Stiff or tense hands
Hands should be relaxed and rounded. If they look tense or flat-fingered, have
them take a breath and reset.
💪 Banging instead of arm weight
Loud notes come from a gentle drop of the arm, not hammering. Encourage a
soft, controlled drop into the key.
📖 Reading from the screen
The screen shows progress, not the music. Eyes should be on the binder, not the app.
GREEN LEVEL - BOOK 1
What Your Child is Learning in their First Book
The Green Level is the first book in the Piano Express series, organized into three units. The core skills below are practiced and reinforced every single week throughout the whole book.
Core skills practiced every week: Finger numbers · Alphabet letters on the piano keys · Steady beat
Unit 1
The Green Level is the first book in the Piano Express series, organized into three units. The core skills below are practiced and reinforced every single week throughout the whole book.
Core skills practiced every week: Finger numbers · Alphabet letters on the piano keys · Steady beat
Unit 1
- Forte (loud) and piano (soft)
- Using arm weight for dynamics
- Flexible wrist / Balloon Ride
- Dotted half notes & whole notes
- Counting and holding longer notes
- Balanced fingers & thumb support
- Rests and ties
- Basic syncopation
- Relaxed hand position
Graduation: Students move to the next level when they meet all Final Review requirements — at their own pace. There's no waiting for the rest of the class!
Questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out anytime — whether it's a technical question, a practice question, or anything else. I'm always happy to help.
📱Message on Practice Space
Best for questions about songs, technique, or sending a practice video
🌐 Text (805) 619-8776
Best for scheduling, attendance, or quick questions
Please don't hesitate to reach out anytime — whether it's a technical question, a practice question, or anything else. I'm always happy to help.
📱Message on Practice Space
Best for questions about songs, technique, or sending a practice video
🌐 Text (805) 619-8776
Best for scheduling, attendance, or quick questions