Spiral 6™ Teaching Framework
A 6-Pillar System Built for Teachers Who Love
Structure, Strategy, and Student Success!!
What is Spral 6™?
What if your students could do more than just play songs?
With the Spiral 6™ method, they can!
This flexible 6-pillar system was developed by veteran piano teacher Connie Maestas to help students become fluent, confident, and expressive musicians—step by step.
Whether you're teaching in-person or online, Spiral 6™ brings clarity, structure, and meaning to every lesson.
Note Reading
Students develop the ability to visually recognize and interpret musical notation on the staff and keyboard. Strong note reading builds the foundation for confident sightreading and musical independence.
Ear Training
Students strengthen their aural awareness by identifying intervals, chord types, and melodic patterns by ear. This skill enhances improvisation, musical memory, and interpretation.
Rhythm
Students internalize steady beat, note values, and time signatures through clapping, counting, and performing rhythmic patterns. A strong rhythmic sense allows for more expressive and accurate playing.
Music History
Students gain context and connection by learning about composers, time periods, and musical genres. Understanding the “why” behind the music adds depth to their interpretation and performance.
Free PDF download — includes pillar descriptions and planning tips.
Circle of 5ths/ Key Signatures
Students explore the relationships between keys using the Circle of 5ths. This pillar supports fluency in transposing, understanding key signatures, and recognizing patterns across pieces.
Musical Terms & Symbols
Students learn the language of music—from dynamics and articulation to tempo markings and style indicators. Mastery of terminology improves reading comprehension and expressive playing.
“Spiral 6™ gave me a clear teaching plan I can actually stick to—and my students love the variety!”