The Magic of Cyclical Curriculums
Nov 05, 2025
By now, you might have noticed that every song in the program has multiple difficulty levels. But what exactly does it mean when we say our curriculum is cyclical?
Isn’t a curriculum supposed to be progressive?
Yes, it is. And in our program it is also something more.
What a Cyclical Curriculum Really Means
A cyclical curriculum has progression and challenge built in, while also coming back to the core themes of music again and again: rhythm, pitch, tempo and tone.
This means:
- Students progress at their own pace. They move forward when they are ready, or revisit earlier skills as many times as the need until they feel confident.
- Teachers reduce tension. You do not have to wish your students were “perfect.” You can meet them where they are and always put a page in front of them that they can play.
- Learners choose their challenge. Some weeks they stretch for the hardest part. Other weeks, if practice time was limited, there is still an entry point. Even absolute beginners can join right away alongside their friends.
Revisiting and Reinforcing
Each new level in the program revisits key concepts. For example:
- Loved tremolo-style picking in a Fretstars book? They will see it again in the next one.
- Missed something important, like accidentals? The concept returns.
This way, students do not just move through harder and harder songs until it becomes overwhelming. Instead, they build a solid foundation that lasts.
Why It Works in Groups
Cyclical curriculums shine in a group setting. Students feel empowered to:
- Enjoy learning
- Pick their own challenges
- Grow in a collaborative environment
And teachers stay in control of the class, with less resistance and more joy in the room.
✨ That is the magic of cyclical curriculums: steady growth, built-in flexibility, and students who thrive together in the program.
