By: Chelsea Robinson
When Andrew Ingkavet went searching for a music program for his four-year-old son Alejandro, he expected it to be a joyful journey. Instead, he found a system that felt disconnected from how children learn. The classes were rigid. The notation systems were confusing. The joy of music—something that had shaped Andrew’s life as a composer, advertising creative director, and former MTV Asia VJ—was nowhere to be found.
Rather than give up, Andrew decided to build something better.
What began at the family’s piano in their Park Slope apartment became the foundation for the Musicolor Method, an innovative approach to music education that uses colors, visuals, and storytelling to make music accessible to very young children, including those as young as three. What started as a way to teach his son quickly grew into a full-fledged school, with over 120 students enrolled and more than 20 teachers on staff. Today, the Musicolor Method of Park Slope is expanding nationwide and inspiring a movement to change how early childhood music education is taught.
The Musicolor Method is based on a fundamental understanding: young children learn best when having fun. Instead of diving directly into traditional music notation, the method uses a vibrant, color-based system that engages children playfully and visually. This system helps them build essential skills like pattern recognition and boosts their confidence as they become familiar with music in an intuitive and approachable manner. Over time, as their musical abilities develop, students gradually transition to more traditional forms of music reading, making the process feel natural and organic.
This approach is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children and those with learning differences. By focusing on visual cues and hands-on learning, the Musicolor Method helps children who might struggle with traditional methods to connect with music in a way that feels more accessible and engaging. It offers a supportive, flexible learning environment where every child can thrive at their own pace, tapping into their strengths while building foundational musical skills.
Andrew has seen firsthand the transformation that happens when children are allowed to learn on their terms. He’s watched once-timid preschoolers light up with confidence after mastering a song. He’s seen students with ADHD find calm and focus at the piano bench. For many children, recitals held twice a year become proud milestones, offering a rare platform to shine regardless of their academic or social background. There is a demand for music education, and so is Andrew’s vision. He’s developed a scalable licensing and teacher training program that allows educators nationwide to bring the Musicolor Method into their communities. The goal is ambitious: reach one million children with a method that makes music joyful, intuitive, and inclusive.
Ingkavet didn’t set out to start a business. He set out to help his son. But in doing so, he uncovered a profound need and a calling. Today, he’s not just teaching kids how to play music. He’s helping them build confidence, creativity, and resilience at one of the critical stages of their development.
In a world where academic pressure and screen time dominate childhood, the Musicolor Method is a powerful reminder that sometimes, a little color and a lot of heart may change everything.
