Piano for Kids

We all learn by word associations to some extent when we acquire new information.  Word clues help us tie new knowledge to that previously learned. 

Young children do not have the knowledge base that grows with time, so it important that new learning is linked to ideas that are basic and familiar to them.  This is especially true in beginning music.  Note reading can be pretty intimidating even to many beginning adults that do not have a good music background.   Be honest with yourself, what basic knowledge would most very young children have that would help them gain strong skills in note reading music?  It does not exist in standard music notation. 

The Animal Note method was developed to handle this challenge.  Most children have been exposed to the animal characters used by the time they are four or five if not by visiting a zoo, they have met them in books and on TV.  They can picture them in their minds and have fun making up stories of their own once introduced to the animal’s location on the staff and keyboard.

The new Animal Note Flash cards are a great tool for strengthening and memorizing the word clues.  A short time at the beginning of each lesson should be spent going over the notes learned and possibly presenting a new note.  As the word clues become secure in the child’s mind, the cards can be flipped to the standard note side.  Using the word clues the child can began the learning process of securing the note’s staff position used for standard notes. The word associations with fun and familiar animals makes this normally difficult and often frustrating task possible, and even a joy, for very young children.

I am so excited to finally be able to offer you these valuable teaching aids for your young students.  I have been using the trial set with my own students for the last three months.  They are doing just what I had hoped they would do.

As any piano teacher knows, it takes time and patience to give each child a solid foundation in note reading.  Not being able to read notes is one of the biggest stumbling blocks an individual encounters on their road to learning to play any instrument.   Strong note reading skills are especially vital to playing the piano, a truly complex instrument The Animal Notes enable a young student to be comfortable and excited about learning to play the piano.  The Animal Note Flash Cards and fun word associations help children learn the location of each note on the Grand Staff and allow for a smooth transition to standard music notes.

There are nine beginning notes using nine different animals. Each note on the Grand Staff is characterized by an Animal Note on one side of the card and the corresponding whole note on the reverse side. First using the appropriate beginning Animal Notes, we find word clues to help the child remember the notes’ location on the Staff. Once this knowledge is well learned, we then transfer that knowledge to the standard notes on the reverse of the card. After the beginning notes are learned, I start introducing other notes on the Grand Staff, one at a time.

At the beginning of most lessons, I use the flash cards to review the notes, always having the child describe where each note is located on the Grand Staff in words and phrases that are word clues to the child.  Gradually I start turning the card over to introduce the standard note, again using the familiar word clues and soon only review the standard notes. I return to the Animal Notes only when the child just can not recognize the standard note.
 

Some parents sincerely want to give their young son or daughter the advantage of early musical training, especially piano lessons.  They have read articles in newspapers and parenting magazines about research relating early musical training to improved ability in math and science.  Giving their child this early advantage, plus developing a musical talent, is of great importance to them.

The part of the brain that enables us to think in mathematical terms is located in the right side. It is the part of the brain that also controls the left side of our bodies.  The left side of the brain controls speech and related skills, as well as the functions of the right side of the body.  For the right handled individual, the constant use of the right hand in daily activities and our speech keep the left side of the brain stimulated.  The right side of the brain is not as fortunate as it is not used as frequently in daily activities. 

Piano requires that both hands are used to master a song.  Each hand plays independent of the other.  All the fingers of each hand end up being involved as the difficulty of the pieces increase.  Both sides of the brain become involved as the message is received from the eyes, calling on the brain to recognize the note, locating it on the keyboard, and sending the message to the correct finger to strike the correct note.  The brain must also tell the fingers how long to hold the note down and whether it should be played with other notes.  This wonderful exercise for the brain ends up creating the beautiful sounds of a song.

The involvement of not only the left side of the brain, but also the right stimulates it in such a way that patterns and logic in other facets of  life become easier to recognize and work with, both important and essential parts of math and science.  What a terrific gift; developing the brain for better math and science skills while learning to play a complex and beautiful musical instrument.

I started teaching a five year old boy about three weeks ago.  He is so excited when he comes to his lessons.  Because of the Animal Notes, he has every one of his pieces down to perfection, and he actually learned a new piece on his own.  It had a new animal in it.  With the help of his Mother, they read about the Animal.  Using the instructions, he found the Animal’s home on the keyboard and then proceeded to learn the piece.  WOW, was he proud of himself!  I never had an exciting experience or level of success like this when starting young children with standard music. 

I have had the same level of adventure and success when starting piano lessons with six, seven and eight year olds. They learn quickly, without frustration.  The feelings of success makes coming to lessons fun. 

I have created Flash Cards with an Animal Note on one side and the corresponding standard note on the other.  I have been using them for three months now, and they are working even better than I had hoped for.  I use the cards to reinforce my students note learning and then as an avenue to transitioning to standard notes. They will be available on this site in the next few weeks.  I have also started a Fun Book of songs using the Animal notes, which I hope to have available in early fall. 

Yes, I get very excited about teaching piano; especially the wonderful feelings of happiness and success that comes from the success of my students.  I want to share this joy and success with you.