Can you DARE to be Different?
Piano has been taught in a relatively standard method for many years. Admittedly, there have been some who have tried new ideas to improve or change the norm, but for the most part, it’s easier to “stay the course” than to “stir the waters.”
But what is truly important — sticking to the same old way of doing things or being willing to try something different that might bring greater success to the students you teach? Sure, it is probably easier to do things as you were taught, change is never exactly comfortable, but what if there were a way to start young piano students that would be easier for them to learn, more fun for them, and still bring you success as a teacher?
The Animal Note method was developed about 13 years ago as a way to help young children relate the new knowledge of note reading music to something that is familiar and enjoyable. A child as young as 4 can begin piano lessons using the Animal Note method. Yes, for a child that young, progress is slower than with a child who is 8 because the older child has a larger “data base” of experiences. Also he/she has learned in school to set and work with new material. But we are not trying to rush them into learning piano too fast, and the total benefits gained for the child are so valuable that taking the time, exercising patience, and understanding their total developmental level are easy prices to pay.
So as a music teacher, can you DARE to step out in a new direction by giving the Animal Note method a try when you start a new student between 4 and 8? The success and joy will be well worth the effort, and what an adventure for you and your students.
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