Piano for Kids

Note reading is the foundation knowledge required to play any instrument.  For many people the notes are no more than dots on a sheet of paper; they make no sense, and trying to remember which dot tells you what key to press, what finger position to use, or what string and bow position must be used is enough to blow one’s mind.   Time and practice can conquer this challenge, but far too many get discouraged and quit before they have gained enough proficiency to even begin to receive joy from the creation of music.

Many methods on the market attempt to solve this problem.  As all individuals are created so differently, some of these methods do help the individual succeed.  “Note Reading for Young Children” is the “new kid on the block” in the field of music education.  It uses a little different approach based on the widely accepted fact that many people learn by association with knowledge that they already have acquired.   This is especially true for young children, but it can make the road easier for anyone wanting to learn music; yes, even adults.  The great fact about this method is it works!

In the American system of music education, the seven notes are identified by the first seven letters of the American alphabet.  The Animal Note Method uses the oval shape of each of these seven notes and turns them into caricatures of a familiar animal’s face or body.  These notes are presented in the “Note Reading for Young Children” book with a short story/word clue that helps the child (or individual) associate the animal with its position on the Grand Staff of music.  Thus the spots on the paper become friends that smile back at them from the page.  Since children as young as three can recognize the animals, they can begin to learn the foundation blocks of music before their lives become cluttered with all the other important activities of life.

Music is a job for many talented people and for others it is the source of comfort and enjoyment.  I cannot begin to count the number of people who have told me, “I could never read the notes and quit.  I would love to play an instrument, but I know I would never be able to conquer note reading”.  This statement makes me want to cry, because I know the Animal Note Method of beginning note reading and timing does lead to success and a future filled with music that grows and expands for the individual, bring such joy.  The Animal Notes have made learning the two very essential skills of note reading and timing fun, easy and comfortable.  The word clues for each Animal lead to a successful transfer to standard music notation and a future of joy in the world of music.

The Animal Note Method is presented in such a way that an individual who has never taught music can successfully teach the beginning skills to their own young children, grandchildren or a friend’s child, bring joy and satisfaction to both you and the luck child you teach.  Yet the method can also successfully be used for older children who struggle with note reading and timing and any adult who has had difficulties learning these skills at an earlier time, and are able to overcome their negativity.

I received an e-mail today from a Mom who had recently ordered some of the books.  She wanted me to know that her 4 year old daughter had had her first lesson.  The books had held her attention and she had not only learned the first couple of notes quickly, but had fun doing so.  Over the last three years I have received many wonderful e-mails like this from many different situations.  It always makes me so happy that the wonderful and enchanting world of music has been opened for another individual.  I truly rejoice.