Wednesday, April 25, 2012

How Parents Can Help Teach Piano Over Summer

Keyboard geography - yes, that's what I mean to say.  How we find our way around the piano based on how it looks - its geography!  Most piano method books begin by showing young children the difference between a group of 2 black keys and a group of 3 black keys.  Look at this picture:



Do you see a group of 2 black keys on the left, and then another group of 3 black keys on the right?  You probably do, but your 5 year old probably does not, at first.  He or she may see a bunch of black keys (like 5) and many white keys, but they may have a hard time telling the difference between a 2-black key group and a 3-black key group.  These are landmarks on the piano - and they will most likely be a starting place for many beginners' first pieces.  We find middle C using the 2-black key group, and we find F (and B) using the 3-black key group.  

Susan Fonger with preschool piano students
During your leisure times on the weekend, or over a vacation, you can teach your 3 or 4 year old the difference between a group of 2 items, and a group of 3 items.  You can use lincoln logs, dominos, chopsticks, pencils, pens, spoons, or just about any item that is sort of rectangular.  I am sure your creativity will find a way to turn this into a grouping game or a fun activity with a scorecard.   The possibilities are endless.

Hint:  the easiest fingers for young ones to use due to their developing motor skills are:  fingers 2, 3, and 4.

The thumb is the most difficult since you usually need to turn it on its side to use it correctly on the keyboard or on the piano.

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