I frequently hear concerns from parents of young piano students about their child’s hearing. The most common question asked is, “Does my child have a “good” ear?” I usually respond with something like, “They look alright to me. Does she have two?” There are some common myths which often mislead parents and encourage them to look for their student’s musical limitations. While there may be some value in this, there are a lot more warnings in literature and folklore that suggest “If you look for problems, problems will find you.” In my opinion, it is better to first consider the possibilities. Before testing your young child’s musical ear make sure they understand basic concepts such as high and low and up and down in musical terms. If you ask a four year old to play a high note on the piano, they are most likely to raise their hand in the air and say, “how high?” You can give your young child in piano lessons a chance to develop their musical ear and talent with time and patience. You can also play these fun games at home with your child. The first game is called “Copy Cat.” Give your child this introduction: "Copy Cat" is a lot like Simon Says. Do you remember that game? Let’s both put our right hand in C position on the piano. Play a couple of notes, Sally, any notes you want to play in C position. Then I’ll try to copy what you played. Do this for a while and then reverse the game. You play a few notes and have your child be the Copy Cat. This is a great way to develop your child’s musical ear and have a lot of fun with them at the piano as well. The Second game is called “Jacob’s Ladder.” Play Middle C and then step up Jacob’s Ladder playing all of the white and black keys one at time, in order until you get to the next C. This is twelve half-steps, or a Chromatic Scale. Then step down “Jacob’s Ladder” back to Middle C. After you have done this a few times, let your child try stepping up and down "Jacob’s Ladder" on the piano. Next have your child in piano lessons close their eyes while you play “Jacob’s Ladder.” Tell your child to raise their hand if you skip a rung on the ladder. Make sure you also give your child a turn at being the teacher! Kids love to reverse roles. This is another effective technique to develop your child’s musical ear in a fun and easy way. By playing these games together you’ll be seeking your child’s musical potential - and you will find it! For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You’ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f’ree internet newsletter so you can download f’ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions. These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com
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