Beginning piano students can become focused on reading the notes and finding the right keys on the piano and miss the point of playing – to bring their personal sensitivity to bear on the music. Hearing each note in the mind before it is played and thinking about how to touch each key is important to playing thoughtfully and creatively. Music is a language and as such it always tells a story or paints a picture. Painting is a great analogy for children in piano as it is something that can easily relate to. In children’s music the first place kids can look to get an idea of what this picture will look like is the title of the piece. The title could be for example about the “Morning,” “Moonlight,” a “Triumphant March,” or a “Dance.” Young students with limited experience learn by imitation and need to hear the pieces played. Parents sometimes think their child isn’t learning to read the notes if the teacher has to play the music for their child. And often children who are able to read music well will not attempt to play new pieces of music at home if they don’t know how it is supposed to sound. Over time, as students gain experience and begin to recognize melody in the music notes, they feel more confident interpreting the music on their own. Listening to many examples over time allows children to develop their musical ear and artistic abilities. Putting too much emphasis on note reading, or not enough, creates an imbalance between note reading and artistic interpretation. For the beginning piano student these need to go hand-in-hand over time to develop the whole musician. 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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