How to Teach Young Children Piano ?

The fact that young children's brains are still growing and developing means that they usually have an easier time than adults when it comes to learning languages and musical instruments. Capitalizing on the impressionable minds of children can help turn them into brilliant young musicians. Knowing how kids think can be helpful when attempting to teach them how to play the piano.

1. Assess the size of the child's hands before you begin to teach him piano. Young piano students do not need to span an octave (eight notes) right away, but they will need to be able to reach 4 to 5 notes at a time. If your child has small hands or is under 5 years old, he may not be ready for piano lessons.

2. Choose a piano teacher who specializes in teaching children if you do not plan to teach your young child how to play the piano yourself. A music teacher or pianist that has experience working with elementary school-age children already has the basic knowledge (including patience) that is necessary when working with young musicians.

3. Begin to teach young piano students with the "sound before sight" philosophy. This way of teaching music focuses on paying attention to what is heard and actively played on the piano before attaching note names and symbols to the process. Sound before sight can be especially useful when dealing with young kids who are non-readers.

4. Allow the child to explore the piano keyboard and make music on her own as an introduction to formal lessons. Ask her to explain what she likes to hear and why. This type of freedom may lead naturally into music theory that is an integral part of learning to play the piano.

5. Choose a piano lesson book series and stick with it, rather than hopping back and forth between the various types of learning that different companies may employ. Consistency is important to children and makes for an easier learning experience.

6. Make flash cards for both the treble and bass clefs when the young child is ready to learn the note names. Review flash cards several times daily to help the piano student connect the note names and positions on the staff with the notes he's actually playing on the keyboard.

7. Set up a regular practice schedule and make sure it is followed. Some children may pick up the piano very easily, while others may be more challenged. Every young piano student needs daily practice in order to develop their musical abilities more fully.