very young beginning student

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Everything About Teaching and Learning the Piano : One Thread

I have just taken on a very young student (just turned 5) and I am looking for creative ways to engage her in the learning process without trying to teach by the Suzuki method-for which I have no training or experience. Thanks for any input.

-- anne stanton (writeannesoon@cs.com), May 09, 2002

Answers

I'm not a piano teacher, but my son took piano when he was about that age, about 2 years ago. His teacher started him on an old book, called Magic Keys, book 1, by Curcio. The book was written back in the 1940's. It is simple: starting with middle C then it goes on to the D, the E and so far. Very basic, very easy to learn... You can find it at http://www.hutchinsandrea.com/ . The catalog number is PM10007.

In proper perspective I'm grateful that my son's teacher started him in something "real" (i.e. not pre-staff notes nor Suzuki -- no offense intended!).

Hope this help!

-- Lisa (noname_poster@yahoo.com), May 10, 2002.


A young child, even age 5, may not be able to sit still at the piano for a typical lesson. Try to incorporate some movement, some singing with you at the piano, and invest in some rhythm instruments like tambourines, rhythm sticks, triangles, etc.... to teach rhythm concepts.

Anything to make it fun and motivating!!!!!!

-- alexandra (alidoremi@aol.com), May 10, 2002.


I think it depends on the students. I have 3 students that are in the 5/6 year old range, two of which are doing very well. One has to practice on a keyboard until her parents buy a piano, so that is a bit difficult, in the area of finger strength.

I started when I was 5 years old. My opinion is that if the child can count to 10, say their ABC's, are well-behaved and have parents who are willing and able to help them out a little bit, then they are ready.

-- Deanne (dpetras@ehio.net), May 14, 2002.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ