Teaching Piano to Young Children

When teaching piano to younger children, it is important to remember that there are basic differences between the way in which children and adults learn. In addition, children need constant affirmation, understanding and caring in order to stay motivated and reach their potential. Here are some tips you can use to help you better teach your little ones:

• Give your younger students lots of positive reinforcement (e.g., stickers, popcorn, gifts, etc.)


• Don't give them too much at once. Take it slow.


• Always encourage. Even when you have to point out a mistake or error, do it gently and with much reassurance.


• Make your lessons fun. Switch up the routine from time to time.


• Don't be afraid to listen to them talk about things they like that are unrelated to music. That shows you are interested in them.


• Take your cue from what your students like. For example, if one likes learning new songs more than sight-singing, begin your lessons with a new song.


• Remember, the parent will be the biggest influence over your students. Use them as teaching assistants!


• Remember, children have a shorter attention span than adults. Be patient!

These and many other techniques are effective with young students. Also, remember that children think more imaginatively than adults. For example, when I tried to explain the difference between major and minor to one of my students, she said that major sounds "happy" and minor sounds "sad" or "grumpy." However, she astutely recognizes that virtually every song contains both major and minor chords and scales. Therefore, it is very difficult to teach her the difference in terms of ear training.

Now, this is not her fault. At first, I couldn't figure out why this lesson was so difficult for her. But then I realized it was because she hears both major and minor in all songs!

Is she wrong? Well, not really. If a song has both major and minor chords, it's not always clear whether the song is in a major key or minor key (that is, without reference to the key signature). Try explaining major and minor without using key signature memory techniques!

For more information on effective teaching methods, contact the NJ music services of Gnosis Arts for a free consultation. Ask for your free copy of Museletter the music newsletter of Gnosis Arts.