It’s no secret that young children learn better through playing.
In the early years of piano lessons, students learn a lot of their musical skills through movement. This helps young students understand abstract ideas like rhythm and pitch in a non-threatening, fun way!
Music through movement improves motor skills through clapping, dancing, snapping their fingers, singing, or marching in place.
Learning Through Discovery
I introduce music theory and piano technique in small, sneaky doses.
We play games and I ask students a lot of questions about what they hear, think and feel.
Most beginning piano students learn to play a simple song on their very first lesson!
I always use younger children’s questions as an opportunity to teach them about the world around them. Sometimes, we learn about human biology (how your hand moves, how your brain sends signals using nerves, etc) and physics (how DOES the piano make that noise?) during lessons!
Positive Reinforcement
I give students ways how to discipline themselves.
We are not allowed to use negative words like “I Can’t” or “I Hate”
They learn to choose their attitudes towards learning new things.
I work with each student’s strengths to guide them into healthy practice habits and personal responsibility.
Connection Via Technology (Optional)
I use technology in small doses to make lessons even more fun. We use the popular “Piano Maestro” App on the iPad – it is a fun game to play that helps students learn how to sightread.
What does my child need to know before beginning piano lessons?
Alphabet from A to G
Be Able to Count to 5
It helps if your child has an interest in music, but even if they do not visibly show it by singing or dancing often, most children enjoy find that they enjoy playing after even the first lesson!
As a parent, how much do I have to be involved in the lessons?
It is important that you have the time to set aside time in each day to practice with your child to offer encouragement and a guiding hand.
It is up to you as a parent to make practicing part of your daily schedule. Within a few months, most young students realize that while it takes work to learn to play music, it has very satisfying results.
Most young children are not as motivated as older children to do the correct kind of practice: part of the music lesson process at young ages is to help develop attention to detail & attention span for practice, as well as patience with themselves as the learning process is new to them.
How long will it take my child to be able to read music?
Some children can read music in as little as one week, and for others it takes a year or two. It depends on the child, and you should allow them to learn at their own pace. I introduce music to each student in a gentle, but encouraging manner, where each student is challenged but not to the point of discouragement.
What piano method book do you use?
For most pre-school aged children, I start with the Bastien Series, and quickly move on to Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber. I am familiar with Alfred, John Thompson and Suzuki methods as well.
In addition to their lesson book; I use my composition knowledge to write exercises on the spot for students, as well as songs they might be interested in learning.
Do you integrate technology with your piano lessons?
Yes! I recently started using JoyTunes’ Piano Maestro with all students. I have an iPad that I bring with me to every lesson – and if you have an iPad, you will also have access to this app to practice with when I’m not there!
ABOUT THE PIANO TEACHER
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Chapman University (’05). I have been teaching piano, violin, viola, music theory & composition since 2003 in Southern California.
I live in Long Beach, CA with my two rescue dogs, Buddy & Bebe!
It is my immense honor to guide students (& their parents!) through every step of the musical journey. As a creative piano teacher with a music degree and years of experience, I bring a fresh and patient approach to your piano lessons. Many of my pupils have gone on to be active in the performing arts departments at their schools, win awards, and study music in college.
