New here? Make sure you visit our Introduction to First Piano Lessons before you start! I Like Sticky Candyfloss: A Fun Finger Strengthening Exercise Here is a catchy little finger strengthening exercise perfect for first piano lessons, that is excellent for developing and increasing finger co-ordination. Ask the child whether they prefer Sticky Candy floss or Chewy Chocolate […]
First Piano Lessons: Fingers!
New here? Make sure you visit our Introduction to First Piano Lessons before you start! Up and Down the Escalator. First Piano Lessons is a fun and playful way to introduce finger exercises. Start by drawing around the hands of the child on a sheet of paper, or alternatively you can print the finger chart shown below by […]
First Piano Lessons: Introducing the Note Family
Introducing musical notation as the note family with characters to represent each note makes a tricky concept immediately accessible. This way, children find the note names and their time values so much easier to remember. Make sure to explain that these are their nick-names to help us to tell which is which, and point out […]
First Piano Lessons Easiest Way To Learn The Notes
New here? Make sure you visit our Introduction to First Piano Lessons before you start! First Piano Lessons Animal Memory Game There are many methods to help learn piano notes but this way is easy and children immediately engage with this animal memory game. They are so keen to memorise the order of the animals […]
First Piano Lessons: Getting Started
The First Piano Lessons are a series of short exercises disguised as games which combine strengthening and co-ordination with note recognition and memory. Presented in a playful and engaging way that doesn’t cause frustration, they’re perfect for introducing your child to piano at home, while bringing a lot of fun and satisfaction along the way. When […]
Body Percussion Rhythm Activities
Body Percussion Rhythm Activities are a great way to bring the class together and focus. Kids just love to move and this is a perfect way to encourage them to engage. But you’ll also find that it increases concentration. So while they’re absorbing the lesson, they’re having lots of fun at the same time. Gross […]
DIY Magnet Music Notes – Easy Music Manipulatives
This DIY Magnet Music Notes activity is so easy and cheap to make, and in these days of digital overload it has a refreshingly retro appeal! It’s so important to make learning to read music fun, and this is a good way to keep it hands on and visual. These sort of music manipulatives are […]
The Note Family eBook Launch!
Those of you who have read lots of this website, and bought my First Piano Lessons and How To Read Music Theory eBooks will be familiar with the way I introduce music notation to children – through The Note Family. For years, I introduced The Note Family to children through a selection of stories which, […]
How To Read Music Made Easy eBook Launch!
I’m very excited to be able to announce the launch of a new eBook – How To Read Music Made Easy. This has been in the works for the best part of a year, so i’m very excited to be able to share it with you all! Since I published my First Piano Lessons eBook […]
Music Theory for Kids: Understanding Accidentals
Accidentals needn’t be difficult if they are approached in a simple and child friendly way. When introducing sharps and flats I always start by asking the child if they’d like to know the secret of the black notes and why they are so useful. This normally pricks their curiosity and gets them onside. It also […]