New here? Make sure you visit our Introduction to First Piano Lessons before you start!
Up and Down the Escalator – from the First Piano Lessons is a fun and playful way to introduce finger exercises.
When kids first start to play the piano, it does takes a while to strengthen their little fingers. They’ll find it quite difficult at first and it requires practice and patience and lots of repetition to build up the strength and co-ordination needed to use each finger independently.
- Start by drawing around the hands of the child on a sheet of paper, or alternatively you can print the finger chart shown below.
- Ask the child to number the fingers 1 -5 on both hands starting with the thumbs as 1 and the little fingers as 5.
- Explain that when learning piano, we number our fingers to help us tell which ones to use.
- Each finger belongs to it’s own note and it’s own turn at playing.
Introducing Piano Fingering
- Using the Cats – Dogs game as a way to find middle C, place the Right Hand on CDEFG with the fingers 1- 5.
- Ask the child to play each note with each finger and repeat it 3 times.
- Call this exercise Up And Down The Escalator and sing the words as they play.
- Explain that 4s and 5s are usually weak, because they are normally a bit lazy and never really do anything on their own.
- That is why it’s always difficult at first, but just like riding a bike or learning to write your name, practise will always help!
- Repeat this exercise with the Left Hand, with the 1 (thumb) on middle C and the fingers going down in steps the opposite way.
Finger Strengthening
- The fingers should be curved over the notes, as if holding a small ball or apple. This is difficult at first, as weaker fingers will be harder to control.
- Make sure each note is released as you play the next. Children often tend to hold two or three notes down through lack of control at first.
- Try not to let the hand collapse downwards and rest on the keys. This will need gentle reminders. Reassure that the more you do it the easier it gets!
- This exercise can be practiced anywhere, you don’t need to be at the piano. You can practise on your leg, in the car, or at the table and you’ll find it easy in no time!
- When it is getting easier, try balancing a penny on the back of the hand and play it without it sliding off. A little competition always helps!
- Once they have mastered each hand separately, try both hands together, both 1s starting on middle C together, then playing both 2s-3s-4s-5s and back again. This is the first time they play anything hands together, so very satisfying! Not bad for a first piano lesson! Sounds good too!
Don’t miss the rest of the First Piano Lesson series:
The Easiest Way To Learn The Notes
Check out our First Piano Lessons eBook for lots of fun piano beginner’s resources & support!
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Hey! I am 15 years old and got a keyboard for Christmas. I learned songs, but I know very little of the notes, and I know how to read music though. My 7 year old brother wanted to learn how to play it, and so not only has this educated him, it also educated me a little bit as well. Thanks so much!
That’s great to hear Kaira! keep practicing and you’ll both get better and better!
Hello, I just purchased your book to to help my 9 year old. I dont understand how it is possible to play up and down the scale using the left hand starting with the thumb and matching # fingers to notes. If the thumb is placed on middle c how is the child supposed to move naturally up and down the scale without flipping the hand over?? Or doing a very unnatural climb with each finger twisting over the other? It’s a natural progression for the right hand as the notes lie in place the the numbered fingers. However, not for the left. Please explain? Is there a link to a video that would help this make sense for me? I cannot help her if I don’t understand something so basic. Thank you for your time!
HI Allana, The left hand moves in the opposite direction to the right, so starting with the Left 1 (thumb) on middle C the fingers walk down the keyboard, each finger playing the next note down in steps – 1-C 2-B 3-A 4-G 5-F – and then back up again to where you started – 4-G 3-A 2-B 1-C
‘Repeat this exercise with the Left Hand, with the 1 (thumb) on middle C and the fingers going down in steps the opposite way.’
I hope this helps 🙂
‘
Yes it does, thank you! I think I was taking the visual too literally.
Much Appreciation 🙂
You’re welcome Allana! I am always very happy to answer any questions! 🙂
I agree. I started playing when I was 5. I am now 45 and still playing at an advanced level. My teacher just had me start playing and I learned the notes after a few lessons. The first few lessons were hand/wrist positioning, sitting at the piano, just playing around with it etc. Basically, she made it fun. Everything else came after. Have faith in the teacher and don’t try to tell him/her how to do their job. They know what they are doing.
I’m getting a piano today for my five year old son that loves music I have no clue where to start teaching him can anyone help me know where to start. I know learn fingers and notes but how do I label the keys. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Angie,
You’ve certainly come to the right place! You’ll find lots of ideas and help for piano beginners on the Lets Play Music website. But it is better if you avoid labelling the keys as this just prevents the child properly memorising the correct order and place for each note on the keyboard. If you check out this post you’ll find a fun way to help kids learn them – http://www.letsplaykidsmusic.com/first-piano-lessons-for-kids/ Good luck!
Thanks a lot! Pls can a complete scheme for piano lessons for kids
Pls I nid the proper fingerings for both hands on the piano and also for the pedalboard.
Hi, For ‘Up and Down the Escalator’ the fingering for the left hand is the same as for the right – 1,2,3,4,5,4,3,2,1 -starting on middle C and going downwards towards the low notes. You asked about pedalling – it is too early at this stage to introduce the use of the pedal.I hope that helps!
I got a question my daughter is 8 years and she just begin taking piano lesson but she hasn’t learn any notes or anything she just went straight to playing piano is that they way it should be? I thought they were suppose to begin with learning the notes. Do you think that’s right? I decide to google it and I can up with your website so I hope u can give any advice
Monica, Don’t worry about that right now, many teachers want to get kids started playing so they feel like they are accomplishing something. Your daughters piano teacher will probably have her learning the notes within the next week or two. I am a piano teacher and I always start with the finger numbers as well as learning how to differentiate between the set of two and three black keys, by doing that it makes it easier for the kids to learn their notes the next week.
Thanks for your comment Amy, I completely agree, I’m sure the teacher is getting her new pupil settled in, and the note learning will be coming along very soon!
Hi Monica, I agree with Amy, I’m sure your daughter will be learning the notes very soon. Her teacher is probably wanting to encourage her to relax and enjoy the lessons. The most important thing is to make sure a child is happy and relaxed right from the start and then they will be ready to learn. Good luck with the lessons!
love this much. pls can I still get something simpler than this.
i really like your blog.. got a question.. should i use the same division of classes for both adults and kids, or i should use less material for kids? thanks
Thanks Yasmine, Glad you like the blog! 🙂
The piano lesson series were written specifically with children in mind, and it is always important to gauge each child’s ability and concentration, so as not to make them feel pressured in any way. Lessons should be little and often, and gradually increased to suit each child.
Although Adults are very welcome to try these lessons, they are aimed at children.
thanks alot for the advice.. ill keep reading your blog. cant wait for more of your valuable advice! 🙂