When it comes to teaching kids to play the piano, one size does not fit all. Some children are natural-born musicians and will excel with traditional instruction, while others may benefit from a more creative approach. The best way to ensure that your child falls in love with playing the piano is to find a method of instruction that works best for their learning style and personality.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when teaching kids to play the piano is that they should be having fun at least some of the time. If they’re not enjoying themselves, they’re not going to want to stick with it.
Make sure to incorporate games and activities into your lessons so that your child looks forward to them. Also, don’t be afraid to be silly – kids respond well to humor.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that every child is different and will progress at their own pace. Some may learn quickly, while others will require more patience and repetition. It’s important to tailor your instruction to your child’s individual needs and not compare them to other students.
In this article, we’ll explore some different approaches to teaching kids to play the piano so that you can find the one that works best for your child.
Related: How to Teach Kids About Money | How to Teach Kids to Bake | How to Teach Chess to Kids | How to Teach Kids to Draw | How to Teach Time to Kids | How to Teach Kids to Use Tools | How to Teach Kids to Read | How to Teach Kids to Play Tennis | How to Teach Kids Multiplication
Why Teach Your Kids to Play Piano
Piano lessons offer a wealth of benefits for children. They help kids develop important skills such as concentration, memory, and math skills. In addition, kids who take music lessons also tend to be more confident and outgoing.
And they usually perform better academically. If you’re looking for a way to give your child a head start in life, consider enrolling them in piano lessons. Not only will they develop a lifelong love for music, but they’ll also reap the following benefits:
10 Benefits of Teaching Your Kids How to Play Piano
1. Improved Memory and Concentration
Children who learned to play a musical instrument had better memory and concentration skills than those who didn’t receive musical training. This is likely due to the fact that playing an instrument requires split-second decision-making and coordination between different parts of the brain.
As a result, kids who play piano are better able to develop the neural pathways that are responsible for memory and concentration. The improved memory and concentration provides a great foundation for kids to excel in school and in other areas of their lives.
2. Develops Strong Motor Skills
Playing the piano requires the use of both gross and fine motor skills. For example, kids must use their large muscles to press down on the keys and their small muscles to control the pressure and movement of their fingers. As a result, kids who play piano develop strong motor skills.
In addition, research has shown that playing the piano can also improve hand-eye coordination. This is an important skill for kids to have as they grow older, as it helps with activities such as driving and playing sports.
The development of strong motor skills also provides a great foundation for kids to excel in school and in other areas of their lives.
3. Teaches Patience and Discipline
Playing the piano requires a lot of practice and patience. Kids who stick with it and put in the time to practice will develop discipline and perseverance.
These are important character traits that will help them succeed not only in their music studies but also in other areas of their lives. For example, kids who are disciplined and have the ability to persevere are more likely to do well in school and in their careers.
The ability to stick with something and see it through to the end is a valuable life skill that every child should learn.
4. Boosts Self-Confidence
Playing the piano can be a great way for kids to boost their self-confidence. When kids first start taking lessons, they often feel shy and self-conscious. But as they progress and learn to play new songs, their confidence grows.
In addition, performing in front of an audience is a great way for kids to overcome stage fright and build their confidence. If your child is shy or lacks confidence, enrolling them in piano lessons can help them build the self-confidence they need to succeed in life.
5. Enhanced Language Skills
Children who receive music lessons also tend to show improved phonemic awareness (the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken language).
This is likely due to the fact that music training requires children to pay attention to subtle changes in sound. This attention to detail helps them develop greater phonemic awareness, which in turn enhances their reading and writing skills.
In addition, kids who take piano lessons also tend to have better vocabularies and are better able to express themselves verbally.
6. Improved Mathematical Skills
Research has shown that children who take music lessons tend to perform better in math. This is likely due to the fact that musical training requires kids to understand complex concepts such as rhythm and pitch. Understanding these concepts helps kids develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts such as fractions and patterns.
In addition, kids who take music lessons also tend to develop better spatial-temporal reasoning skills. This means that they’re better able to visualize objects in three-dimensional space, which is a critical skill for math and science.
7. Enhanced Social Skills
Music lessons also help children develop important social skills. This is because playing an instrument in a band or orchestra requires kids to work together as a team in order to create harmonious music.
As a result, kids who play piano learn the importance of cooperation and collaboration. They also learn good winning and losing skills during piano competitions.
In addition, kids who take music lessons tend to be more confident and outgoing. This is likely due to the fact that they’re constantly challenging themselves to improve their skills and reach new levels of achievement.
8. Enhanced Academic Performance
Children who take music lessons also tend to perform better academically – though this differs from person to person depending on:
- Temperament
- Motivation
- Skill adeptness
- Work ethic
This is likely due to the fact that music training helps children develop important skills such as memory, concentration, and math skills. These skills provide a great foundation for kids to excel in school.
In addition, kids who take music lessons also tend to have higher self-esteem and are more motivated to achieve their goals. These qualities help them succeed in all areas of their lives, not just in academics.
9. Enhanced Creativity
Playing the piano encourages creativity. As your child experiments with different sounds and rhythms, they’ll discover new ways to express themselves musically.
This is a great opportunity for you to nurture your child’s creativity by providing them with the freedom to experiment. Encourage them to try new things and explore different possibilities. You can also help them develop their creativity by exposing them to different styles of music and different types of instruments.
In addition, kids who take music lessons also tend to be more open-minded and are better able to think outside the box. This helps them succeed in all areas of their lives, not just in music.
10. Improved Cognitive Skills
Music lessons help children develop important cognitive skills. This is likely due to the fact that playing an instrument requires kids to use both hemispheres of their brain at the same time.
This helps them develop greater focus, concentration, and memory. In addition, kids who take music lessons also tend to have higher IQ scores.
In addition, kids who take music lessons also tend to develop better problem-solving skills. This is likely due to the fact that they’re constantly challenged to find new ways to overcome difficulties. As a result, they learn how to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
So if you’re looking for a way to give your child a head start in life, consider enrolling them in piano lessons. They’ll be better equipped to succeed in school and in their future careers. And they’ll develop a lifelong love for music.
2 Major Approaches to Teaching Piano to Young Children
When it comes to teaching piano to young children, there are two main approaches: the classical approach and the popular approach.
The classical approach focuses on teaching kids how to read music and understand the theory. This approach is often used in schools and conservatories.
The popular approach focuses on teaching kids how to play by ear and improvise. This approach is often used by private instructors and music schools.
Both approaches have their pros and cons. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which approach is best for your child.
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most common approaches to teaching kids piano.
The Traditional or Classical Approach
If your child is a natural-born musician or if they’re just interested in learning how to play classical pieces, then the traditional approach may be right for them. In this method, kids will learn how to read music and understand the theory.
The traditional approach has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it’s a great way for kids to develop a strong foundation in music. On the other hand, some kids may find it boring and tedious.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the traditional approach:
Pros:
- It’s a great way for kids to develop a strong foundation in music.
- It teaches kids how to read music and understand the theory.
- It helps kids develop their musical skills.
- It’s a great way for kids to learn about the history of music.
- It helps kids appreciate different genres of music.
Cons:
- Some kids may find it boring and tedious.
- It can be challenging for kids to understand complex concepts.
- Kids may get frustrated if they’re not able to progress quickly.
- It can be difficult for kids to transfer what they’ve learned to real-world situations.
The Suzuki Method
The Suzuki method is a traditional approach that’s based on the teaching methods of Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki. In this method, kids learn how to play by ear and improvise.
The Suzuki method has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it’s a great way for kids to develop their musical skills. On the other hand, some kids may find it boring and tedious.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Suzuki method:
Pros:
- It’s a great way for kids to develop their musical skills because they learn how to play by ear and improvise.
- It helps kids develop a strong foundation in music because they learn how to read music and understand the theory.
- It’s an approachable theory that is specifically designed for beginners.
Cons:
- It can be difficult for kids to transfer what they’ve learned to classical pieces
- Some kids may find it too easy
How to Teach Your Child to Play Piano
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of piano playing for children, it’s time to talk about how to get started. Here are some tips on how to teach your child to play piano:
1. Start with the Basics
Before you start teaching your child to play piano, it’s important that they understand the basics. This means learning about the different parts of the piano, such as the keys, pedals, and bench. You can either show them these things yourself or find a beginners’ piano lesson book that will introduce these concepts in a fun and engaging way.
2. Make It Fun
Remember, the goal is to get your child to enjoy playing piano. This means making the learning process as fun and engaging as possible. There are a few different ways you can do this:
Use Games
There are plenty of piano games that your child can play, even starting on day 1! Games are a great way to make learning fun and engaging. They’ll also help your child retain the information they’re learning.
For example, to teach your child about the notes on the piano, you can play a game where they have to identify which note is being played. If they get it right, they get a point. The person with the most points at the end of the game wins!
Find Age-Appropriate Songs
If your child is interested in pop music, find some easy piano versions of their favorite songs. If they’re into classical music, find some simple pieces that they can learn.
Age-appropriate songs will make the learning process more enjoyable for your child. They’ll also be more likely to practice if they’re playing songs that they enjoy.
Use Engaging Materials
There are plenty of great piano learning materials out there, from books to apps to online courses. When choosing materials, make sure they’re engaging and interactive. You want your child to be excited about using them, not bored or overwhelmed.
For example, some piano apps use gamification to make the learning process more fun. Others focus on teaching kids how to read sheet music. Choose materials that you think will work best for your child and their learning style.
Watch Shows About Piano Lessons or Musical Instruments
If your child is a visual learner, they might benefit from watching shows about piano lessons or musical instruments.
There are plenty of great shows and youtube videos out there that can teach kids about music in a fun and engaging way. And if your child gets bored with one show, you can always try another until you find one that they love.
3. Set Realistic Goals
It’s important to set realistic goals when teaching your child to play piano. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and give up.
Start by setting small, achievable goals, such as being able to play a simple song within a week. As your child gets better at playing, you can gradually increase the difficulty of the songs they’re learning.
You can also set goals for how often your child should practice. For example, you might start by having them practice for 15 minutes a day. Once they’re able to do that consistently, you can increase the practice time to 30 minutes a day.
Remember, the goal is to make progress, not to be perfect. There will be days when your child doesn’t want to practice or make mistakes. That’s okay! Just stay positive and encourage them to keep going.
4. Enroll Them in Competitions
After they’ve mastered a few simple songs, you can enroll your child in competitions. This is a great way to motivate them to keep practicing and improving their skills.
There are plenty of competitions out there for kids of all ages and skill levels. Doing a quick search online will help you find the right one for your child.
Competitions can be a great way to teach kids about goal-setting and working hard to achieve their goals. They’ll also learn how to handle disappointment if they don’t win.
And even if your child doesn’t win a competition, they’ll still benefit from the experience. They’ll learn how to perform in front of an audience, which can be a great confidence booster.
5. Play Duets
If you know how to play piano yourself, you can play duets with your child. This is a great way to bond with them and teach them at the same time.
Playing duets will also help your child stay motivated. They’ll see that you’re still learning and progressing, even though you’ve been playing for longer than they have.
To find easy duets that you can play with your child, search online or ask your piano teacher for recommendations.
Teaching your child to play piano can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you’ll help them fall in love with the instrument and set them up for success.
How to Teach Teenagers How to Play Piano
When it comes to teaching teenagers how to play piano, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, they’re at an age where they’re starting to become more independent. They might not be as interested in what you have to say as they were when they were younger.
That’s why it’s important to find ways to make the learning process fun and engaging. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best practices to help your teenager learn piano.
1. Start with the Basics
Even if your teenager has taken piano lessons before, it’s important to start with the basics if they’ve been out of the game for a while. This will help them review what they’ve learned and solidify their understanding of the concepts.
If they’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to teach them how to read sheet music and identify the different notes. You can find plenty of resources online to help with this.
Once they understand the basics, you can move on to more complex concepts, such as chords and scales.
2. Use Technology
Most teenagers are used to using technology in their everyday lives. So why not use it to help them learn piano?
There are tons of apps and online resources that can make the learning process more fun and interactive. For example, you can find apps that allow your teenager to record themselves playing piano and receive feedback.
You can also find online games that make learning piano more like a fun activity than a chore. This can be a great way to keep your teenager engaged and motivated.
Of course, you don’t have to use technology if you don’t want to. But it can be a helpful tool, especially for teenagers who are used to learning through screens.
3. Find Their Favorite Songs
Teenagers usually have favorite songs that they listen to on repeat. So why not use these songs to help them learn piano?
You can find the sheet music for most popular songs online – however, some people prefer to buy books of 100 pop songs or something of the like. Once you have the music, sit down with your teenager and show them how to play their favorite song.
They’ll be motivated to keep practicing so they can play their favorite songs perfectly. And you might even be able to get them to practice a bit more than usual!
4. Let Them Lead
As we mentioned before, teenagers are at an age where they’re starting to become more independent. So it’s important to let them lead when it comes to learning piano.
Of course, you’ll need to guide them and give them structure. But try to give them some freedom to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it.
For example, you can let them pick one song that they want to learn each week. This will give them a sense of ownership over their learning process and help them stay motivated.
You can also let them decide how often they want to practice. Some teenagers will want to practice every day, while others might be fine with practicing a few times a week.
Letting your teenager lead will help them feel more invested in the learning process. And they’re more likely to stick with it if they’re doing it on their own terms.
5. Be Patient
Finally, it’s important to be patient when teaching teenagers how to play piano. They might not learn as quickly as younger students, and that’s okay.
The most important thing is that they’re enjoying the process and making progress at their own pace. So try to be patient and don’t get discouraged if they make mistakes or hit a plateau.
Stick with it, and they’ll eventually get the hang of it. And they might even surprise you with how much they can learn!
How to Help Your Child if They’re Struggling with a Piano Concept
Now, if your child or teen is struggling with a particular concept, there are a few things you can do to help them. Here are a few tips:
1. Find a Different Resource
If your child is struggling to understand a concept, it might be helpful to find a different resource that explains it in a different way. There are tons of resources out there, so don’t be afraid to try a few different ones.
For example, if they’re struggling to understand sheet music, you can try finding a resource that uses pictures instead of symbols. Or, if they’re struggling with a particular chord, you can find a resource that breaks it down step-by-step.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to learning piano. So try to find a resource that works best for your child’s learning style.
2. Get a Teacher
If your child is really struggling, it might be time to get a teacher. A good teacher can help them understand concepts that they’re struggling with and provide guidance on how to practice effectively.
Of course, this isn’t always possible – especially if you’re on a budget. But it’s worth considering if your child is struggling to make progress on their own.
3. Take a Break
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a break. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, it might be best to let them take a break from the piano for a little while.
They can always come back to it later when they’re feeling more relaxed and ready to learn. And in the meantime, they can still enjoy listening to music and playing other instruments.
So if your child is struggling, don’t be afraid to take a break. It might be just what they need to get back on track.
4. Ask Them if They Need Anything
Finally, if your child is struggling, it’s important to ask them if they need anything. They might not be comfortable asking for help, but they’ll appreciate you being understanding and supportive.
So ask them what you can do to help. And then try your best to accommodate their needs.
These are just a few tips on how to help your child if they’re struggling with a piano concept. If you have any other tips, please share them in the comments below!
How to Encourage Your Child to Practice Piano
If you want your child to really succeed at the piano, it’s important to encourage them to practice regularly. Here are a few tips:
1. Set Aside Time for Practice
The first step is to set aside time for practice. This can be difficult, especially if you have a busy schedule. But it’s important to make time for piano if you want your child to progress.
You can start by setting aside 30 minutes each day for practice. Or you can try setting aside an hour or two each week. Just make sure you’re consistent with the time you set aside.
If you’re not sure how much time to set aside, talk to your child’s teacher. They can give you guidance on how much practice is appropriate for your child’s level.
2. Make Practice Fun
Practice doesn’t have to be boring! There are tons of ways to make practice fun for your child.
One way is to let them choose their own pieces to practice. This will give them a sense of control and ownership over their practice. And it might even help them enjoy practice more.
Another way to make practice fun is to turn it into a game. For example, you can set a goal for them to practice a certain number of pieces each week. And then, you can give them a small reward (like a sticker or a piece of candy) when they reach their goal.
There are tons of other ways to make practice fun. So get creative and see what works best for your child.
3. Be Supportive
Finally, it’s important to be supportive of your child’s practice. This means being understanding if they don’t practice as much as you’d like. And it also means being encouraging when they do practice.
So try to create a positive environment around practice. This will help your child stay motivated and focused on their goals.
The Bottom Line
Overall, teaching your child to play the piano can be a very rewarding experience. Just remember to be patient, go at your child’s pace, and make practice fun. If you do these things, your child will be well on their way to becoming a great pianist!
