Piano for Babies
Piano for babies? People actually ask me if they can start piano with a two year old. It depends on the two year old. If your two year old is Mozart, go ahead. But if your two year old is like most kids that age, they will have no idea what musical symbols are.
Piano Is Easy
Avoid Graphic Symbols
Only certain skills can be taught to a child that does not understand symbols. Better to connect them with real objects like piano keys. Let's assume that we are dealing with an average two or three year old, and they have a dim but incomplete view of the numbers 1-10. Let's further assume that the child is so young that they have to be taught visually, and cannot use symbols with facility.
The Child Says When The Lesson Is Done
You must find a way for the child to enjoy coming to the piano. It cannot be a place of criticism. It has to be a place the child associates with joy. You can use candy, money, praise, rewards, toys. But the child cannot feel uneasy or out of control while at the piano. Are you prepared for a six minute lesson? The lesson is over when the child says it's over, no exceptions. You really cannot go against this rule, or you risk the child not wanting another lesson. Let them lead the lesson, at least apparently.
Fingering
If you get past the index finger, it is a miracle. Pretend proper fingering does not exist.
Rhythm
It exists in the simplest form: you produce it, and they feel it. Don’t expect a three year old to understand it the way even a six year old does. See the FOURS piano game.
Chords
Can you get the child to skip a white key? That is a chord. Forget them being able to name chords, move between chords. Teach them what a chord is, most likely a C chord.
Black Keys
Way too confusing unless the child expresses interest. Try playing all the black keys in a row, going up.
Counting
Easy and natural to do, just don’t make it complex. Counting to four is hard work if anything is expected at the same time. Once again see the FOURS piano game.
Hand Position
Irrelevant, since they cannot control their fingers. If you insist on it, you will only frustrate them. If nothing else, just make them aware of it. Many kids this age offer the "karate chop" position, the hand on its side. Laugh. Move on.
Sitting Properly
You're going to have enough trouble getting them not to fall on the floor. Seriously. Little kids this age have trouble balancing on a slippery piano bench.
Practicing
There is only one method: THE SONG. Find a song they are crazy about and they will not stop playing it. For a two year old, this is practicing.
Attention Span
I would assume five minutes, anything more is gravy. Never force the length of the "lesson." When their fleeting interest has passed, it's over. Wait for next time. Remember, in conclusion, that five minute lessons may take 6 times as long for the child to learn as compared to 30 minutes lessons. Go slowly, glacially, expect nothing.You may be pleasantly surprised.
REFERENCES
Preschool
How Do I Teach My Preschooler Piano?
Preschool Piano Worksheets
Toddler and Preschool Piano Books
Preschool Piano Activities
Preschool Piano Lesson Plans
Kids Piano In The Preschool and Kindergarten Classroom
Piano For The Very Young
The Best Preschool Piano Method
What Is The Best Age To Start Piano?
Are My Kids Ready For Piano?
Is Preschool The Best Age To Start Piano?
Teaching Preschool Piano Visually
A Visual Approach To Children’s Piano
Preschool Piano Games
Best Age To Start Piano
Visual Preschool Piano
Start Kids With The White Keys
What Age Should You Start Piano?
Evaluating Preschool Piano Methods
Preschool Piano Roadmap
How To Develop Interest In The Piano
Beginner Piano Books for Kids
Piano Letters
Piano Music Numbers
Piano Key Numbers
Preschool Piano Lessons Near Me
Preschool Piano Music
Preschool Piano Sheet Music
Easy Piano Songs for Beginners With Letters
Easy Piano Notes for Popular Songs
Baby Piano
Play Piano By Numbers Books