Older Kids

Older kids are ready for music that is slightly more complex than our beginner books. They are ready for ideas like black keys, fingering and chords (chords are groups of three keys played with the left hand). After starting with a beginner book, kids are ready for challenges like chords and playing with both hands.

Try a song with black keys on our online piano:

White Christmas

#2 (sharp 2) is the black key in between 2 and 3

#4 (sharp 4) is the black key in between 4 and 5

| 3 * * * | 4 3 #2 3 | 4 * * * | #4 5 * * |

Age Groups:

Books appropriate for this age group would include:
THE BIG BOOK OF SONGS, TEACH YOURSELF PIANO, FAVORITE HYMNS and I CAN READ MUSIC.  

The first three books include "chord symbols," which tell you which groups of three keys to play with the left hand. In addition, flats and sharps (black keys) are included in almost every song. Chords can be optional, so younger kids can enjoy many songs in these books. I CAN READ MUSIC is all on the white keys, but presents the more complex ideas of reading music in a game form.