In 2018, I discovered WunderKeys, a piano approach for children as young as 4 years old. It is delightful with age-appropriate activities and well-planned graduated progress through the skills children need to develop as they learn about music and playing the piano. Here are some helpful tips to practicing with your young child:
The WunderKeys books are presented in a predictable sequence that makes it easy to practice with your child at home: simply read aloud the pages from the week’s unit of study, follow the directions as described and have fun!
WunderKeys books also include cut-and-play piano games that require coins and a die. The game instructions can be found on the back of each game board. Play the games (both past games and the game that corresponds with the current week’s unit) with your child frequently to review important concepts in an enjoyable way.
When your child starts piano lessons it is necessary to establish a predictable routine for home practice. Spending home time at the piano directly impacts your child’s progress. However, it’s not about “minutes spent on the bench” but rather how those minutes are used.
Here are some helpful tips for helping your young student at home:
Leave the WunderKeys book open on the piano. Your child will be more likely to spend time at the piano if her materials are always visible. At this age, solo exploration (looking through the book on her own, engaging with the pictures, making up her own songs, etc.) are all beneficial activities.
Find a predictable time of day when you can sit with her and assist her with practice. Preschool-aged children cannot complete effective piano practice alone, so she will need your guidance. Spending short amounts of time at the piano daily is much more beneficial than spending one long session at the piano once or twice a week.
Help your child develop a sense of ownership over piano lessons by having her demonstrate what she learned in lessons and then allowing her to be “the teacher”. If lessons are “her thing” she’s more likely to gravitate to the piano on her own accord.
Remember, at this age, exploration and enjoyment are more important than accuracy and perfection. Piano practice at home should be a happy “bonding on the bench” experience. While it is beneficial to return to previously-completed lessons, please note that working ahead in the book during the week can result in educational gaps that become problematic in the future.
Continue her learning away from the piano. Preschool piano lessons build a foundation of knowledge and understanding upon which all further musical learning takes place. Relate the concepts she’s learning in her books to “real world” scenarios. For example, while folding laundry, have her create a pattern out of socks or, while outside, talk about the low and high sounds she can hear.
If you do not play piano yourself, you can still practice the teacher/student duets with your child. Simply chant the lyrics to assist her in knowing when it is her turn to play, help her to find her hand position on the black key groups and practice her part of the duet.
Engage in activities at home that build coordination, finger strength, and fine motor skills – play with play dough, practice cutting paper with scissors, work on correct pencil grip, use tongs or tweezers to pick up objects, etc.
Find out more about this program in my studio: https://www.rjohnsonpiano.com/products/introduction-to-piano-group-instruction