Raising children can be trying. At times so much so that it even tempts devoted parents to wonder, ?How does the world manage to re-populate itself?? So keeping a sense of humor is really important. Here?s some crazy things kids say when taking piano lessons and practicing that parents need to be prepared to laugh at. Let?s start with the whining. Amazingly these are things I?ve heard young, beginning piano students say right after they have played a simple piece of music beautifully?Stud...

Beginning piano students can become focused on reading the notes and finding the right keys on the piano and miss the point of playing ? to make the music sound, well, musical. This takes a creative human touch and sensitivity that children are capable of, when they know where to look for it. Here?s a plan for connecting to the music in a creative, artistic, and human way. I call it the HEART approach to making music at the piano.The HEART Approach to Making MusicH - HearHear each note in yo...

Parents often don?t realize how much progress their young child in piano lessons can make. Some parents don?t even take their young children in piano lessons seriously! It?s hard to believe but I've even heard parents say things like, ?Well she?s only 6 years old, you can?t expect her to really play piano!? The problem with this thinking is where does it end? ?She?s only 7?..? ?He?s only 8?..? She?s only 9?.? This is a defense parents sometimes use because they?re afraid their children ...

Generally young children who enjoy educational activities such as reading, coloring, crafts and word games also enjoy playing the piano. One reason is because they enjoy doing things with their hands. Did you know that there are games and activities available like this for young children that will give them a musical foundation as well? If you plan to give your young child piano lessons or if your child is taking piano lessons they can benefit greatly from musical games and activities at ho...

Children can benefit from piano lessons and learn to play well if they focus on the basics. Here are three practice tips to make sure your beginning piano student gets off to a great start and goes on to achieve their musical dreams.Before I tell you what they are, however, here is a warning. Don?t let these simple ideas fool you ? they?re also very important. In fact the simplicity of playing piano is often what confuses beginning piano students. That's because most of what students need to ...

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to for families to give thanks for all the blessings they have received over the past year. Its also a great time to teach your children to do the same. Children taking piano lessons, because they are supported by so many people, have a wonderful opportunity to learn this tradition. You can help them realize how many people are included in their musical community of support and play an important role in helping them reach their musical goals. For most student...

?My 6 year old daughter really loves the piano and wants to learn to play, but when I try to help her she gets very upset with me. What should I do??The parent who asked the above question has fallen into a hole that I call The Piano Parent Trap!If this is you, you don?t have to feel bad. In fact you should be flattered! This is just a problem of conflicting needs. The role of Mom or Dad is very important to the emotional security of children. Your acceptance and approval is everything to t...

History has a lot to share with children in piano lessons. Although modern piano education for children is supported by technology, there is still a lot to learn from piano lessons from the past. Here?s some time honored keys to success from some great composers of the past that your kids can still rely on.Ludwig van Beethoven - To play without passion is inexcusable!Children have what it takes to bring their music to life. Once kids know that it?s okay to let their personality shine through ...

We all need to dream and to believe that one day our dreams will come true. But without a plan for success, our dreams are unlikely to materialize. The dream of learning to play the piano is no different. Even young students, however, can learn to set goals and take responsibility for their success. Helping your child keep a piano journal is an easy way to start them thinking about how they will bring their musical dreams to life. Follow the guide below to help your child in piano map out a...

The educational benefits of piano for children rely on their natural learning abilities, so why underestimate your child?s intelligence when choosing piano learning resources. While your expectations should not be unrealistic, neither should you rely on learning resources that are beneath your child?s intelligence. Many of the products I have seen advertised for children could just as easily be used to train a monkey to play a few notes on the piano. Sure they?re easy, but don?t fool yourself...