How to teach a group piano class specifically designed for 4 and 5-year olds? Here are some useful tips & suggestions on how to teach the “Mini Mozarts”.
Fun Element
Music for the Mini Mozarts (4 & 5 year olds) need to have the two key elements that every kid this age loves–FUN and FURRY FRIENDS!
There should be songs, you need to move to the music and play some simple percussion instruments, and of course learn piano basics.
All this in a group environment offers a wonderful social element, and everyone needs to have their furry friend, their own little Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse stuffed animals as learning partners!
The Right Approach
Structure and repetition are very important while learning the piano, and the same applies to the youngest of students as well. Having a routine in class makes everyone feel comfortable (works well in a group class) and of course, we all learn through repetition.
The challenging part is to provide variety within the routine and finding ways to personalize the lesson for each class so that everyone’s learning styles are taken into consideration. For example, how about using a new song or dance move for Beethoven Bear!
Using Stuffed Animals
Do you really have to use the stuffed animals? Well, not really but they do make the classes unique; the stuffed animals are more like the teaching assistants. There are piano teachers who use irresistible stuffed animals, Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse, to assist kids in their first introduction and exploration of the piano!
Seriously speaking, students learn a lot from each other and when you combine the energy of a group learning environment with a super fun and interactive curriculum, students develop better beginning piano playing skills and it also starts the journey of a lifelong appreciation for music.
Group & Personal Piano Lessons
Besides the weekly small-group sessions, children also need to be given individual lessons (15 to 20 min) for maximum benefit. Parents are expected to assist the child in practice at home. An Acoustic piano (or a digital piano with 88 full-size, weighted keys) at home is required for effective piano lessons.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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