How I Started Teaching Piano to Preschool Children
In 2017 - my family moved to a new city. In those days, I didn't even THINK about teaching online. I told all my students (around 30 of them) to find another teacher. I did some market research for my new city. Big BUMMER - I could tell the demographics were way different. Average income per household was waaaay lower. Scoping out some piano teachers and their pricing was very discouraging. You see, my husband had just taken a 30% pay cut. And I had just taken a 100% pay cut. New plan: I would teach small groups in rotating lessons. My tuition was still higher, but I had longer lessons and fun technology. It took a while, but the after-school lesson slots began to fill up. I still needed more $$$. Until that time, I had only taught kids from around 7 and up. Occasionally, I took a 6 year old. You can see where I am going with this. If I could figure out a way to teach younger students during the DAY - that would help alot. I started teaching "Wunderkeys" - and I loved it.
Wunderkeys Piano for Preschoolers
I taught these kids - as young as 3 - in private lessons and small groups. I still love Wunderkeys. But for some kids, there is a problem.
Kids hands are small, and they don't have much dexterity.
This is not news to you. Wunderkeys does get kids to identify and move ALL their fingers with super cute characters and activities. But for some kids,
The progression goes from gradual, to TOO much.
Some kids need time to adapt to how the fingers and hands move on the piano. There is nothing wrong with having them use a more sequenced approach with well-defined steps and milestones. For example, I have a student who just doesn't do well with fingers 4 and 5 (yet). She needs songs that use the strong fingers (2 and 3, maybe occasionally a 1) until she develops her fine motor skills.
Should she just WAIT for piano lessons? I say "NO!" There are many things she can learn. Training her ear, singing, moving, and learning musical concepts can prepare her. Developing her hand by working on fine motor skills can have positive benefits on her handwriting and other tasks.
I am writing a preschool book - here's why-
The student I just mentioned is my first grandchild, Anna (her mom doesn't like for her picture to be on the internet, otherwise I would BLAST you with how cute she is.) Anna lives in Africa. She has trouble with fine motor skills, and a few other things. Anna inspired me to write a book that was attainable for all kids: young, special needs, or just developing.
The book is OUT now on Amazon, in paperback form. Here’s the link for a quick peek:
Kayla - the main character - gets a red piano for her birthday.
I hope this new book will inspire lots of young kids! I wish I was able to have a book like this when I was three.
My store is alot like Kayla’s. I was given a red piano, but told I was too young to play. That should never be!
Let’s celebrate the gift young children bring to music. With the right books, they can soar to success!
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