What you need to know about kids who have GAPS

Gaps show up in piano lessons all the time.

Here are some examples of places gaps can arise: 1) notation. Notation is an abstract representation of sound. Kids are literal.

2) rhythm. Some kids just don't have rhythm experience in their bodies, which leads to difficulty in counting and playing.

3) technique. Playing the piano with proper technique is a foreign feeling.

4) listening. Some students have difficulty hearing and discriminating pitches, rhythms, timbre, or form.

What causes gaps?

There are so many factors! To name a few: inadequate teaching (we all have strengths and weaknesses), lack of practice, learning disabilities and differences, and developmental and age-related problems.

Let's work on filling those gaps!

It’s important in a child’s musical education to try to fill the gaps. How can we do it?

First, we need to assess where the gaps are - and how big they are. This can be done by: a written exam or worksheet, listening exercises, games, or evaluating the child’s playing.

Skilled teachers know how to asses gaps, and then gather materials, music, and activities to help the child close the gap.

There is a Gap in the Piano Teaching World…

There is a gap in the piano teaching world, and that gap is for a good, quality, FLEXIBLE piano book for preschoolers and kids with special needs.

I started out to write a book for preschoolers that filled ALL the gaps I could think of - and that moved SLOWLY. I wanted my method to be flexible, easy for teachers and kids, creative, and leave room for rote and listening activities.

In testing this method, I found that preschoolers were not the ONLY kids who needed this method! My students have LOVED this book! They ask for it over and over. They want to review the songs. Every time they review, they learn more deeply.

“The Little Red Piano” will be available soon as a paperback on Amazon, and digitally right here at pianomusicforkids.com.

Let’s do everything in our power to close the gaps for young kids, so they can get on with the joy and pleasure of making music!