Any ideas/tips for a lesson plan for teaching a total beginner 10 year old piano?

Question

I'm starting teaching a couple of 10 year olds piano from scratch. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what i should teach in the first lesson, or any fun musical games you know of? Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Well they really should go to a certified teacher, but if they're just learning for fun and a bit of experience then what's the harm?



You should probably start with matching up note names, the piano keys and the written notes. This could potentially create a game: make cards with note names and another set with the note on the stave, then the child has to match these up and then place the pairs in the correct place on the piano. When learning note names on the stave you could teach them useful phrases such as 'Every Good Boy Deserves Fine Apples'.



Then help them make a good hand position on the piano. I used to be told to imagine I had a small hamster under my palm, so I had to keep it somewhat raised so as not the crush the hamster, but not too high so that the hamster will escape. Perhaps write out some simple melodies such as 'mary had a little lamb' or 'twinkle twinkle little star', and help them read the notes and then play. But things should probably be kept to right hand only for the first lesson.

Answer 2

I'd take lessons. It's never too late to start. The good thing about piano is even if the piece your playing is easy, it can still sound really good. You'll probarbly be able to play with two hands after a month or so if you learn quickly. I started playing keyboard when I was 7, then quit and started proper piano lessons when I was 8. I'm 13 now so I've been playing for quite a while and I love it. I've never wanted to do grades or anything but my friend did and I think she does about a grade a year. :) Good luck! :)

Answer 3

I agree with those who say that if you have no idea, you should wait a while before you start teaching. For when you are ready to start, here are some ideas.

1. Remember back to what your teacher taught you in your first lessons. This is a good starting point.

2. Keep in mind that a lot of your technique will be automatic. Spend some time analysing your playing so that you know why you do what you do, and the reasons behind good technique, which is important from day one.

3. Most of the time, people's musical development is quite predictable. However, it takes time to learn to predict it, and you shouldn't rely on it. Have backup plans in case students move slower or faster than expected.

4. Please, for the love of God, DO NOT write the notes on the music. I have had endless headaches with students whose previous teachers have done this for them. They are capable players, but they have trouble moving forwards because they struggle with reading, and they know this themselves. Teach them strategies such as memorising certain notes (say, middle C) as "anchors" to work out other notes from, and how to read by interval. At most, give them a couple of finger numbers, or let them write in notes themselves (IN PENCIL!), but stress that these aids will be removed, and MAKE SURE you remove them within the timeframe specified.

5. As for fun: I can't think of any games for that age, but one thing that I've found is that most kids are fascinated by the inner workings of the piano, and showing them how the sound is made with the hammers on the strings can generate enough interest to keep them there and paying attention.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

If you have to ask - and therefore do not KNOW how to teach - then clearly, you are NOT QUALIFIED. I do not care HOW many years of lessons you have had, or how many years you have been playing - every year, I have to UNDO the damage that was caused to students by idiots who think ANYONE can teach. I am also in the position, many times each year at the competitions I judge, where some kid has wandered in, either taught by an idiot, or SELF taught - and I am the position of grading them - it gets ugly FAST. There is a reason that people get degrees in music, and become certified teachers. Unless you are one - send this students to a competent teacher.

Answer 6

On the gentler side: if you want to teach you should find a mentor to guide you through the process. A qualified and experienced teacher may help introduce you to different method books series and will help you with all of the "business" angles involved in teaching piano.



If you really want to be a great teacher find somebody to "shadow" for a while and then start with your own students!

Answer 7

Make sure that the books you are teaching them from look fun and colourful! it must appeal to the pupil, aswell as this don't try to make the lesson to serious as this may put them off! Hope i helped

Answer 8

OMG. As a 17 year old who plays piano very well i have some advice for you haha. First off, don't make them play anything they don't want to. Ask them if they have anything they want to play. Offer music that sounds pretty and fun to play. Stay as far away from classical music as possible because that kills many (including mine at one point) peoples desire to play. They won't practice the songs you assign them if they hate them so give them stuff that they want to play. Music from video games and anime are sure wins.



http://josh.agarrado.net/music/anime/ <--- This site has tons of

great music

Answer 9

Check your credentials to see if you are qualified to teach piano, if not send them to a piano teacher.



... If you were a teacher you'd have an inkling of where to start.

Answer 10

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