Naming finger numbers and actually connecting them to finger movement are two very different things. Newbies (especially young ones) need lots of practice playing patterns of fingers and can really benefit from doing this away from the piano so that there is less pressure to play the correct notes. How to Play Check which finger … Read more
One important connection that newbie piano students need to make is the association with high/low on the staff to right/left on the piano. Without this, so many problems occur down the road. Flying Fish Frog has the added benefit of working with a higher level student too. Simply add a note naming requirement and you … Read more
Translating finger numbers into action in with this simplified staff reading activity is a great precursor to on-staff reading of steps. Although listed as a 1 player game, you can easily do this activity with multiple students side-by-side in a partner, buddy or group lesson. As an added fun element, try folding a paperclip around … Read more
Many beginners have trouble seeing whether notes are going up or down on the staff, especially when these notes are far apart or the stem changes direction. The Step Ladder isolates exactly this issue with example notes in different contexts and with various note values (even ones they may not have encountered yet) so that … Read more
If you’re teaching preschoolers, you know that simply explaining finger numbers is not enough. Young students need extra practice identifying their finger numbers on both hands, and moving each finger in turn to build dexterity. Note: This game is easily adapted if you teach other instruments. Simply remove the thumb picture card and the number … Read more
If your students are confused by codas, segnos and capos…you need this game. The game board itself is a piece that (hopefully!) would never exist, with so many repeats and returns that you wouldn’t know what to do with yourself. As an added bonus, student will also reinforce the meaning of Largo, Andante and Allegro … Read more
Are you searching for a fun Valentine’s day activity? Creative Candies is just what you need. You can use these cards to get your student to experiment with expression, tempo, articulation and dynamics in any piece or use them with an improvisation for even more creativity. How to Play Choose a piece or improvisation pattern … Read more
If you have beginners in a method book that starts with C position notes, Lost at Sea will be the perfect way to accelerate their progress. Players race to land, but they have to be careful! Two wrong moves and you might end up swimming back to the shipwreck for safety. How to Play Place … Read more
Are your students spiralling out when it comes to key signatures? This fun play on the circle of fifths should help get it under control. Signature Spiral is all about recognising key signatures, and there’s no way to win if they don’t know them. Accuracy is “key”! How to Play Place a game counter for … Read more
These cards provide a great jumping off point for a group improvisation. While the spooky theme is extra fun at Halloween – they really can be used at any time of the year for an awesome ensemble or band experience in a group class or workshop. How to Play Assign one student the bass pattern … Read more