Become a Preschool Music Teacher

A Time for Thanks...

2011-11-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

It's November, a time when we focus not only one the black key groups on the piano, but more importantly, on being grateful for all that we have. We'll meet the Thanksgiving Star, who'll remind us about our finger numbers 1-2-3-4-5. Enjoy the month, and remember to say "thanks!"

What can you find?

2011-10-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

As we focused on our hard position in class, we had fun looking for objects that would reinforce our good "bubble fingers". A small ball, an apple, and best of all, a tiny pumpkin in each child's tiny hand all helped to bring home the concept of curving our fingers to press the piano keys. What fun!

Finger Number Fun!

2011-04-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the KiddyKeys web site for a new activity sheet - this one featuring Beethoven as the muffin man, juggling his 5 muffins. A fun review of one of my favorite composers, and a wonderful review of fingers 1-2-3-4-5.

Print a KiddyKeys Activity Sheet!

2011-02-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

Get your "Ted the Snowman" picture today. Click on the link on the home page of the KiddyKeys web site to print your own KiddyKeys activity sheet. Fred won't be available again until next winter. Enjoy!

Work those fingers!

2011-02-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

Think your child might participate in piano lessons someday? Here's something that you can do help them prepare not only for lessons, but will help in their small motor skill development - for shoe-tying, crayon and pencil holding, and overall finger dexterity. Ask your child to touch their thumb to their "pinky", their pointer finger to their ring finger, etc. Make a game out of it, and as always, have fun!

Manners and Music

2011-01-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

We are currently learning our note values in KiddyKeys. This week our focus was on the dotted half note - with a count of 3. Relative to that, we discussed the words excuse me, which also get 3 beats. A wonderful discussion followed, complete with demonstrations, regarding the times in our life when we should say "excuse me". I love teaching preschool music!

Making Music with Children

2010-12-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

Today I assisted with a piano composition (okay...the beginning stages of composition, but don't tell that to my young friend). The song was called "Dancing Snowflakes" - appropriate since it was snowing outside. The notes certainly danced on the page, and when it came time to perform her piece, the young music maker used her fingers to dance on the keys, just like the snowflakes that she had felt compelled to write about.

It's Time for a New Preschool Music Education Approach

2010-08-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Do you feel that your child is ready for more advanced challenges with music and the piano? It's time for a new approach to teaching music that challenges preschool children musically - by asking them think, feel and create their own music. Let's build a foundation for future music learning and loving - one class and one child at a time.

What are parents saying about KiddyKeys?

2010-06-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

I think parent's opinions matter - most often because they accurately reflect the impressions of their children. Below is an opinion regarding KiddyKeys that was given to me by the parents of one of my young students.

"Our 3 year old daughter has attended KiddyKeys at her day care since November, 2009. Initially, we thought the program would give her some early exposure to music and something different to do each week - we had no idea it would spark such an interest in music for her. She now uses anything and everything as an instrument, will walk up the piano and just start playing, and often sings "C-D and E are by the 2 black keys!"

In addition to be educational, we believe KiddyKeys has helped out daughter become more engaging and is helping her develop positive social skills. Our daughter truly enjoys KiddyKeys and we're thankful that this program brings the wonderful gift of music into her life each week."

Jennifer and Matt S.

Children writing music

2010-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

We've begun composing in KiddyKeys. I love to see each child's interpretation of music - the collection of notes and variation of staffs is always interesting. Of course, the main goal is presenting the opportunity to perform those pieces. Each child is proud of their composition - rightly so - and the connection between what we have learned and what we are experiencing becomes even stronger.

Teach Preschool Music

2010-02-19T12:06:00.001-08:00

The gratitude of a child is easy to see - it's expressed on their face, with their smile and with their eyes. I've seen their expressions of delight and gratitude, and I hope that they, too, see the gratitude on my face. I'm grateful and delighted that they so openly receive the gift of music that I share weekly in music class.

They are a gift

2010-01-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

Each week when I go into a child care center to teach KiddyKeys music, I immediately feel good about what I am doing. The children in class make me smile, and they remind me weekly why I love music (not that I need reminding - but their youthful perspective is invigorating!) I look forward to the upcoming session involving notes and manners. It's going to be great fun and great learning!

LIttle Ones and Music

2009-12-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

We had tons of fun this week in KiddyKeys class. My main objective was to teach the kids the musical alphabet...and I think we not only learned about the letters A-B-C-D-E-F and G, but we also had fun making a train out of them and composing songs on the piano with them. Oh yeah...we also talked about how special each of us is. Very rewarding - and fun!

A KiddyKeys Workshop

2009-11-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I presented a workshop to a dozen piano and music teachers. It was gratifying to hear their positive comments regarding KiddyKeys. It was clear that they understand the value of teaching music to young children, particularly preschool children.

2009-10-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

I spoke with a young lady the other day...soon to be a college graduate. Her youthful enthusiasm for all that lies ahead of her, and the possibilities that existed for her, was palpable. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I also spoke with a seasoned piano teacher and KiddyKeys licensee. Ironically, I could also sense her unbridled enthusiasm, and her joy (her words) at bringing music into the lives of the very young people she is teaching. One plans to teach music to preschool children, the other is already teaching music to preschool children. Both share a common goal, and despite their difference in age, they share the same enthusiasm.

2009-09-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

I had a great time teaching the concepts of high and low this past week. I love hearing the children squeak with their high voices, and their faces as they make low sounds are hilarious!

We reviewed the spelling of Mozart's name, and many fun pieces were improvised on the piano.

What fun to hear Mozart play and compose, he played frontwards and backwards but not with his nose! (From the Skip in MusicLand book)

Teach Music to Preschool Children

2009-09-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

I love the look on a child's faces when they get something. As a preschool music teacher, if they don't get it, it's my job to find a way to help them reach their own level of understanding. I love music, and everything about it. How it sounds, how it makes you feel, how even after years of listening to my RiverDance CD it still compels me to move faster when I hear it!

Music is a gift - teach music to preschool and share one of the greatest gifts!

New Preschool Music Teachers

2009-08-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

I'm continually inspired by those who teach music to children - and now I'm proud to say that there are 3 more wonderful preschool music teachers in the world. KiddyKeys music classes are now being offered in Minnesota, New Jersey and on the Island of Bermuda! How gratifying to share my passion for teaching young children about making, creating and exploring music.

National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy

2009-08-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Attended the NCKP this past weekend. I met so many wonderful piano/music teachers, and I was very pleased with the positive feedback regarding KiddyKeys music classes for preschool children. I think it's time for a new music class for children - a music class that goes beyond the traditional music and movement classes. I'm a big fan of children and music...I just believe that children are capable of so much learning.

2009-07-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Just finished a wonderful summer session of music classes. I had a great time teaching the children about music - Beethoven, hand position, the groups of black keys on the piano. I'm looking forward to sharing Mozart's music with the kids this September.

Why Teach Music to Children?

2009-06-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked about my job, which is to teach music to young children. To some, it is surprising what a young child is able to accomplish, or learn, in music class. I don't consider it a job. I get to teach music to children. I consider myself lucky that teaching music is my chosen profession. I've always believed that all children are capable of learning, even at a very young age. I have often wondered why we wait to teach them about music, since music is certainly a universal language. In KiddyKeys class, each music concept is presented in multiple learning styles, offering each child the opportunity to learn in the style that most benefits them – whether that is visual, auditory or kinesthetic. I believe in the value of all children and focus on each child’s ability to create, learn, and experience the exciting world of music.

Everyone should feel as lucky as me - lucky to teach music, and lucky to witness firsthand the uniqueness and ability of each child. Children never surprise me - but they do impress me.