Recently my two toddlers learned the intervals of a 2nd and a 3rd, a great way to get them to play individual notes in a somewhat organised manner. I played the song “Just a Second” from the Alfred primer piano lesson book and then isolated the interval of a second. While the interval of a 2nd can be played on both white and black keys, we just focused on going from one white key to the next. For example, C to D or C to B, so both ascending and descending. After the 2nds are mastered and the children can find that interval on their own, move on to 3rds. To teach the interval of a 3rd, simply have children “jump” over one note. For 3rds we used only white keys as well. C to E or E to C are examples of 3rds.
Forte and piano are also accessible for toddlers. Try a worksheet like the following which uses pictures to help children identify loud of soft sounds. If toddlers can’t remember what the animal or object sounds like, help them by imitating the sound.
- https://colourfulkeys.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/forte-and-piano.pdf
- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Loud-Soft-Sounds-Assessment-2147995
Also, don’t underestimate the musical terms that young children can learn. Take a piano primer book and flip through it like a story book, singing songs as you go along. When theory pages or large illustrations of musical terms come up, point and name out the crotchets (quarter notes), minims (half notes), bar lines, etc. Then quiz the children by asking them “what’s this?”. Have them repeat after you and then eventually they will know the terms without your help. It’s amazing what children can take in from a young age!
Faith Flynn Piano Tutor 