Children and adults think and learn in different ways. Though it is a rather simple and obvious fact, it is frequently overlooked by some teachers and parents.  Children do not like to sit and listen to long verbose instructions and explanations.  But they are attentive learners if they are engaged in senses of touch, sight, motion and sound during instructions.

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Young children are powerful imitators. They have a natural disposition to listen, remember and produce music. They also have the capacity to understand intuitively musical ideas. They think in symbols. They think while they draw, sing and engage in pretend play.  They have surprising aural skills, and can acquire languages and remember music pieces much easier than adults. The early stages of a child’s years are thus optimum period for music and other intellectual development.

 

As a piano teacher, I strive to teach piano in a way that is relevant to this specific developmental stage.  My lessons are fun and interactive. The lessons are divided into short sessions of activities of piano playing with music concepts reinforced by listening, drawing, movement, stories and singing. Even though I understand the importance of posture, note reading, practicing and playing perfectly, I try to balance what they need to learn with what they like to learn in order for them to sustain interest and make music learning a lifelong enjoyment.