Walden Pond Press

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD READ MUSIC AT THE PIANO?

by John Aschenbrenner

Do you remember your childhood piano lessons, with all those uninteresting exercises that comprise the ENTIRE curriculum of famous book piano methods, such as Bastien, John Thompson, Alfred, Schaum, and all the others?

Go look in your piano bench where you keep all the piano books from your childhood: we use all these books, but only after we have sparked a child’s enthusiasm by getting them to play songs that are familiar to them, right away, from the first second of their first lesson.

We use the "piano by number" format before we ever attempt to introduce children to the daunting complexities of sheet music.

The truth is that our method seeks only one thing: to get your children started playing piano, to get started being happy playing music, to get started being happy understanding music, rather than being mystified and frustrated by sheet music.

WHAT OUR SUPPORTERS SAY

The vast majority of our supporters are parents who have actually tried our method.

They are wildly enthusiastic, because piano by number yields IMMEDIATE results. Their lucky children love the piano, want to play music, and once they have started piano by number, are ready to brave the difficulties of learning how to read sheet music.

And these children succeed, unlike the unlucky children who have to start out with a method that uses only sheet music.

We don't want to eliminate sheet music. We just want children to get started playing piano with enthusiasm, and then begin the long process of becoming musically literate, using sheet music.

THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY TO INTRODUCE CHILDREN TO THE PIANO

There HAS to be a better way to introduce children to the piano than the conventional methods.

By the industry’s own statistics, conventional piano teaching has a failure rate of almost 90%!

DO YOU KNOW ANY METHOD FOR ANYTHING THAT HAS A 90% FAILURE RATE, AND STILL CALLS ITSELF A SUCCESS?

And there is a better way to start children at the piano: get your child started right away with a simple method that yields immediate results, and builds immediate enthusiasm.

Piano by number is temporary method, a starting platform that establishes a positive relationship between the child and the grandest of all instruments.

It's easy to include PIANO BY NUMBER in kids piano lessons.

CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Conventional piano methods make most children resentful, frustrated and turned off to the instrument, for one simple reason: conventional methods do not let children make music right away.

Conventional methods frustrate children, and make them feel like failures because the methods utilize only sheet music.

Put most simply, conventional piano methods ignore the psychology of children.

Let's say it again in bold type: conventional piano methods ignore the psychology of children.

IT'S LIKE ALGEBRA

Conventional piano methods are like teaching first graders algebra!

Of course children hate it! It is incomprehensible!

Children need to start with 2 plus 2 equals 4, and then move slowly towards the complexities of sheet music and algebra.

Piano by number is exactly like 2 plus 2 equals 4: it is baby simple, and children understand it from the first second they see it. Later, they move on to more complex languages.

WHY PIANO BY NUMBER IS LIKE PHONICS FOR READING

Piano by number is much like phonics for reading.

Let’s look at the history of phonics.

Before there was phonics for reading, which came into popularity in the 50’s and 60’s, there was a reading method called SCOTT FORESMAN, a system in which children were required to memorize the SHAPE of letters, rather than the SOUND.

SCOTT FORESMAN was most famous for the fact that a majority of children were failing to learn to read using this absurd system, which all the schools in America used.

Then a few pioneers, parents and educators, including my parents, developed phonics, a logical system in which children were taught that each letter had a sound, and suddenly children understood how to read, because the system was logical, simple and allowed them to get started without failure.

Piano by number is exactly the same as phonics.

How can you argue with a method that children universally embrace with unlimited enthusiasm? How can you argue with a piano method that breeds an immediate passion for a musical instrument?

The conventional method of reading, SCOTT FORESMAN, demanded that children decipher visual symbols (letters) much like conventional piano methods that demand that children immediately start deciphering the symbols (notes) of sheet music.

Phonics is a way of demystifying those symbols (letters) establishing the logic behind the symbols, in exactly the same way that piano by number demystifies the piano, and allows the child to see the logic of the piano by using numbers at first, instead of starting out with the incomprehensible visual symbolism of sheet music.

It’s very easy to get a child to understand the symbols of sheet music when they have already established a positive relationship with the instrument, immediately upon first sitting at it.

WHY IS PIANO BY NUMBER A SUCCESS FOR CHILDREN?

How does piano by number yield such amazing results? How does piano by number make children enthusiastic about the piano when conventional methods make them frustrated?

The answer is that children already understand numbers before they ever sit in front of a piano.

Numbers are a language that any child already understands. A kindergarten child understands counting, and already embraces it as a learning process that brings them success and praise from adults.

All that piano by number does is to temporarily substitute NUMBERS for the difficult SYMBOLS of sheet music, at first, so that the child is allowed to play numerous familiar songs right away, demystifying the piano and making it a friend instead of an enemy.

Later, when the child feels comfortable with the geography of the piano keyboard, we reintroduce the symbols of sheet music, showing the child that there are different ways of telling them to play each piano key.

Children taught piano by number already know how to play each key as a number, so they readily understand the “new” language of sheet music when they are comfortable with the instrument.

PSYCHOLOGY

The problem with sheet music methods is that they do not take into account the psychology of children: if you make a child feel like a failure at something, they are not going to be willing to keep trying to learn it.

Piano by number allows children to succeed right away, to build enthusiasm and confidence, before they are beset with the difficulties of sheet music.

Piano by number makes children feel like winners, right away, most importantly, because it allows them to make music right away.

A child who can play even a simple familiar song with one finger at the piano is a far better candidate for subsequent piano study than one who has been made to feel a failure by a teacher unwilling to bend even a little to the psychology of children.

Children want to make music, and we should let them, before we demand that they study sheet music.

Children say “goo goo,” before “mama,” crawl before they walk, talk before they read.

Let them play music before they read music. Let them add 2 plus 2 before they attempt algebra.

PIANO BY NUMBER IS A VALUABLE EDUCATIONAL TOOL

Piano by number is as valuable an educational tool as phonics is for reading, and someday, all children will start out studying piano by number, and then move on to the conventional study of sheet music.

Conventional piano teachers deny children this tool, entirely out of ignorance, and the result is a 90% failure rate for conventional piano methods.

If the method fails, the method is wrong.

Piano by number has, in my daily experience, and the daily experience of the countless parents and teachers who have tried it, a higher than 90% success rate.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?

You have nothing to lose if you try piano by number, except perhaps the awful experience of your child saying to you, “I hate piano lessons. I want to quit.”

Give your children the gift of proper preparation for conventional piano lessons. Give them piano by number.

Let your children establish a positive relationship to this grandest of musical instruments at home, with you, before you go out and try the conventional methods.

If you do, you have a far greater chance of success at starting conventional piano lessons. In fact, you have a 90% chance of success with those conventional methods if you start out using piano by number.

The benefits to you and your children are enormous, and life-long.

By John Aschenbrenner Copyright 2008 Walden Pond Press All Rights Reserved

Click here to return the the main articles page.

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND PIANO

Click here for the FREE EBOOK, a good place to start.

Click here to read the NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES, including lots of valuable information from teachers and parents from various sources.

Click here to read ARTICLES FROM NEWSWEEK and other periodicals regarding children and piano study.

Click here to read an INTERVIEW with the author of PIANO IS EASY.

Click here to read the essay, HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD READ MUSIC?

Click here to read the entire tutorial HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ MUSIC

Click here to read the report WHAT IS A GOOD AGE TO START PIANO LESSONS?

Click here to read the essay PIANO LESSONS: A CHILD'S POINT OF VIEW

Click here to read the essay WHEN IS LEARNING FINGERING NECESSARY?

Click here to read the article A CHILD'S BILL OF RIGHTS FOR PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article IS PRESCHOOL A GOOD AGE TO START PIANO?

Click here to read the article BRAINS, CHILDREN AND PIANO

Click here to read the article WHY THE PIANO IS THE BEST CHILD'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

ARTICLES ABOUT PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AND PIANO

Click here to read the article TEACHING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN PIANO

Click here to read the article PRESCHOOL PIANO ACTIVITIES

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND READING MUSIC

Click here to read the article HOW TO HELP KIDS FIND MIDDLE C

Click here to read the article WHAT KIDS REALLY UNDERSTAND ABOUT SHEET MUSIC

Click here to read the article WHY DELAY READING MUSIC

Click here to read the article AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR KIDS LEARNING TO READ MUSIC

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND PIANO

Click here to read the article AMAZING MUSICAL ABILITIES OF AUTISTIC AND ADHD CHILDREN

Click here to read the article HYPERACTIVE KIDS AND PIANO

Click here to read the article PIANO BY NUMBER FOR A SEVERELY DISABLED GIRL

Click here to read the article DOWN'S SYNDROME AND PIANO BY NUMBER

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND PRACTICING

Click here to read the article WHY NAGGING YOUR CHILD TO PRACTICE WON'T WORK

Click here to read the article RULES FOR PIANO PRACTICE

Click here to read the article DON'T CALL IT PRACTICE, CALL IT PLAY

Click here to read the article SETTING UP A CHILD'S PIANO PRACTICE REGIME

Click here to read the article WHY CHILDREN SUCCEED AT THE PIANO

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND PIANO BY NUMBER

Click here to read the essay THE PIANO WHISPERER

Click here to read the article STARTING TO PLAY PIANO BY NUMBER

Click here to read the report USE PIANO BY NUMBER WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN

Click here to read the article BUILDING A CHILD'S CONFIDENCE WITH NUMBERS

Click here to read the article TURN YOUR PIANO INTO A TOY

ARTICLES ABOUT ADULTS AND PIANO

Click here to read the introduction to EASY CLASSICAL PIANO BY NUMBER

Click here to read the introduction to TEACH YOURSELF PIANO, an excellent guide to important self-teaching points.

Click here to read the article RULES FOR PIANO PRACTICE

Click here to read the article TIPS FOR ADULT PIANISTS

Click here to read the article PIANO FINGER STRENGTH IS CUMULATIVE

Click here to read the article THE PIANO ZONE

Click here to read the article MAKING EVERY MINUTE OF ADULT PIANO PRACTICE COUNT

ARTICLES ABOUT THE PIANO

Click here to read the article HOW GOOD ARE TOY PIANOS?

Click here to read the article ORIGINS OF THE BLACK PIANO KEYS

Click here to read the article HOW TO BUY AN INEXPENSIVE PIANO OR KEYBOARD

Click here to read the essay WHY GRAND PIANOS ARE BETTER THAN UPRIGHTS

Click here to read the essay PIANO WARS: EVOLUTION OF THE PIANO IN AMERICA

Click here to read the essay THE GREAT PIANO CRAZE OF 1910

Click here to read the essay THE BALLET OF THE PIANO HANDS

Click here to read the essay A PIANIST'S MEANS OF EXPRESSION

Click here to read the report HUMIDITY AND YOUR PIANO

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO TEACHING

Click here to read the article HOW TO FIND A GOOD PIANO TEACHER

Click here to read the article SO YOU WANT TO BE A PIANO TEACHER

Click here to read the article MY CHILD WANTS TO QUIT PIANO

Click here to read the article WHY KIDS NEED FREEDOM TO LEARN PIANO

Click here to read the article PSYCHOLOGY OF HOMESCHOOL PIANO

Click here to read the article THE PIANIST WITH TWO BRAINS

Click here to read the article YOU CAN ONLY ENJOY PIANO MY WAY

Click here to read the article TEN WAYS TO BE A BAD CHILDREN'S PIANO TEACHER

Click here to read the article KIDS SONGS FOR PIANO

Click here to read the article TEACH YOUR CHILDREN PIANO

Click here to read the article ARE KIDS PIANO RECITALS HARMFUL?

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article DISGUISING REPETITION IN KID'S PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article PIANO LESSONS FOR CHILDREN: HOME OR TRAVEL

Click here to read the article PIANO METHOD BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Click here to read the article GUITAR OR PIANO: WHAT'S BEST FOR A SIX YEAR OLD?

Click here to read the article TEACHING GUIDE DOGS IS JUST LIKE TEACHING KIDS PIANO

Click here to read the article HOW COME MY KID HATES PIANO?

Click here to read the article USING FAMILIAR SONGS IN CHILDREN'S PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article HOW KID'S COMPUTER TIME AFFECTS PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article PIANO SOFTWARE OR PRINT BOOKS: WHICH IS BETTER

Click here to read the article FOLLOW THE CHILD'S PACE WITH PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article TOYS YOU SHOULD BRING TO A CHILD'S PIANO LESSON

Click here to read the article THE TRANSPARENT PIANO LESSON STRATEGY

Click here to read the article WHAT KIDS LIKE ABOUT PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article WHY CHILDREN FAIL AT PIANO LESSONS

Click here to read the article ATTENTION SPAN, CHILDREN AND PIANO

Click here to read the article PIANO FOR KIDS

Click here to read the article CHILDREN'S HIDDEN PIANO TALENT

Click here to read the article SELECTING CHILDREN'S SONGS FOR PIANO

Click here to read the article KIDS MUSIC AND THE PIANO

Click here to read the article CHILDREN'S PIANO POSTURE

Click here to read the article SHOULD PARENTS FORCE CHILDREN TO TAKE PIANO LESSONS?

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO STICKERS

Click here to read the article WHY PIANO NUMBER STICKERS WORK FOR CHILDREN

Click here to read the article WHY PIANO STICKERS WORK FOR READING MUSIC

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO GAMES

Click here to see the game QUARTERS: A PIANO GAME KIDS LOVE

Click here to see the piano game FUN PIANO GAME WITH A PAIR OF DICE

Click here to see the piano game MOZART'S FAVORITE MOVIE

Click here to see the essay BASEBALL, KIDS AND PIANO

Click here to read about PIANO CHORD GAMES FOR KIDS

Click here to read about VISUAL PIANO GAMES

Click here to read about THE FUTURE EFFECT OF KIDS PIANO GAMES

MUSIC HISTORY AND HUMOR

Click here to read the article PIANO LESSONS WITH PAPA BACH

Click here to read the article PIANO LESSONS WITH FREDERIC CHOPIN

Click here to read the story HECTOR BERLIOZ AND THE TRAIN WRECK

Click here to read the story TCHAIKOVSKY'S GREATEST FAN

Click here to read the story STRAVINSKY'S GOOD LUCK

Click here to read the article CHOPIN'S SINGING TONE

Click here to read the article MUSICAL FEUDS

Click here to read the article MUSICAL GENIUS

Click here to read the story FRANZ SCHUBERT: THE FIRST BOHEMIAN

Click here to read the story BEETHOVEN'S RAGE OVER A LOST PENNY

Click here to read the story MOZART'S LAST DAYS

Click here to read THE STORY OF HUGO WOLF

Click here to read the story THE WORLD'S LARGEST BLUE DANUBE WALTZ

Click here to read the story BEETHOVEN WAS NO BEAUTY

Click here to read the story VLADIMIR HOROWITZ GOES TO THE RACETRACK

Click here to read the story EINSTEIN'S GYPSY VIOLIN

Click here to read the story IGOR STRAVINSKY LOSES HIS COOL

Click here to read the story ARTUR RUBINSTEIN WAS A VAMPIRE

Click here to read the story EINSTEIN'S PIANO

Click here to read the essay WHY BRAHMS MUST HAVE BEEN FAT

Click here to read the article PIANO HANDS

Click here to read the article THE MASTER'S HANDS

Click here to see the article TAKE YOUR KIDS TO THE OPERA

Click here to see the article GEORGE SAND KILLED CHOPIN

Click here to see the article I MEET AARON COPLAND

Click here to see the story CARL TAUSIG COOKS HIS CAT

CULTURAL CRITICISM

Click here to read the op-ed opinion column WHY AMERICA IS LOSING THE CULTURE RACE

Click here to read the op-ed opinion column WHAT KILLED THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIANO

Click here to read the op-ed opinion column AGAINST FILM MUSIC

Click here to read the op-ed opinion column CARNEGIE HALL STARTS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

CHORDS AND MUSIC THEORY TUTORIALS

Click here to read the tutorial ROOT POSITION CHORDS

Click here to read the tutorial FIRST INVERSION CHORDS

Click here to read the tutorial SECOND INVERSION CHORDS

Click here to read the tutorial THE SIX BASIC CHORDS FOR CHILDREN

Click here to read the tutorial TWO NOTE CHORDS FOR KIDS

Click here to read about PIANO CHORD GAMES FOR KIDS

Click here to read the article WHY CHILDREN SHOULD LEARN ABOUT PIANO CHORDS

Course One

TEACHING TOOLS

#1 TEACHING CHILDREN'S PIANO

#2 WHAT A CHILD SHOULD EXPECT FROM PIANO LESSONS

#3 WHAT IS FINGERING AND WHEN DO WE USE IT

#4 PIANO BY NUMBER AND OTHER STARTING METHODS

#5 THE FIRST PIANO LESSON

#6 MINUTE BY MINUTE PIANO LESSON

#7 TOYS AND ACCESORIES FOR FUN PIANO LESSONS

#8 READING MUSIC FOR KIDS STEP BY STEP

#9 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORST AND BEST TEACHER

#10 A CHILD'S CLASSICAL MUSIC LISTENING LIST

Course Two

TEACHING BACKGROUND

#11 A SHORT HISTORY OF THE PIANO

#12 A SHORT HISTORY OF PIANO METHODS

#13 A PLEASANT PIANO LESSON ATMOSPHERE

#14 ADVICE TO A YOUNG PIANO TEACHER

#15 WHY I TEACH PIANO

#16 A PIANO TEACHER'S EMOTIONS

#17 PACE AND CHILDREN'S PIANO LESSONS

#18 CHILDREN'S PIANO MOTOR SKILLS DEFINED BY AGE

#19 CHILDREN'S PIANO FINGERING OVERVIEW

#20 GUILT IS THE WRONG WAY TO BUY ATTENTION

Course Three

PIANO GAMES

#21 FOURS, A PIANO COUNTING GAME

#22 THE PIANO DICE GAME

#23 PIANO HAND POSITION GAMES

#24 THE USE OF HUMOR IN PIANO LESSONS

#25 HAPPY OR SAD: EAR TRAINING FOR KIDS

#26 FOLLOW THE LEADER: VISUAL PIANO GAMES

#27 PIANO GAMES TO PLAY WHEN ALL GOES WRONG

#28 IMPROVISING GAMES

#29 BEETHOVEN'S BICYCLE

#30 PIANO CHORD GAMES FOR KIDS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

See also: PIANO BY NUMBER, a series of fun books for beginning piano students of all ages.

See also: EZINE ARTICLES, a list of publications which include John Aschenbrenner's writings about the piano.

See also: ARCHIVES at pianoiseasy.com, which contains a large collection of games and articles about children and the piano. Below is a list you will find on that site:

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND PIANO
Click here for the FREE EBOOK, a good place to start.
Click here to read the NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES, including lots of valuable information from teachers and parents from various sources.
Click here to read ARTICLES FROM NEWSWEEK and other periodicals regarding children and piano study.
Click here to read an INTERVIEW with the author of PIANO IS EASY.
Click here to read the essay, HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD READ MUSIC?
Click here to read the entire tutorial HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ MUSIC
Click here to read the report WHAT IS A GOOD AGE TO START PIANO LESSONS?
Click here to read the essay PIANO LESSONS: A CHILD'S POINT OF VIEW
Click here to read the essay WHEN IS LEARNING FINGERING NECESSARY?
Click here to read the article A CHILD'S BILL OF RIGHTS FOR PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article IS PRESCHOOL A GOOD AGE TO START PIANO?
Click here to read the article BRAINS, CHILDREN AND PIANO
Click here to read the article WHY THE PIANO IS THE BEST CHILD'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

ARTICLES ABOUT PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AND PIANO
Click here to read the article TEACHING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN PIANO
Click here to read the article PRESCHOOL PIANO ACTIVITIES

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND READING MUSIC
Click here to read the article HOW TO HELP KIDS FIND MIDDLE C
Click here to read the article WHAT KIDS REALLY UNDERSTAND ABOUT SHEET MUSIC
Click here to read the article WHY DELAY READING MUSIC
Click here to read the article AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR KIDS LEARNING TO READ MUSIC

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND PIANO
Click here to read the article AMAZING MUSICAL ABILITIES OF AUTISTIC AND ADHD CHILDREN
Click here to read the article HYPERACTIVE KIDS AND PIANO
Click here to read the article PIANO BY NUMBER FOR A SEVERELY DISABLED GIRL
Click here to read the article DOWN'S SYNDROME AND PIANO BY NUMBER

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND PRACTICING
Click here to read the article WHY NAGGING YOUR CHILD TO PRACTICE WON'T WORK
Click here to read the article RULES FOR PIANO PRACTICE
Click here to read the article DON'T CALL IT PRACTICE, CALL IT PLAY
Click here to read the article SETTING UP A CHILD'S PIANO PRACTICE REGIME
Click here to read the article WHY CHILDREN SUCCEED AT THE PIANO

ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDREN AND PIANO BY NUMBER
Click here to read the essay THE PIANO WHISPERER
Click here to read the article STARTING TO PLAY PIANO BY NUMBER
Click here to read the report USE PIANO BY NUMBER WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN
Click here to read the article BUILDING A CHILD'S CONFIDENCE WITH NUMBERS
Click here to read the article TURN YOUR PIANO INTO A TOY

ARTICLES ABOUT ADULTS AND PIANO
Click here to read the introduction to EASY CLASSICAL PIANO BY NUMBER
Click here to read the introduction to TEACH YOURSELF PIANO, an excellent guide to important self-teaching points.
Click here to read the article RULES FOR PIANO PRACTICE
Click here to read the article TIPS FOR ADULT PIANISTS
Click here to read the article PIANO FINGER STRENGTH IS CUMULATIVE
Click here to read the article THE PIANO ZONE
Click here to read the article MAKING EVERY MINUTE OF ADULT PIANO PRACTICE COUNT

ARTICLES ABOUT THE PIANO
Click here to read the article HOW GOOD ARE TOY PIANOS?
Click here to read the article ORIGINS OF THE BLACK PIANO KEYS
Click here to read the article HOW TO BUY AN INEXPENSIVE PIANO OR KEYBOARD
Click here to read the essay WHY GRAND PIANOS ARE BETTER THAN UPRIGHTS
Click here to read the essay PIANO WARS: EVOLUTION OF THE PIANO IN AMERICA
Click here to read the essay THE GREAT PIANO CRAZE OF 1910
Click here to read the essay THE BALLET OF THE PIANO HANDS
Click here to read the essay A PIANIST'S MEANS OF EXPRESSION
Click here to read the report HUMIDITY AND YOUR PIANO

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO TEACHING
Click here to read the article HOW TO FIND A GOOD PIANO TEACHER
Click here to read the article SO YOU WANT TO BE A PIANO TEACHER
Click here to read the article MY CHILD WANTS TO QUIT PIANO
Click here to read the article WHY KIDS NEED FREEDOM TO LEARN PIANO
Click here to read the article PSYCHOLOGY OF HOMESCHOOL PIANO
Click here to read the article THE PIANIST WITH TWO BRAINS
Click here to read the article YOU CAN ONLY ENJOY PIANO MY WAY
Click here to read the article TEN WAYS TO BE A BAD CHILDREN'S PIANO TEACHER
Click here to read the article KIDS SONGS FOR PIANO
Click here to read the article TEACH YOUR CHILDREN PIANO
Click here to read the article ARE KIDS PIANO RECITALS HARMFUL?

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article DISGUISING REPETITION IN KID'S PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article PIANO LESSONS FOR CHILDREN: HOME OR TRAVEL
Click here to read the article PIANO METHOD BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
Click here to read the article GUITAR OR PIANO: WHAT'S BEST FOR A SIX YEAR OLD?
Click here to read the article TEACHING GUIDE DOGS IS JUST LIKE TEACHING KIDS PIANO
Click here to read the article HOW COME MY KID HATES PIANO?
Click here to read the article USING FAMILIAR SONGS IN CHILDREN'S PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article HOW KID'S COMPUTER TIME AFFECTS PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article PIANO SOFTWARE OR PRINT BOOKS: WHICH IS BETTER
Click here to read the article FOLLOW THE CHILD'S PACE WITH PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article TOYS YOU SHOULD BRING TO A CHILD'S PIANO LESSON
Click here to read the article THE TRANSPARENT PIANO LESSON STRATEGY
Click here to read the article WHAT KIDS LIKE ABOUT PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article WHY CHILDREN FAIL AT PIANO LESSONS
Click here to read the article ATTENTION SPAN, CHILDREN AND PIANO
Click here to read the article PIANO FOR KIDS
Click here to read the article CHILDREN'S HIDDEN PIANO TALENT
Click here to read the article SELECTING CHILDREN'S SONGS FOR PIANO
Click here to read the article KIDS MUSIC AND THE PIANO
Click here to read the article CHILDREN'S PIANO POSTURE
Click here to read the article SHOULD PARENTS FORCE CHILDREN TO TAKE PIANO LESSONS?

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO STICKERS
Click here to read the article WHY PIANO NUMBER STICKERS WORK FOR CHILDREN
Click here to read the article WHY PIANO STICKERS WORK FOR READING MUSIC

ARTICLES ABOUT PIANO GAMES
Click here to see the game QUARTERS: A PIANO GAME KIDS LOVE
Click here to see the piano game FUN PIANO GAME WITH A PAIR OF DICE
Click here to see the piano game MOZART'S FAVORITE MOVIE
Click here to see the essay BASEBALL, KIDS AND PIANO
Click here to read about PIANO CHORD GAMES FOR KIDS
Click here to read about VISUAL PIANO GAMES
Click here to read about THE FUTURE EFFECT OF KIDS PIANO GAMES

MUSIC HISTORY AND HUMOR
Click here to read the article PIANO LESSONS WITH PAPA BACH
Click here to read the article PIANO LESSONS WITH FREDERIC CHOPIN
Click here to read the story HECTOR BERLIOZ AND THE TRAIN WRECK
Click here to read the story TCHAIKOVSKY'S GREATEST FAN
Click here to read the story STRAVINSKY'S GOOD LUCK
Click here to read the article CHOPIN'S SINGING TONE
Click here to read the article MUSICAL FEUDS
Click here to read the article MUSICAL GENIUS
Click here to read the story FRANZ SCHUBERT: THE FIRST BOHEMIAN
Click here to read the story BEETHOVEN'S RAGE OVER A LOST PENNY
Click here to read the story MOZART'S LAST DAYS
Click here to read THE STORY OF HUGO WOLF
Click here to read the story THE WORLD'S LARGEST BLUE DANUBE WALTZ
Click here to read the story BEETHOVEN WAS NO BEAUTY
Click here to read the story VLADIMIR HOROWITZ GOES TO THE RACETRACK
Click here to read the story EINSTEIN'S GYPSY VIOLIN
Click here to read the story IGOR STRAVINSKY LOSES HIS COOL
Click here to read the story ARTUR RUBINSTEIN WAS A VAMPIRE
Click here to read the story EINSTEIN'S PIANO
Click here to read the essay WHY BRAHMS MUST HAVE BEEN FAT
Click here to read the article PIANO HANDS
Click here to read the article THE MASTER'S HANDS
Click here to see the article TAKE YOUR KIDS TO THE OPERA
Click here to see the article GEORGE SAND KILLED CHOPIN
Click here to see the article I MEET AARON COPLAND
Click here to see the story CARL TAUSIG COOKS HIS CAT

CULTURAL CRITICISM
Click here to read the op-ed opinion column WHY AMERICA IS LOSING THE CULTURE RACE
Click here to read the op-ed opinion column WHAT KILLED THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIANO
Click here to read the op-ed opinion column AGAINST FILM MUSIC
Click here to read the op-ed opinion column CARNEGIE HALL STARTS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

CHORDS AND MUSIC THEORY TUTORIALS
Click here to read the tutorial ROOT POSITION CHORDS
Click here to read the tutorial FIRST INVERSION CHORDS
Click here to read the tutorial SECOND INVERSION CHORDS
Click here to read the tutorial THE SIX BASIC CHORDS FOR CHILDREN
Click here to read the tutorial TWO NOTE CHORDS FOR KIDS
Click here to read about PIANO CHORD GAMES FOR KIDS
Click here to read the article WHY CHILDREN SHOULD LEARN ABOUT PIANO CHORDS

Piano Is Easy and the Piano by Number series are written by John Aschenbrenner, a noted children's music educator, Emmy Award winning composer, and Broadway veteran.

Click here to view his distinguished academic background.

John is actively involved every day in inspiring children to take a happy interest in the piano using Piano by Number and simple piano games. You can, too!

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TOPICS OF INTEREST TO PARENTS:

"What is a good age to start piano lessons?"

"What are the benefits of playing piano for my child?"

"How can I help my child read sheet music at the piano?"

Piano Lessons: A Child's Point of View

Visit the WALDEN POND PRESS ARCHIVES and read articles about children and piano

Click here to read the entire tutorial HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ MUSIC

LET US HELP YOU FIND AN INEXPENSIVE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD TO GET YOUR CHILD STARTED!

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

THE COMPLETE BOOK PACKAGE: ALL 6 BASIC BOOKS

#WCS 001 Price: $89.95

THE COMPLETE BOOK PACKAGE:

1. 107 page illustrated THE CHRISTMAS CAROL KIT Book with 44 songs, Play Along Audio CD, and removable stickers

2. 107 page illustrated PIANO IS EASY Book with 44 songs, Play Along Audio CD, and removable stickers

3. 50 page I CAN READ MUSIC Book

4. 132 page TEACH YOURSELF PIANO STEP BY STEP Book, 56 minute DVD Video and removable stickers

5. 141 page THE BIG BOOK OF SONGS BY NUMBER Book with 130 songs, and removable stickers

6. 88 page EASY CLASSICAL PIANO BY NUMBER Book with 10 songs, and removable stickers, and 29 minute Play Along Audio CD

6 BOOKS, DVD AND 3 PLAY ALONG AUDIO CDS

Our BOOK PACKAGE price: $89.95

Free USA Shipping and Handling!

You can also purchase individual books with CD $24.95

Download and print any book. $9.95 Start playing today!

Click Here to Play Piano by Number Online Using Your Computer's Mouse!

PIANO BY NUMBER® BOOKS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE IN OUR ONLINE STORE

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Our most popular book package!

Everything you and your child need to start having fun at the piano:

PIANO IS EASY BOOK PACKAGE

INCLUDES:

PIANO IS EASY (ISBN # 0-9718936-1-6) Sturdily bound, durable, colorful 107 page illustrated song book with 44 songs such as Jingle Bells and London Bridge, Play Along Audio CD and removable numbered stickers

PLUS

Every order of a PIANO IS EASY book package includes a copy of I CAN READ MUSIC! This fun, easy-to-understand music activity book is the best way to start children reading music.

PLUS

·         Every order of a PIANO IS EASY book package also includes a FREE copy of the 56 minute DVD video from TEACH YOURSELF PIANO This video will have you playing chords (three piano keys played with the left hand) and fun, familiar songs with both hands right away! That's a $16.95 value free!

2 BOOKS, PLAY ALONG AUDIO CD and DVD
Click here for a list of songs.    Click here for sample pages.
PIANO IS EASY BOOK PACKAGE $39.95

Free USA Shipping and Handling!

See also PRESCHOOL PIANO PACKAGE

You can also purchase individual books with CD $24.95

Download and print any book. $9.95 Start playing today!

Click Here to Play Piano by Number Online Using Your Computer's Mouse!

PIANO BY NUMBER® BOOKS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE IN OUR ONLINE STORE

View All Products / Price List
View All Product Descriptions
FREE USA SHIPPING AND HANDLING ON ALL ITEMS

Our Play Along Audio CDs are an important element in making the piano fun for kids, and are produced by Grammy Award winner (Sesame Street) Joe Castellon.

Our colorful books and videos have been created by Emmy Award winning composer and teacher John Aschenbrenner and are guaranteed to get your child happily started at the piano.

Digitally engineered and mastered, these high quality educational recordings include fun, familiar songs that children love to hear and play along with, and are sure to give hours of musical enjoyment, entertainment and guidance to your child.

Special thanks to these schools recently joining our growing list of organizations using PIANO BY NUMBER:

Primrose Day School, Jumping Jacks Preschool, Valley Elementary, Kid's Korner, Play All Day Nursery School, Children's Development Center, Springfield Child Time

If you're not sure what book is right for your child, email us at info@pianoiseasy.com and we will be glad to help you.

Click Here to Play Piano by Number Online Using Your Computer's Mouse!

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-707-2682

ORDER BY MAIL   ORDER BY PHONE

THE CHRISTMAS CAROL KIT

Makes a great gift for any child!

Download and print any book. $9.95 Start playing today!

PIANO BY NUMBER® BOOKS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE IN OUR ONLINE STORE


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