How to Teach Piano Duets to Kids: A Simple Ostinato Activity That Builds Teamwork
If you’ve ever wondered how to teach piano duets in a way that’s fun, interactive, and actually works for beginners, this simple ostinato activity will quickly become a favorite in your studio.
Teaching students to play together is one of the most rewarding parts of being a piano teacher. When two children share the bench, listen to each other, and keep a steady beat — real musical magic happens.
In the video above, you’ll see a quick, engaging way to introduce duet playing to beginners:
Student 1 plays a simple ostinato pattern — just a 5th that repeats.
Student 2 plays the melody on top.
That’s it! But what’s really happening is so much more. Students are learning:
🎵 Steady Beat: Feeling rhythm through repetition rather than counting aloud.
🎵 Listening: Adjusting to one another’s timing and dynamics.
🎵 Teamwork: Experiencing what it means to make music with someone else.
🎵 How to Teach Two Kids at One Piano — Without the Chaos!
Teaching two kids at one piano can be fun, musical, and organized — with the right roles, materials, and creative strategies.
Bring Holiday Cheer to Your Studio with “Ding, Dong, Merrily on High” – Elementary Piano Solo & Duet for Young Beginners
Imagine your elementary piano students’ eyes lighting up as they play a joyful holiday tune together. The first sparkling notes of Ding, Dong, Merrily on High fill the room, and suddenly everyone — teachers, students, and families — is smiling. This studio-licensed elementary piano solo and equal-part duet is perfect for beginner students, holiday recitals, and group lessons.
If you’re a piano teacher looking for beginner holiday piano music that builds confidence, develops ensemble skills, and delights students, this piece is your perfect solution.
The Day I Said Yes to Für Elise—and Watched a Beginner Shine
This post will either be a horrific trigger of your most dreaded student request... or a welcome relief. 😅
With those two possibilities ahead of us, here goes the story:
I have this 9-year-old student.
He’s a little nerdy, wildly enthusiastic, and absolutely loves piano.
We’re talking brand-new beginner here—I haven’t even officially introduced the white key names yet. We’ve just been exploring black key patterns, finger numbers, and rote pieces. (You know the drill.)
And then... it happened.
“I want to play Für Elise!”
🐾 Easy Piano Music for Beginners: A Fun, Pre-Reading Piece for Young Piano Students
If you're looking for easy piano music for beginners that students actually enjoy playing, take a look at People Smile at Me! This pre-reading piano solo is perfect for young children just starting piano lessons—especially those who need easy sheet music that’s playful, accessible, and confidence-building.