How to Teach Piano Finger Numbers: A Simple Game for Young Beginners
A new four-year-old came for her second piano lesson this week.
We were working on finger numbers.
As you know, finger numbers seem simple to us. But for many young beginners, they're surprisingly hard.
Why young beginners struggle with finger numbers
First, kids have to know their right hand from their left. This is pretty hard for young kids, and deserves another article here.
Then, they have to learn that there are only five finger numbers. I had one student who told me that there were 10 finger numbers, until I showed him my finger number diagram.
It’s also tough for kids to know where to start. Counting from the thumb takes time, but with repetition, it becomes second nature.
My four-year old student was a little confused, until I started playing the most POPULAR game in my studio - The Ring Game.
Why I Don't Teach Counting Right Away in Beginning Piano
Have you ever asked a student to count out loud while they play? They look down at the music, hesitate for a moment, and finally say, "It's too hard. I can just play it."
If you've taught for very long, you already know what happens next. You encourage them, count with them, and try again. They whisper a few numbers, rush the whole note, skip over the half note, and before long, both of you are feeling frustrated.
I've learned that this little tug-of-war isn't usually about stubbornness. Most beginning students aren't refusing to count because they don't want to. They're trying to juggle finger numbers, note names, hand position, rhythm, and a dozen other new ideas all at once. Counting out loud simply becomes one thing too many.
Finger Number Games for Beginner Piano: 4 Off-Bench Activities That Work
I've started a new group of beginners this summer.
And within the first few lessons — finger numbers.
I told one six-year-old we were going to learn our piano finger numbers. He lit up immediately.
"Oh, I already know that! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10!" — pointing confidently at each finger as he counted.
I pulled out my finger number graphic. The one where thumb = 1, pinky = 5.
He looked at it. Paused.
"Oh. I didn't know that."
And there it is.