Preschool Rhythm Activities: Long & Short Sounds with Xylophone 🎶
One of the best ways to teach preschoolers rhythm is through movement, sound, and play. Instead of drilling note values or clapping patterns, we can give young learners something they feel and experience—and that’s where songs like “Long Sprinkles, Short Sprinkles” come in.
Piano Games AND Music Writing? Yes, You Can Have Both!
If you teach young beginners, you’ve probably felt this tension before: should piano lessons be focused on fun games or serious music theory books?
Many teachers swap in games to keep students engaged but end up leaving out the foundational writing practice that helps students internalize what they’ve learned. Others go the opposite direction, focusing heavily on worksheets but losing that joyful, playful spark that makes kids love piano.
But here’s the good news—you don’t have to choose. 🎲✏️
How a Superhero Helps Piano Students Play With Expression
A Musical Adventure That Makes Phrasing Come to Life!
Join Tonal and Sonica, two fearless superheroes, as they patrol the city, searching for ways to transform lifeless melodies into expressive, captivating music! Armed with magical jewels and bracelets, they hurl their powers at the most important notes in each phrase-bringing music to life! But danger lurks in every measure... Villains threaten to flatten their mission, and only by teaming up with the mysterious Krypto-Crescendo can they uncover the most powerful note of all!
Explore and Improv at Piano with your Youngest Students
Finally, a music exploration book for young kids—now available as a digital download!
Research shows that music plays a vital role in early childhood development, enhancing motor skills, social interaction, speech, memory, confidence, and creativity. Ben and the Blue Piano is designed for children ages 4-7, including special needs students or any child who loves to create their own songs and learn at their own pace.
This engaging resource introduces foundational musical concepts through play, exploration, and movement. Perfect for piano teachers and parents, the digital format makes it even easier to incorporate music learning into lessons—whether in-person or online.
New Preschool Piano Book Coming Soon!
In a previous post - I shared how I went from playing on a toy piano, to becoming a piano teacher.
My heart is for the kids that are young, have special needs, or just need to fill in the gaps. Most books go too quickly for young kids, and they are not suited for them. I want a book that will meet kids where they are at!
I am writing and beta testing a method book that will be NOTHING like anything you have seen. Yet, the format will be such that you can pick it up, and without much trouble at all, just open it and TEACH. And, it won't be expensive. And, it won't be hidden behind a paywall or subscription service. Your hard-earned money is just that; I feel the same about my dollars.
It all started with a little red toy piano.
I was three years old. I received a red toy piano for my birthday.
I can't describe how fascinated I was with this little instrument. It was as if this toy was calling to me.
I really wanted a teacher. Of course, being a child in the 1960s (oops - now you can guess how old I really am!) meant that no one would take on a child that young.
On top of that, my dad was in the military - and overseas in the Vietnam War. Not a good time. My parents were not particularly musical. They were very PRACTICAL. Being in the military meant moving around. Pianos were big and heavy at that time.
