015: Can Preschoolers Learn Piano?

In this episode, we're taking a break from the hustle and bustle of planning recitals and enrolling students to delve into a topic close to my heart, preschoolers learning piano. Contrary to the prodigy videos circulating online, I advocate for a more nuanced approach, drawing on my evolving perspective and experiences teaching young students. Today, we're going to explore the benefits, challenges, and resources available for teaching piano to preschoolers. From method books to creative supplements, I'm going to share some insights and strategies for making piano lessons engaging and effective for the little ones and the importance of play-based activities and meeting students where they are developmentally. Whether you're seasoned or considering expanding your student base, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice for teaching piano to preschoolers.Rachel introduces the topic of whether preschoolers can learn to play the piano and why it's worth considering.She shares her evolving perspective on teaching piano to preschoolers.Various resources available for teaching preschooler.The benefits and challenges of each approach and her personal experiences using different curriculums.The numerous benefits of early piano education.Rachel acknowledges the need for adjusting expectations when teaching preschoolers.Practical tips for managing expectations and facilitating effective practice at home.The importance of play-based activities in preschool piano lessons and various creative teaching strategies.She encourages teachers to embrace the joy and excitement of teaching young students and highlights the reciprocal learning experience between teacher and student.Resources Mentioned“A Whale of an Excuse” Sound Effect Story Beginner Piano Improv PowerPackPreschool No Book Beginners available only inside TopMusicPro AcademyWunderKeys Piano Books and ResourcesPiano Safari FriendsKiddyKeysThe Music TreeFaber's My First Piano AdventureLinks MentionedRegister for the Chart Toppers and Chord Progressions Webinar here.TopMusic Piano Podcast Ep 001: Using Stories in Beginner Piano LessonsAmy Elmore Instagram PageAbout Rachel EhringDr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.Visit her website at https://rachelehring.com/Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender MusicThank you for tuning in!Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.TopMusicMag: Teaching BeginnersFor even more tips on teaching beginner piano students, download your copy of the FREE TopMusicMag: Teaching Beginners Special.