Piano Prep Course

Older Child

This course teaches the first few pieces in Suzuki piano volume 1 (four different rhythm variations of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). It is aimed at children aged around 7-11yrs working with a parent or other adult support person.You child will start by learning to play the twinkle variations with each hand separately, then the last few lessons of the course they will put both hands together, playing in unison. This course usually takes between one and four months.Coordinating the hands is a big step in getting started on piano and it is common for children to learn the right hand tunes quite a few pieces ahead of where they can play hands together.Developing a good piano hand position and the dexterity to play at CD-speed often takes most of book 1 so it doesn't matter if your child starts on the main book 1 courses before completing the polishing of the Prep Course. Keep working on polishing posture and speed and give it time.

Course Materials

You will need a copy of the Suzuki piano volume 1 book (International Edition or New International Edition) and the CD (or mp3s).

If you live in New Zealand you can buy the book and CD from me.

If you live overseas (or in NZ) here are some other links to buy the book/CD/mp3s.

mp3s from Amazon (note that these are not available to purchase from all countries)

mp3s on itunes

Book and CD together from Amazon

Book by itself from Amazon

You'll also need the course booklet:

Link visible when logged in

A narrow A4 ringbinder folder with tabs can be a good way to keep your piano paperwork in order.

Instructions

Print out the course booklet using the link in the Course Materials section (visible when logged in), then work through the lesson videos using the course booklet to record your progress.

There is no need for the child to watch the "music reading" videos unless they want to. These videos are aimed at whoever is doing the music reading and in most cases this will be the parent.

If you would like my feedback at any time, just send me a video ("Piano" "Video uploads") or book a lesson ("Piano" "Individual lessons"). I look forward to hearing from you.