First Step, First Sound, First Phrase: Piano Gym

When a child plays the piano, he or she must perform multiple tasks at the same time: coordinate movements of arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers; read notes and symbols; and use the ear to monitor and control the music output. Later a student will be presented with intellectual and aesthetic challenges. This can all be overwhelming and stressful for a young child, and occasionally it may even be physically or emotionally trying. In some cases this can create tension in the body or mind. It can also impede future technical development because technical problems in adults are often deeply rooted in the “bad habits” developed during childhood.Piano Gym takes a different approach to teaching beginners by gradually adding tasks and building basic technical skills. Piano Gym helps to build and maintain correct piano-playing skills for beginners and helps prevent future tension and injuries.Piano Gym contains three different types of exercises.Just as we do not teach kids to dance, jump, or run before they can walk, we should teach piano “toddlers” how to properly move their arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers before they touch the piano keyboard. Table exercises can be both beneficial and enjoyable. They will help students improve in their work on piano technique, and they can be fun games students can practice anywhere. Kids can do these movement games and exercises on a table, on the piano lid, and even on their own laps while riding in the car. Table exercises coordinate rhythm and movement. 4Piano position exercises teach students how to apply movement skills to the piano keyboard. These piano exercises are easy and accessible, and they bring the Table exercises to life. Easy White Keys Etudes add sight reading to the basic piano playing skills that students master after Table exercises and Piano position exercises.