If you use WunderKeys Piano For Preschoolers in your studio then you already understand the benefits of an age-appropriate, fun and success-filled approach to piano lessons. You also likely understand the unique learning needs of this age group and have set your expectations for progress accordingly.
But many parents of preschool-aged children do not yet know what to expect from the lesson experience. It is, therefore, essential to inform parents of the format, goals, and expectations of preschool piano lessons.
Today we’re sharing an introductory email that you can copy/paste/modify and send to preschool piano families who are beginning with your studio. The letter sets appropriate expectations for preschool piano students and ensures a wonderful parent-teacher relationship from Day One!
The letter begins immediately after the image.
Welcome To Piano Lessons – A Letter Of Expectations
Dear Jamie and Alex,
I am so happy to welcome you to our studio! I am looking forward to meeting Maggie and can’t wait to get her started on the WunderKeys preschool piano program.
Before new students begin I like to provide parents with detailed information on the exciting things you can expect from preschool piano lessons. I encourage you to have a read through this email and am happy to respond to any questions you may have! Frequent communication is key to your child’s success and happiness at the piano.
Preschool Piano Lessons – Building The Foundation For A Lifetime Of Music
My studio uses the WunderKeys curriculum to teach preschool piano lessons. WunderKeys Piano for Preschoolers is a three-book series that is specifically developed for children ages 3-5. It uses a colorful, story-based approach that is filled with age-appropriate learning opportunities.
WunderKeys lessons are exciting and varied. We will be on and off the piano bench exploring musical concepts, playing duets, engaging in game-based learning, and using hands-on methods to reinforce early music concepts.
The Key To Preschool Piano Success
The needs of preschool children are different than that of their older piano-playing peers. Preschoolers depend on a carefully-constructed, scaffolded approach to learning where foundational skills are mastered using a variety of teaching methods. These foundational skills then form the basis for all future learning.
When your child begins Kindergarten, the foundational skills for reading are introduced in the form of letter recognition, letter-to-sound understanding, phonics, sight words and then simple, repeating sentences. Along the way, children are exposed to the rhythms and patterns of language as adults read to them and spend countless hours engaging in a variety of activities designed to increase comfort in these early reading skills. Through repetition, a multi-sensory environment, and time, foundational skills are built before a child can read independently with success.
I take the same approach with preschool piano lessons.
Before reading musical notation independently, your child will learn the concepts that form the framework for understanding how to read notes on the staff and will develop an aural awareness through the exploration of concepts such as high and low sounds, long and short sounds, one-to-one correspondence, musical patterns, and directional movement. Along the way, she’ll be exposed to the rhythms and patterns of music through carefully-constructed rhythm activities and teacher duets. Through repetition, a multi-sensory environment, and time, these foundational skills will lead to your child reading and playing music independently.
Once your child has completed Book 3 of WunderKeys Piano For Preschoolers, she will have all of the skills she needs to begin reading music on the staff. Completion of the WunderKeys Preschool Program (three books) typically takes 34-40 weeks of lessons.
Other Benefits Of Preschool Piano
Through preschool piano lessons your child will learn more than just how to play the piano! The WunderKeys method books highlight the connections between music and math and give your child the chance to explore numerical awareness, counting, and patterning.
Your child will also strengthen her bilateral abilities, and develop fine motor skills and coordination. These benefits all extend into other areas of learning in school and will help to set her up for success.
I believe this approach to preschool piano sets the stage for a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Not only will your child be gaining the knowledge she needs to read music and to play the piano, but she’ll also associate the piano with feelings of success and joy as she experiences this fun-filled introduction.
I hope this has helped to form some expectations for what you’ll be excited to witness as Maggie begins her lessons. If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Andrea
