The Classical School and Music by Douglas Wilson

The Classical School and Music by Douglas Wilson

Douglas Wilson's plenary talk from the 2013 ACCS Annual Conference. One of the great challenges faced by ACCS schools is the vexed question of musical training. We are dealing with a shortage of qualified instructors, an ocean of pagan filth, a lake of Christian schlock, the persnicketiness of many of the qualified instructors we do have, the normal resistance to anything new, the school day is already full, and the budget is
already limited. But other than that, everything is great.

Toddler / Very Young Beginner Lesson Plans

With the very young (preschool), the key is to be quick to give them short things to do.  They are incredibly energetic and the hardest part of teaching them is to keep them interested and busy.  I would go through as many of the following concepts and exercises until one third of the way through their lesson time, then go back to the beginning.

 I like to approach their lesson as visiting categories of learning: aural training, visualizing keyboard/ keyboard awareness, tactile (finger dexterity/technique), vocalization, rhythm, and notation.  Combinations of these categories are inevitable, especially the physical aspect, which the child craves. In the beginning, relationship is of utmost importance: develop mutual trust, appreciation, and optimism.

Some method books have activities for the very young.  There are so many methods, and so many different activities, since teaching the very young is challenging.  They have less skills and basic understanding then an older child.  You can't take much for granted (e.g., ability to distinguish loud and soft on different octaves).

 Here are some ideas from the recently post video and my experience:

First Lesson:

Sitting in Front of Piano - quickly ask to sit with feet in front.  Repeating this frequently is unecessary; if child moves, it is usually because you aren't keeping them...you guessed it... interested and busy.

Find groups of 2 black keys.
Play together, separately, with index fingers only.  Repeat in all octaves.

Copy game:  Play same key as me.  As many times. Loud, soft, short, long. 
 I copy you!

Finger Exercise - Discover if child is right/left handed.  Teach R and L.   Count fingers. Show me 2, 3, etc. 
Simon says touch the piano with finger 2, 3, etc. Switch hands.

Play hi and lo keys.  Tell me too!

Teach Hot Cross Buns

Second Lesson

Student claps, teacher counts 1 - 2, by twos. Switch.

Aural/Visual : Play and ask questions about Loud, soft, short, long. 

Watch and Copy game on 2 black keys.

Use previous finger exercise game.

Hot Cross Buns with both hands

Chinese Chimes

 Third Lesson:

Student claps, teacher counts 1 - 2, by twos. Fast, slow.   Switch.
Hot Cross Buns


Repeat in all octaves.

Repeat with teacher accompaniment.

Repeat  using E, D, C.

Finger Exercises on 2 keys, copy teacher


Find groups of 3 black keys.
Teacher counts 1 - 2, by twos, student improvises. Switch roles. 


Fourth Lesson

Introduce posture and hand position.

Learn Hot Cross Buns with 3 Fingers

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Toddler / Preschool Piano

Three year old, four years, five....
This video has some ideas ("Physical and aural connections!")


I love how the teacher pretended to make a mistake, and he's taught the child mistakes are ok, and funny.  Of course, we want to enjoy the right notes more!

This Hymn Might Make It in a 23rd Century Hymnal

It will be interesting to see what music from my lifetime will survive into the future.

Quick Reference for Very Young Students

3-5 years old -  Use braced 2nd fingers.

I've ordered these songs by degree of difficulty, but of course, each student is different!  Appropriate for 3-9 years old.

Black Keys:

Hot Cross Buns on 3 black
Chinese Chimes on black
 Fist Play
Mary Had a Little Lamb

In C :

London Bridge
Ode to Joy
Twinkle Twinkle
Old McDonald
Chop Sticks
Happy Birthday in C


Transpose to different key areas: B, G, Gb, C

Review old pieces as duets.

Copycat on black, then white keys:

intervals, rhythm, dynamics, using different fingers (23154)

Cello Cow Call

This is what you get from imaginative musicians.  Love it.

Imagine what animal sounds other instruments can do!!!!!

Article: Music Teaching Philosophy

 A parent shared found this interesting article on Music Teaching interesting from the The Parents' Review,  A Monthly Magazine of Home-Training and Culture, edited by Charlotte Mason.   A philosophy of music teaching that is worth reading! 
And teaching in general, as seen from the  motto of the magazine, 

"Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life."

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Beginner Students and the Three Ways to Play

I was considering how to begin with students, especially young ones of about 3 or 4, and came to the conclusion that I need to think more about when to introduce the different ways to play.  For years I've seen the wisdom in beginning the young with ear training.  This is generally done in Europe more than in America.  Especially in Eastern Europe, it is required that the child learns aural skills simultaneously with note reading.  Perhaps with older people, whose eyes and hands are more developed, starting with note reading and chord symbols first is better.   Just some thoughts (and questions too, it seems)!   I think I'll bring this up with some music teachers soon.

Girl Plays Piano with Missing Fingers

Reminiscent of Joni Erickson Tada's drawing abilities.  People are amazing.


One winner of China's Got Talent was an armless young man who played piano with his feet...and sang.

Tips: Care of Pianos

This was sent to me back when I was a student at the University of South Florida's School of Music.  I didn't know some of these tips about caring for pianos...


Dear Music Students,

Four reminders:
1. Please remember to close the lid and the fall-board of the pianos in the practice rooms
2. Always cover the pianos in the Recital Hall and the Rehearsal Halls. If you have to move the piano, make sure it is covered.
3. Do not put anything on top of the concert grand piano located in the Recital Hall backstage area
4. Keep the thermostat at 71-72F - pianos go out of tune if the temperature keeps changing.

Thank you,
Svetozar Ivanov