| I frequently hear concerns from parents of young | | | | that game? Let's both put our right hand in C position |
| piano students about their child's hearing. The most | | | | on the piano. Play a couple of notes, Sally, any notes |
| common question asked is, "Does my child have a | | | | you want to play in C position. Then I'll try to copy |
| "good" ear?" | | | | what you played. |
| I usually respond with something like, "They look alright | | | | Do this for a while and then reverse the game. You |
| to me. Does she have two?" There are some | | | | play a few notes and have your child be the Copy |
| common myths which often mislead parents and | | | | Cat. This is a great way to develop your child's musical |
| encourage them to look for their student's musical | | | | ear and have a lot of fun with them at the piano as |
| limitations. While there may be some value in this, there | | | | well. The Second game is called "Jacob's Ladder." Play |
| are a lot more warnings in literature and folklore that | | | | Middle C and then step up Jacob's Ladder playing all of |
| suggest "If you look for problems, problems will find | | | | the white and black keys one at time, in order until you |
| you." | | | | get to the next C. This is twelve half-steps, or a |
| In my opinion, it is better to first consider the possibilities. | | | | Chromatic Scale. Then step down "Jacob's Ladder" |
| Before testing your young child's musical ear make | | | | back to Middle C. After you have done this a few |
| sure they understand basic concepts such as high and | | | | times, let your child try stepping up and down "Jacob's |
| low and up and down in musical terms. If you ask a | | | | Ladder" on the piano. |
| four year old to play a high note on the piano, they are | | | | Next have your child in piano lessons close their eyes |
| most likely to raise their hand in the air and say, "how | | | | while you play "Jacob's Ladder." Tell your child to raise |
| high?" | | | | their hand if you skip a rung on the ladder. Make sure |
| You can give your young child in piano lessons a | | | | you also give your child a turn at being the teacher! |
| chance to develop their musical ear and talent with | | | | Kids love to reverse roles. This is another effective |
| time and patience. You can also play these fun games | | | | technique to develop your child's musical ear in a fun |
| at home with your child. | | | | and easy way. |
| The first game is called "Copy Cat." Give your child this | | | | By playing these games together you'll be seeking |
| introduction: | | | | your child's musical potential - and you will find it! |
| "Copy Cat" is a lot like Simon Says. Do you remember | | | | |