almost 6yo wants to play piano

[USAmma]

My nearly 6yo wants to learn to play piano. I have a decent keyboard with full sized keys. I cannot afford piano lessons for another year or so but she really wants to play. I have some beginning books from when I tried to teach myself when I was pg with her. They are for kids, but they really require a teacher who knows what she's doing. I could figure it out because I played Clarinet for several years.

The last two days, with just a little guidance from me, she was able to learn to read the music and play the first three songs. She is very motivated and wants to do this. Not just play around on the keyboard but actually read the music. Several times the past two days I have found her at the keyboard playing these songs and trying to figure out some harder ones.

Does anyone have recommendations for a beginner piano book that would appeal to a 6yo and not require formal instruction for now? If she is still interested in this a year from now I will look into getting her some lessons.

[chaoticzenmom]

I believe that Usborne has an illustrated learning piano book that may be useful. I haven't tried it but it good good reviews on Amazon.
Here are links to two more books.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087...d=8T5UTHFLK5B1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076...d=8T5UTHFLK5B1

Both of these books also got good reviews for children. I plan on trying them as soon as one of my children takes an interest.
Lisa

[BelgianSheepDog]

you might look into the suzuki method, it emphasizes learning by ear before reading music and parents learning alongside the student.

[chfriend]

My daughter likes the "Pianimals" books/cds I got from someone at vegsource. (It has a bunch of "reward" stickers we just used for fun, though.) It's a step-by-step approach.

[moominmamma]

Originally Posted by BelgianSheepDog

you might look into the suzuki method, it emphasizes learning by ear before reading music and parents learning alongside the student.

While I love the Suzuki method, having been raised on it, and having all my children involved in it, I don't think it would be appropriate in the OP's case. Its focus is on posture, touch and tone in the early stages, and thus requires the hands-on help of an experienced teacher and an acoustic piano or at the very least an excellent weighted-hammer electronic piano. It's a very exacting method, without any 'teacher's manual' type resources, with some unstated, unconventional teaching techniques and thus requiring the involvement of a trained teacher.

Miranda

[BurgundyElephant]

I learned from the John L Schwann piano books.

Have you thought about bartering for lessons? Look on Craigslist. Maybe offer baked goods, gardening services, etc. while your child is receiving a lesson? I'd teach a piano lesson if someone would come rake my leaves!!!

[MamaRabbit]

Suzuki method is best with a trained teacher.

I start all of my beginners with the Alfred series. A motivated child who really wants to do it can learn it on their own, especially if you get the theory book that corresponds to that level. 6 is a great age to start piano

[Mama Shifra]

Has anyone used Music for Little Mozarts or Teaching Little Fingers to Play?

Shifra

[ManiacMama]

I highly recommend that you check out the Bastien Piano series. They are readily available at many music stores or online. My 7 yo ds is in Primer A and it is very easy to teach and he has progressed very well and really enjoys it. It is extremely easy to teach. Since you have some music background it's even easier but really not required with this series. It's very self-explanatory. I think it would easily work for a child a year or two younger. They are also relatively inexpensive. I bought mine through Schmidt Music, where I signed up for their teacher discount.