Music Discoveries

A child's introduction to playing the piano should be full of fun! Afterall, the most effective learning comes from playful experiences. Music Discoveries helps make beginning piano lessons a big success - and now it's ready for online use!

I started developing my content for Music Discoveries about ten years ago. Experimenting and tweaking was a natural process as I tested the material with many students over the years. The program underwent more exciting changes as I developed skill with recording, computer graphics and web design. The only thing that hasn't changed is the cost involved in printing and postage, so I have decided to make Music Discoveries easily available and free to students and teachers for educational use at home, in the studio or at school.

That's right, you have my permission to print and use these pages for educational purposes. You may print one page at a time by clicking the Print icon (upper left) or you may download and print the entire book (42 pages)… your choice. I have also given you the option of printing in full color or black & white.

Download Music Discoveries Workbook - Full Color (612 KB)

Download Music Discoveries Workbook - Black & White (605 KB)

Are you an iPad user? Did you know if you download the Music Discoveries workbook, you can save it on iTunes and then view anytime in iBook. Unfortunately, iPad won't play the Flash mp3 files, but it is a great way for children to use the material without being online. I increased all of the font sizes with this unique application in mind.

Ideally, students will use this material with a computer, good speakers and a piano keyboard. Every page includes an embedded Flash mp3 player so students can play along with a musical accompaniment and listen to Tempo's friendly instructions. Return to the content links on this page at any time by clicking the purple Home icon at the top of the page.

Drip & Rainbows plus High, Middle & Low Cards

Download the Drip & Rainbow plus High, Middle & Low Cards (421 KB)

Your first lessons can be even more fun with the Drip and Rainbow cards for making up rhythms with short and long sounds (see. p.4-5). Use the High, Middle and Low Cards to help present range on the piano keyboard and to act as a guide when learning Up We Go and Down We Fly. Print the page on heavy card stock paper and use these teaching aids along with Music Discoveries.

Music Discoveries Rhythm Blocks

Download Music Discoveries Rhythm Blocks (280 KB)

You will need the Music Discoveries Rhythm Blocks starting on page 6. Print the page on heavy cardstock paper and cut out the blocks for a great teaching aid.

Students will create and clap their own rhythms as they learn basic note values. Or give it a twist by clapping a rhythm and have you student figure out the correct sequence. Get started without bar lines until the student is ready to learn about time signatures. This visual, hands-on activity makes rhythmic concepts a breeze!

Music Discoveries Alphabet Cards

Download Music Discoveries Alphabet Cards (64 KB)

The Music Discoveries Alphabet is introduced on page 28 and there are three fun games to help children develop a strong foundation with white keys names.

• Letter Mix-ups, page 32
• Keyboard Mix-ups, page 33
• Spell It, page 39

Print this file back-to-back on heavy cardstock paper. Cut out the seven cards and you are ready to go!

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