Music Terminology

A beginner 7-year-old student recently asked what the difference was between the meaning of notes and keys.

It is important to be aware of careful use of terms with children. Adults easily understand meaning by use in a sentence or by experience. Children, however, have no such background of general experience, and in talking to them the teacher should employ specific terminology. The word "note," for instance, is used by adults in several ways. "We see a quarter note on the printed page." "We distinguish high and low notes (pitches) by hearing." "Strike a black note (key) on the piano." "One note (tone) sounds longer than another."

If the piano teacher differentiates carefully in the use of these and other terms, students will be spared endless confusion.

For more information about piano lessons NJ, contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.