Whether you’re teaching a first piano lesson, a trial piano lesson with a prospective student, or a meet and greet, you’ll need a solid plan to teach the student and interview the student and parents effectively and efficiently. Here’s my own lesson plan for a first piano lesson with a brand new student who comes into my studio for the first time for what I call a meet and greet mini lesson (definitely a low pressure and friendly name for our first meeting!).
Before the First Piano Lesson
After our initial contact and before the family comes to my studio, I provide them with a “What to Expect at the First Piano Lesson” handout so they can get an idea of how things will go, and so I can start teaching them what I expect of them when they are in my home studio. It’s never too early to provide the expectations!
This came about when I started noticing that new families were arriving 15-20 minutes early for their first piano lesson, and were hanging out very loudly in my waiting area, which wasn’t a good thing for the student I was teaching at that moment. So I put together this brief handout to give to all prospective students’ parents before they come to my home piano studio for the first time.
Download What to Expect at the First Piano Lesson
The First Piano Lesson
The big day has arrived, and the prospective student and parents are pulling into my driveway. What do I do when they come to my home studio for the very first time? What are the best concepts, activities, and games to include in that beginning piano lesson?
I always take young beginners through the following 9 items at their first piano lesson. Ready to see what they are? Keep reading!
1. Following directions
Often an overlooked part of the first piano lesson, assessing whether a child can follow directions or is willing to follow directions/instruction is a valuable aspect of getting to know the student and envisioning what beginning piano lessons with the child will be like.
Even from the first moment the student walks into my studio, I’m quietly assessing the student’s ability or willingness to engage with me and whether the student can follow directions. Here’s a quick overview of the entire first piano lesson:
- I welcome the family into my studio and ask everyone to remove shoes at the assigned location
- I show them where the restroom is and ask the student to wash hands with soap, and then dry with the clean towel
- I tell the student taking off shoes and washing hands will always be what she does first every week
- I invite the student and family into the piano room and ask them to sit on the sofa
- I sit in a chair and we chat
- I ask the student questions (see the next section below)
- I ask the student to come over to the piano
- Then I continue with the lesson, asking questions and giving directions
Over the years I’ve learned that children who follow directions and who engage with me and with the piano are a great fit for my studio and teaching style.Children who are unwilling to follow directions aftermultiple attempts to engage them, or who choose to do things incorrectly on purpose, are not a good fit for my studio.
Because we have such a short meet & greet session, I need to make a quick decision on this. I use the information I’ve gathered in the mini lesson and go with my intuition, my gut feeling.
I will say that I’ve ignored my intuition a few times in the past, and after a few weeks I wished I had listened! So please listen to your intuition on this, and you’ll be glad you did.
2. Help the student feel at ease
Engage in friendly small talk with student and parent to help them feel at ease. A first piano lesson can feel a bit intimidating! They’re in a new environment with a new adult (you!), getting ready to learn a new instrument, and may feel a little nervous.
Ask lots of questions, and tell a few small stories along the way to relate to the student and let him know you are a regular person too, just like he is. And always remember to smile.
- Do you have a pet? What’s his name?
- What’s your favorite sport?
- What’s your favorite food?
- Who is your favorite band/musician/singer?
- Why do you want to learn to play the piano?
- Do you know how to play any songs already?
- What songs can you play?
- Which one is your favorite?
- I’d love to hear you play that one! Let’s go to the piano so you can play that song.
3. Rhythm activities
- We use classroom percussion instrumentsto work on steady beat and rhythm.
- Clap-backs (I clap a rhythm pattern, the student echoes)
- Play-backs (I play a very short pattern on a single piano key or percussion instrument, the student echoes)
4. Groups of 2 & 3 black keys
- I ask the student to locate the 2 black keys, then the 3 black keys on the piano, then on the vinyl floor keyboard
- Find them in a variety of ways: Hop, jump, play on piano, loud, soft, etc.
5. Music Alphabet, White piano keys, Higher & Lower
The first white piano key I teach is D. I ask the student to review the 2 black keys, then say:
- “Hey diddle diddle, the D is in the middle!” (of the 2 black keys). The student plays every D.
Then I ask the student to review the 3 black keys, and say:
- “F is the front door!” (of the 3 black keys). The student plays every F.
- Then “B is the back door!” (of the 3 black keys). The student plays every B.
After introducing these 3 keys, we treat it like a race, and the kids love it! I say “Play all the D’s as fast as you can!” and choose low to high, high to low, right hand, or left hand.
Here’s a free workshop on how I teach piano keys to beginners.
6. Teach a short piano piece by rote
I teach students how to play “Billy Boy” by rote. “Billy Boy” is a brilliantly-composed black key piece from Finger Starters by Lynn Freeman Olson, and I use it to teach quarter and half notes, steady beat, form, ritardando, and Music Rule #1 (decrescendo), all during the first lesson.
I don’t tell students the musical terms just yet – we simply talk about what the music wants to do.
I teach the piece by rote, then we play it as a duet. I’ve memorized the accompaniment so that I don’t need to play from the book, and that makes the moment feel so much more organic. We definitely make the most of this short piece of music!
The parents LOVE that their child can play a piece (or even the first section) in less than 10 minutes, the child sounds amazing, and when we add Music Rule #1 to the end (a nice decrescendo) then go even further and add a ritardando, I’ve seen parents get emotional during the interview. It’s beautiful.
Read more about helping students play musically from the first piano lesson.
7. Introduction to the lesson & writing books
Part of my responsibility during the first piano lesson is to set the stage for future lessons and to give my student something to be excited and motivated about. Young beginners love My First Piano Adventures, so I usually do an activity or two from that piano book.
- We go through the very first pages of My First Piano Adventure Lesson Bookalong with the tracks (Friends at the Piano andWill You Play)
- We also work through the corresponding Writing Book pages
8. Assess fine motor skills
It’s important to assess the small motor skills of your new beginner so you know where the child is, with regards to fine motor development, and what needs to be addressed or worked on in the future.
Recently, two of my new elementary-age students in two separate families have come into my studio not knowing how to hold a pencil correctly.
They could write, but they were both gripping the pencil with all five fingertips (the static tripod grip, which emerges around age 3.5-4 years), and their handwriting and coloring skills were definitely falling behind.
I talked with their moms about this, and they both shook their heads and had no idea why their children weren’t holding pencils with a grip that would support their fine motor skills and improve their handwriting and coloring skills, so we got to work to help them take their pencil grip to the next level, with permission from the students’ moms.
I read some research about the importance of good pencil grip in the educational development of children, ordered these ergonomic grip trainers and started using them with these students. After several weeks and tons of reminders, the students are doing better. We still have work to do, but we celebrate small improvements each week.
I believe it is very important to know what kind of fine motor skills the children have already developed, and what kinds of things you will need to work on to further develop those very fine motor skills necessary not only for writing, coloring, and doing schoolwork and homework efficiently, but also for efficiency and ease in playing the piano. Read this informative article, written by an occupational therapist, to learn more.
Here are some of the things we do:
- Write their name or a sentence
- Piano key worksheets
- Coloring pages
- Dry erase boards
- Anything that requires them to write, draw, and/or color
9. How to practice the piano at home
It’s very important to help the parent and child understand that the lesson is just thebeginning of what should happen throughout the week. I give very specific practice instructions to the student and parent.
I also email a typed practice sheet to the parents after the lesson, and after every lesson once the student is formally enrolled.
The piano assignment sheet includes:
- What to work on at home/how to practice/do exactly what we did in the lesson
- How many minutes a day/how to know if the child is practicing enough or too much
- What to accomplish throughout the week
- What to expect from the child during practice
- What is expected of the parent (helping the child practice daily)
- Make practicing fun!
So now you know exactly what I do in a first piano lesson. Of course this varies quite a bit from student to student depending on the readiness of the child, and a variety of other factors. But this is my go-to plan for that very first beginning piano lesson.
What do I do after the first piano lesson?
What do I use the next few weeks to review concepts and introduce a few more musical elements to my beginners, as we continue working through the Lesson and Writing books? The Beginning Piano Mega Bundle! It includes tons of worksheets, coloring pages, games, activities, and more. Give your youngest beginning piano students a solid foundation from the very first piano lesson.
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What do you do during a first piano lesson?
Leave a comment below and share your own favorite tips for teaching a successful first piano lesson. We’d love to hear from you!
Need more help with teaching first piano lessons? Here are some of our top blog posts for Teaching Beginning Piano Lessons:
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- Teaching Beginning Piano Technique To Young Piano Students
This Post Has 32 Comments
Meagan March 20, 2023Reply
What lesson books do you recommend for beginners that are middle school age?
Melody Payne March 22, 2023Reply
Hi Meagan, there are so many wonderful books out there that suit a variety of styles and situations (such as the range of maturity levels of middle schoolers) that it would be difficult for me to recommend something since I don’t know your students at all. I would love to invite you to join my Facebook group for piano teachers and ask the question there. You will get lots of responses from a wonderful group of piano teachers 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/melodypayne
Gene Conway August 2, 2022Reply
I play guitar and am trying to teach my granddaughter music. She prefers the piano, though she has a guitar, ukulele, and a recorder. I recently bought a keyboard which she is getting familiar with. I have found that encouraging her to drum her fingers, both hands, synchronously at first, then graduating to different patterns, and finally left and right hands asynchronously, has sped her fine motor skills development significantly. This can be done subconsciously while enjoying other activities. Thanks for the lesson plan. I am not a teacher, so I definitely needed some help.
Melody Payne August 2, 2022Reply
I’m so glad you found some things that are working well for your granddaughter! I always enjoy brainstorming and finding new and creative ways of teaching something. Wishing you all the best!
Levi January 25, 2022Reply
Wow, it’s interesting that an overlooked part of the first piano lesson, assessing whether a child can follow directions or is willing to follow instructions, is a valuable aspect of getting to know the student and envisioning what lessons will be like. My brother will start giving piano lessons for kids and wants to create a good lesson plan. I’ll share this with him later to help with his services. Thanks!
Melody Payne January 27, 2022Reply
Absolutely! It’s amazing how we can use our initial interview with students to gather so much information that can help us make the decision on whether a child is ready for piano lessons, or whether we’ll be a great match as teacher and student. Best wishes to your brother on starting his studio!
Tina October 8, 2021Reply
Thanks for sharing this insight into your first lesson. I was wondering how long this lesson is? I find it difficult to fit everything in 30 minutes and there are administrative things I need to complete (I work in a school environment so students have to sign in, choose the next lesson time etc)
The parents are also not with them as it’s during school time.
Thank you
Melody Payne October 11, 2021Reply
Usually my meet-and-greet mini lesson is around 20 minutes. Then I allow a few extra minutes to talk with the parent (parents are required to attend this introductory lesson), so a maximum of about 30 minutes, sometimes less. I can definitely see how administrative tasks would take up a few minutes of valuable lesson time. I do try to keep my introductory lessons under 30 minutes, knowing that it won’t be spent entirely at the piano. I like to think of the first lesson as being split between piano and admin. Then the following lessons are 100% piano time. Wishing you the best! 🙂
Rock Out Loud September 18, 2021Reply
You have made some great points in this post! Keep sharing useful stuff like this!!
Melody Payne September 20, 2021Reply
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy teaching!
Leeanne Innes April 6, 2021Reply
Lot’s of great ideas here! I especially like how you immediately work out if children are a good fit for you by following directions.
Melody Payne April 7, 2021Reply
That’s why I always have a “meet-and-greet mini lesson” before we officially begin. What I learn from that 20 minute session really helps me to see right away if we would work together well. Thanks so much for your comment, Leeanne!
Lisha January 28, 2021Reply
Many thanks
Melody Payne January 28, 2021Reply
You’re welcome, Lisha! I hope it gives you some fun ideas to try in piano lessons.
BernieA July 30, 2020Reply
Thanks Melody. This is very helpful as you’ve laid it out well. I could always learn something new from others. Thank you.
Melody Payne July 30, 2020Reply
My pleasure, Bernie! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Thanks for stopping by!
Jarom Linton June 17, 2020Reply
My daughter wants to start playing more piano this year so we need to find a great teacher in the area. I’ll look around for someone that does a lot of these things so that I know they are a good teacher. It makes sense to engage in some small talk to get to know each other better so you’re both more comfortable.
Melody Payne June 18, 2020Reply
Hi Jarom, if you’re looking for a local teacher in your area, this website can help you find someone: https://www.mtna.org
Click the blue “Find A Teacher” link at the top of the website, and you can enter your zip code and search for teachers who live nearby who are members of the Music Teachers National Association. If their name has NCTM beside it, you’ll know that they are a nationally certified teacher of music (I have this certification, and it holds teachers to high standards!).
Hope this helps, and best wishes to your daughter as she begins piano lessons!
Rochelle June 4, 2020Reply
I love that you set up expectations from the beginning. That and get the student playing lovely music from the beginning! Those are things I do at my first lesson as well. Great article! I am also going to look up Billy Boy. I loved singing that song in elementary music class as a child!
Melody Payne June 8, 2020Reply
Thanks, Rochelle! I have found over the years that the more quickly I set up expectations, the better our piano-student-parent relationship goes. Then there are no surprises!
Ivy Baker December 21, 2019Reply
My niece really wants to learn how to play the piano this upcoming year. I liked that you pointed out that my sister should find her a teacher that makes her feel at ease. Stress seems like it would make it harder for my niece to learn and have fun.
Melody Payne January 2, 2020Reply
Absolutely! The first piano teacher that a child has is THE most important piano teacher for that child. That teacher can help the child love music and love learning, or that teacher could do the opposite. There are so many ways that we can make our prospective students feel at ease, and that always builds trust and helps the lessons go much more smoothly. Best wishes to your sister and niece in finding the perfect teacher, Ivy!
Sophie Fredericks November 20, 2019Reply
So helpful, as always Melody.
I am not familiar with Billy Boy so am going to look into it now.
I always include ‘how the piano works’. The kids love standing up and looking into the piano and seeing how it works before they play.
I would love to hear tips on how to say no when a student isn’t the right fit for your studio.Melody Payne November 22, 2019Reply
Thanks so much, Sophie! My kids love the “how the piano works” lesson too. I had a little one yesterday who was jumping up and down she was so excited about it 🙂 I probably need to write an entire blog post about how to say no when a student isn’t a good fit! That’s such a great topic. If you’ll message me through my contact form, I’ll be glad to chat with you more through email.
Saundra September 4, 2019Reply
Do you have an assignment sheet form that is used for your email after the lesson? I can’t seem to find one.
Melody Payne September 5, 2019Reply
Hi Saundra, I use the “lesson notes” feature in My Music Staff for emailing weekly assignment sheets (it doesn’t include a form, so I just type the info that’s needed), and I also use printable sticky notes so students can write their own practice notes: https://melodypayne.com/how-to-use-printable-sticky-notes-in-piano-lessons/ Hope this helps! 🙂
Saundra September 5, 2019Reply
I need to use more of the features in My Music Staff! Thanks
Melody Payne September 6, 2019Reply
MMS has been a game-changer for me! I definitely recommend it 🙂
Cindy August 6, 2019Reply
I was thrilled to read this post. I have been teaching piano for many years and for my beginners have drawn from a lot of teaching resources. I was so amazed reading that I do so many of the same things. I teaching the Grandma’s House white key concept, so do the Front Door, Back Door, I have used the Sing and Play course a lot, so use Hey Diddle Diddle for D, teach the 2 and 3 black keys, and ALWAYS at the first lesson we learn Billy Boy! The best piece ever and instantly they love playing the piano! Have used it for over 35 years! I even have a Rote Song book that I use from all the methods that have great Rote Songs (Lynn Freeman Olson has the best ones; Engine No, 9,Bouncy Rhythm, Perfect Day) I just have compiled the songs for me so I can remember them all and teach them by rote. I really enjoyed the article, made me feel like I am doing things right! I have 3 daughters who also teach and they have adopted my first lesson as well, had to share with them. Thanks! I also have many of your theory and game resources and enjoy them.
Melody Payne August 7, 2019Reply
Thank you so much for your comments, Cindy! Sounds like we’re on the exact same wavelength 🙂 I love that our first lessons are so similar, and Perfect Day is my 2nd favorite rote piece of all time, right after Billy Boy. LFO definitely was a genius at writing those perfect teaching pieces. Thank you again for your kind words, and happy teaching to you and your daughters!
Rebecca Phelps August 5, 2019Reply
I’ve been teaching piano for eight years andI’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now. I always find something helpful and encouraging. Thank you for sharing your expertise with your fellow teachers!
Melody Payne August 5, 2019Reply
Thanks so much for reading, Rebecca! You just made my day. Have a wonderful week of lessons, and happy teaching!
