Special Review Piano Sheet Music for Kids With Letters

Many parents search for piano sheet music with letters to relieve their kids of the pressures of reading music. There are good reasons for this: reading music is inherently hard and kids are often left confused and unable to enjoy playing. Hence the search for other "languages" for music besides musical notation, such as letters, numbers, and colors.

There are a few products that offer letters as a substitute for notes. It is very likely that you will have to put lettered stickers on your keys to give the child a visual reference point in order to make use of these methods.

The time honored tradition is to simply write the names (letters) of the notes directly above the notes (on the musical page) in question, giving the child at least a clue to the location of the note.

One advantage of this system is that it teaches the child the names of the keys (letters) as well as the physical sequence of actions required to play the song.

But there are disadvantages. Suppose your child is too young to know the alphabet securely? Letters are a little more difficult for children than numbers, as numbers are almost second nature to all kids.

Before selecting a method of avoiding reading music (numbers, letters) you might do well to rationalize for yourself why you are doing this.

The only reason to avoid reading music is that it is not pleasurable except to experts, and becoming expert is beyond a child and almost all adults.

Yet, the impulse is there to play music, just not through the medium of musical notation.

So your question should be, "What is the best way to avoid reading music?" rather than "Where can I find music with letters instead of notes?"

Step back a little and think about this: it is easier for a child to substitute numbers rather than letters for the notes of a song.

This is partly because numbers are usually learned much earlier than letters for a child, and thus are more firmly entrenched in their consciousness.

Numbers also have greater relevance to music theory, since numbers are the same as the classical intervals, and are used in chord symbols and in other ways in musical notation. Letters are used as well, but kids often become confused in the sequence of letters when taken out of context, but numbers are indelible.

A child instinctively knows that 4 cookies is more than 3, and thus numbers are more relevant than letters.

Great Review Piano Sheet Music With Letters for Beginners

Want to play the piano but don't think you have time to learn? If you know where the notes and keys are on the piano, piano music sheet with letters may be the perfect solution. Here's how it works:

Many music publishers offer sheet music that has the traditional notes printed on a staff. Inside the notes are printed the corresponding letters. Although children can use this sheet music, it's geared for the adult learner who has a basic awareness of notes, but has never learned to read music.

Imagine being able to sit down at the piano and play a simple jazz tune, a Christmas carol or even a show tune. If you know the letters of the scale and their corresponding place on the piano, you'll have instant success, without the trouble of reading music.

Since the actual notes are written on the music as well as the letters, using this music is a good way to become familiar with the notes. Over time, you may find that you are able to read music without the help of the letters. Consider this sheet music like training wheels. It provides a simple, comfortable way to begin playing the piano that can eventually lead to greater proficiency.

As you play simple, familiar pieces, you'll also probably gain a deeper understanding of rhythm notes and other elements of piano sheet music. Once you're comfortable with this music, try playing a few pieces of simple, traditional sheet music without the letters. You may be surprised at how well you are able to read the notes.

Another option many children enjoy is the system of piano by numbers. Each key on the piano is labeled with a number and the music sheet is also labeled with corresponding numbers. Piano music by numbers offers almost instant gratification and builds children's confidence. Most children transition to traditional sheet music within a year.

Many adults who start with sheet music with letters find such enjoyment in it that they go on to take lessons to gain even greater mastery. Eventually, you must learn to read a piece of music just as you would a book. Rather than focusing on each individual letter or note, you must see the piece as a whole, broken into measures and passages.

For now, though, piano sheet music with letters is a great place to start. Whatever your goals, piano sheet music with letters can build confidence and increase your pleasure in music.