Need some new ideas for summer activities?
Tired of the same old things?

To get in the mood for fun, first try School’s Out, original piano music for level 4 students (found in the Piano Revolution Fun Book Level 4 – 2nd Edition).

Then take a look at this list of music-related fun things to do for summer activities:

Summer Activities with Music

1. Make hand puppets to act out a story or song.

Use available cloth scraps, paper, yarn, paper strips for “hair”, paper or plastic plates.

2. Play one or more selections from a music cd and illustrate a favorite part with colored pencils, crayons, or paint.

It could even be abstract swirly line shapes filled in with colors.

3. Choose lyrics from a favorite song, or make up one.

Accompany your singing with homemade instruments and found objects, such as:

* spoons tapping on pots
* a fork scraping on a grater
* a whisk whipping up a little water
* shake beans or rice in an envelop or bag
* spoon to tap glass jars of different water levels
* blow through a roll of paper like a horn
* tap wood blocks or spoons together
* hold up a piece of paper and tap it with a spoon
* make drums out of various plastic containers
* clap shoes, hair brushes, or coconut shells together
* twang rubber bands wrapped around a ruler or cardboard

See the next posting for more summer activities ideas!

This content will be of most interest to:

• Parents who homeschool
• Professional piano instructors
• Individuals desiring piano books for beginners
• Educators of Instructional Design for piano
• Adults desiring a self-teaching piano book
• Parents wondering the best age to start piano lessons for a child

Any and all comments are welcome about the topics that are published. I will try to accommodate as many as possible in future articles – and thank you for your input!

What Would the First Lesson for a Young Student Look Like?

What Would the First Lesson for a 6 to Teen Look Like (video)?

View sample pages of all the books for students
ages 6 to teen:

View sample pages of all the books for students
4 to 5 years old:

View sample pages of all the books for older
teens and adults:

View the books on Amazon:

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

About the Author, Composer,
Illustrator, Educator, and
Eternal Optimist

Leslie Young is the author, composer, and illustrator of the PIANO Revolution method books (originally titled as the Revolutionary Piano Method). She co-founded a K-12th grade charter school in Texas and has been a piano teacher for over 40 years. She has had experience teaching a variety of students tackling piano for the first time or as returning students.

Young believes that “learning to play the piano is more about diligence and perseverance” – but would add that just as critical to success is the method that is used, the pattern of critical thinking, and the instructional principles that promote immediate success.

She states: “In teaching piano to students of varying ages, what also varies is a commitment of time and the amount of dedication. Children of younger ages may do very well with a parent as teacher; others may need someone who is not family to instruct them. Some older children and adults prefer to make progress on their own, and this method is designed to act as a meticulous guide through new material. Some adults and teens insist on professional teachers, which also encourages continuity.

Because these books are self-explanatory, a novice or experienced professional teacher will have no trouble using the PIANO Revolution method with students. It’s an easy and effective way to learn piano.”