Rhythm is an integral part of music and learning piano. If you want your toddler to begin taking piano lessons in a few years, start developing their rhythm now. The following guide highlights some easy ways to incorporate exercises into their everyday routine and prepare them for the day they begin learning the instrument.

How to Develop Your Child’s Rhythm

1. Expose Them to Music

Start playing different styles of music for your child. For example, blues, techno, hip-hop, and classical music all have their own beats. Guitar strums, chord strikes, and kick drums fall in different places to create unique sounds, and your toddler doesn’t have to understand them right away. However, over time, they will become familiar with different rhythms. As a result, they'll be able to follow new notes closely when they begin taking piano lessons.

2. Dance, Clap, & Strike

Encourage your child to play along with music rhythms in any way they can. Toddlers may bounce along with the song, and you can guide them by clapping to the beat. They may begin clapping as well or tapping a stick or toy. 

Over time, you may notice they follow the rhythm for longer, which will help them during piano lessons. All songs are measured in beats per minute and have a time signature. These tell the pianist how fast to play and how notes should repeat. Your child will excel right away, thanks to their early rhythm training.

3. Point Out Natural Rhythms

You’ll find rhythm in everyday life. Words have syllables and create rhythms when you speak, and people may walk or run to a beat unintentionally. Try to point these instances out to your child whenever you can. Show them how to trot or tip-toe to different beats, increasing and decreasing the speed. As your toddler expands their vocabulary, teach them tongue twisters and identify how many syllables a word has.

If you want your child to take piano lessons one day, contact European Piano School. Professionally trained pianist Iryna Dunaeva worked with music for over 47 years and welcomes children ages five and up in Anchorage, AK. She uses Russian training techniques during her private piano lessons and teaches foundational aspects of music to help students explore additional instruments. Visit her website to learn more about how she can help, or call (907) 360-2915 to ask any questions.