Game Ideas for Parents and Students

Games Are a Fun Way to Teach and Learn Music Concepts!

Below find some great games that are simple to play and effective at aiding the learning process. Click here to see Games for Teachers and Students

Plenty of Hugs

This game is great for younger children.

The parent says, “Play your (scales, apreggios, chords, or any other practice item) X-times (choose number) and then come get a HUG.” Once the child has done the assigned task he/she receives a big hug. What a great reward for practicing! Once he/she has achieved that goal ask him/her to do another practice activity. Reward with lots of hugs when he/she is all done.

Challenge (Parent-Style)

Create an exciting challenge of wits for your child.

Consider the options below for “Challenge” ideas:

  1. Play a scale, arpeggio, etc (technique) as fast as child can.
  2. Play any technique exercise perfectly (no mistakes).
  3. Name the correct note name with flashcards in 1-5 seconds (or more if needed). Adjust the length of time to reflect your child’s ability. For parents with little music experience:   Most flashcards have the answers on the back!
  4. Use your imagination to come up with other games that will motivate your child to practice/study.

Pretend Concert

This game of make-believe is a great chance for positive visualization.

Give your child the opportunity to perform by creating a make-believe concert/recital. Become an audience member while your child plays through his/her current repertoire. Encourage him/her to do the following positive performance techniques:

  1. Keep going no matter what (no stopping with mistakes).
  2. Approach the piano from the left side and sit down.
  3. Take time to think before starting to play.
  4. Keep in the mood of the piece all the way to the last note.
  5. Bow at the waist, and smile at the audience.

Be sure to give thunderous applause at the end of the performance.

This is a great opportunity to talk your child through the exciting and wonderful experience of performing. Help him/her visualize a positive experience of playing just the way he/she wants to perform.

Make the experience extra special by dressing up for the occassion and celebrating a job well done with dessert or gifts.

Matching (Parent Style)

Matching games are great for memorization skills as well as becoming familiar with basic music concepts.

Choose two sets of flashcards — these can be note names, key signatures or key names, rhythms, Major/minor relationships, etc. — mix them up and turn them upside down. Then flip two cards over and see if you have a match. When a match occurs place it in a separate pile. Whoever has the most matches at the end wins the game.

Hint: If your flashcards have answers on the back try covering them with 3 X 5 cards.

© 2009-2023 Piano Discoveries. All rights reserved.

Provide students with a fun and exciting way to practice elementary theory terms.  This crossword puzzle includes 10 early elementary music terms and definitions — tie, whole note, repeat sign, quarter note, half note, bar line, slur, double bar line, measure and staff.

DOWNLOAD