PianoSeesaw

The PianoSeesaw-app contains the next generation piano teaching method for beginners (ages 6-10). The app can be purchased by both teachers and pupils. It provides all lesson materials and many guide documents with didactical explanations as well as suggestions for improvisation, games, ear training, composition and note writing exercises. The app owner is allowed to print out all materials for his own use. Because it's an app and not a book, all teaching materials will be available at your fingertips. No need to remember where the audio CD was placed last time or where the note writing sheets are. All you need resides in one place: In your iOS device.

The method begins with pieces which are played on the black keys only. Regardless of which age one starts learning to play the piano, it is a good idea to initially play only on the black keys. The benefits that arise for the development of a healthy and natural technique as well as for the haptic (sensation of touch related) orientation on the keyboard cannot be denied.

The PianoSeesaw method offers an entirely new way to learn to read music. Because the notation system is highly simplified in the beginning, the pupil succeeds in reading the music already at the very first attempt, without need for extensive theoretical explanations given in advance.

The PianoSeesaw can be used both as standalone course for beginners (ages 6-10) or as resource for supplemental material to train orientation on the keys, to learn reading music and to start composing and improvising. Because the method is starting off on the black keys it is predestined to be used before any other piano method or in conjunction with methods starting off with rote pieces. It also works very well as a teaching supplement for pupils who have learned to play the piano only by ear and now are supposed to learn to read music. For these pupils, it would be advisable to begin directly with piece number 2 or 3. The notation system of this piano method is also suitable for teenagers and adults. But the vocabulary which is applied in this version of the method is quite unsuitable for this age group (mouse, bear, childish lyrics, etc.). A version for youth and adults will soon be released.

Because of the unique notation system the PianoSeesaw can be used both in private lessons and in group lessons. Individual explanations for each pupil, which would deflect the teacher's focus from the group, can be avoided for the most part.

The PianoSeesaw notation system starts off with note symbols which are assigned to an image of keyboard keys. This system is readily understandable for children and easy to implement. The students just understand intuitively what the symbols mean. There is no learning required because it is self explaining. During several stages the musical notation transforms smoothly (Musical Notation Transformation - MNT) and at the end of this process the notation hows the regular staff with treble and bass clef (see app preview clip above or a longer version on PianoSeesaw.com). The pupils learn to read music effortlessly, so to speak, without noticing it.

Pupils who learn to play the piano using this method like to avoid looking down at the keys while playing and instead are highly motivated to read the music. Now that the pupils don’t have to spend time understanding the notation of a piece, valuable lesson time becomes available for developing conscious listening, improvisation and composing.

Teachers and pupils can both look forward to exciting, varied and creative piano lessons.

Have fun and start playing the piano right away!