Teaching Keyboard Basics in Band

Keyboard Basics in Band Class

Unlike piano, wind instruments do not provide a visual representation of music. By teaching students the basics of the keyboard, they can picture theory concepts in their heads. Showing them how a keyboard works specifically helps them with understanding:

Interval
Sharps
Flats
Enharmonic
Half step
Whole Step
Chromatic Scale

Here is a FREE worksheet that can be used for the purpose of teaching Keyboard Basics. We recommend you spread the teaching over a number of classes and only spend a few minutes each day on it.

Example schedule:

Day 1 – write the note names on the white keys and talk about interval/half step.
Day 2 – learn sharp/flat/natural. Write the names of the black keys.
Day 3 – review and learn enharmonic.
Day 4 – learn natural half step/whole step
Day 5 – chromatic scale
Day 6 – learn whole step
Day 7 – review/assessment
Optionally, learn tetrachord/major scale over a number of lessons. Focus on how music has patterns so this can later be related to minor scales, arpeggios, etc. Many schools don’t have time to dive as deep into theory, but if you see your students daily, we recommend you teach this.

Download a FREE blank copy and completed copy HERE or by clicking on the picture below: