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Band Directors Talk Shop

Teaching Keyboard Basics in Band

29 Feb
keyboard basics for band

keyboard basics

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:

Related Reading:
Key Chant (Fun Way to Teach Key Signature)
12 Ways to Use Music Theory Task Cards
Free Note Name Generator (You Will Love This!)

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Band Directors Talk Shop is all about helping you be a better band director so your students can be better musicians.  It is a collaborative effort of band directors, former band directors, private lesson teachers and fine arts administrators. Learn.  Posts will strive to teach you something you can use in your classroom today. ... Read More about About Us

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