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Ages 4-7 Years
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This page is designed for parents and teachers. The information below will help guide you in making appropriate choices for a child within this specific age group.
Maturity levels of kids can vary greatly, all age groupings on this website are merely guidelines. |
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- Type of Harmonica- A standard size diatonic harmonica of about 4 inches or larger is preferred. Although smaller harmonicas are made, you should not give your child anything that they could possibly swallow. As with all toys and instruments for small children, routinely check the tightness of all screws to assure they have not come loose.
- Toy (plastic) vs. Real (metal) harmonica- If your child still has a tendency to randomly throw things, you might consider a plastic or toy harmonica over a metal or hard plastic one typically played by older kids and adults.
- Holding the Harmonica- Encourage holding the harmonica by the ends with the low notes on the left (like a piano) with the numbers over the holes showing. For more experienced players, Hand Effects can be added after memorizing songs and/or scales (hand effects are taught at our parent site, Harmonica Lessons.com).
- Playing Single Notes (one note at a time)- It is possible for kids in this age group to make a small hole with their lips and create a single note (versus playing 2 or more notes together which is called a "chord"). It is not essential, but it does allow the melody to sound clearer and more recognizable.
- Songs and memorizing- Learning songs at this age is possible for many children. Read through a song 5-6 times before trying to do it from memory. Encourage memorization of songs by tackling only a few notes at a time and then reviewing and repeating numerous times before moving on. Do this without looking at the notes on the computer screen or printed page. Slow, correct repetition is the key to instilling muscle memory.
- Keep it simple! Make it fun!- The most important rule for teaching anything to anyone of any age. The "Fun" factor keeps 'em coming back for more.
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