Learn to play a song
You can help your child or student learn some piano (or learn some yourself!), whether you’ve taken a piano lesson before or not. With the help of our Sing for Hope Pianos Music Book, found at every piano, use the keyboard visual and accompanying music to learn how to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!
Improvise
Have a keyboard or piano? Kids don’t need to take piano lessons in order to improvise! Ask them if they can make up a 30-second song that sounds sad, and a song that sounds happy. To get started, play a few different sounds with them and ask them to describe the difference! Can they play low notes? Can they play the high notes? Can they play two notes at the same time? Which ones sound happier?
TIP: Tell them the name for what they’re doing! They’re not just playing around, they’re improvising, which is something professional artists do, especially in jazz.
Perform on an unconventional stage
Invite your child’s school class, choir, or other musical group to schedule a rehearsal or “encore” performance at a Sing for Hope Piano! Sign up for an official pop-up performance on the SFH Pianos App.
Go on a Sing for Hope Pianos scavenger hunt
Museums are great, but there’s something about noticing the art in the child’s own environment that is extra inspiring. Use this map of the 50 Sing for Hope Piano locations, or download the SFH Pianos App on your Android or iPhone! See how many pianos you can spot. (BONUS: you’ll get exercise in the process!)
TIP: Make it interactive, not passive. Talk about public art as you go: what colors do you see? Is anyone playing the piano? What does it add to that public place? Bring paper & pencil with you so your kids can draw what they see, respond to the art, or create their own version.
…. And then, CREATE public art
Ask your child to consider: what is public art? Can a sandcastle be public art? Is sidewalk chalk public art? What public art can your child create? Find a “public” place in your child’s life (e.g. your front door, the sidewalk in front of your home, or a path in the park) that could use a little color!
TIP: Come up with an intention for the piece (e.g. welcoming kids home from school, and parents home from work) and a medium (e.g. sidewalk chalk), and then get to work!
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