Teaching Middle D

Instead of learning Middle C, I like to try showing my students Middle D first with the "Oreo cookie". I have them find the two 'cookie pieces' in the middle of the keyboard and then find the 'cream center', the note D! Then I ask them to find all the oreo cookies on the keyboard.





I picked up some of these great jello-jiggler-like decorative window letters at the local business store and use them with my younger students on the keyboard to reinforce where all the D's are located. The letters are all different colors and are a little bit sticky so my students love to touch them and place them on different spots on the piano. From there, I show that C is the note sitting lower than D, and E is the note sitting higher than D. Then, I ask the students to create their own song using C's, D's, and E's. They usually say "I don't know how to do that!" I suggest different moods that the songs could portray- happy, sad, mysterious, dreamlike, etc. and this usually sparks their imagination! Creating a title and then adding 'by (their name)' usually seals the deal! They have composed their own song and now know where C, D, and E are on the keyboard!

It would be great to see what other different ways teachers have used to teach C, D, and E. Please share if you have any!