Kids these days are drawn to iOS devices.  So when the iPad Mini commercial (two iPad Minis playing "Heart and Soul" together) came out, it caught the attention of most viewers.  It was also the first time that many young students heard a version of Heart and Soul, sparking interests in learning to play a song on a piano.

I remember learning both the harmony and the melody to this as a child.  My sister and I would play it as a duet anytime we were together in front of a piano.  It's something that has been passed down from my grandmother, to my mother, to myself, and now to my own children.  The song is simple and can give even non-musical players the pride, enjoyment, and uplifting freedom to be able to play a song on the piano.

To incorporate this into lessons I created a "Heart and Soul Chords" theory worksheet.  When using this I also play the You Tube video of the iPad Mini commercial for them to hear, then pick out, the harmony from the melody.  For my level 1-2 kids, I also incorporate Faber's "Beach Party" ("For the Older Beginner Accelerated Piano Adventures - Lesson Book 2," page 65).

This activity can also be used as a great break or "refresh" from just "going through the book."  Especially when students are going through a busy schedule or just need something different when practicing.  Students enjoy learning it, memorizing it, being creative with it, and parents even enjoy listening to them have fun with it!

This week I created a new theory sheet for my students.  With our Summer Sweetness Challenge in full swing I needed a Popsicle related challenge for my beginner students reaching Popsicle Palace, so I created Popsicle~Pianos, downloadable on the left.

Creating worksheets can be a lesson in itself.  My first run I had the Popsicles on the top and the keys and notes on the bottoms.  Lines got so crossed I could not tell where they were leading to, so this modified version will be much easier for teachers to grade or review with students.  If you prefer a black and white copy click here.

I have also created this for bass clef notes.