Let me introduce you to a new friend of mine, Cynthia VanLandingham.  Cynthia is a piano teacher from Tallahassee, Florida, who is the author of some wonderful piano stories to encourage young children in piano.  “Children love stories, and they are a great way to teach important lessons and motivate young girls and boys,” says Cynthia. 

“I find that most young students who are starting music lessons have lots of questions, and all beginning students must learn how to develop good practice habits.  My Piano Bears Musical Storybooks provide a wonderful way to inspire young piano students and help them succeed.  These books use the characters of Little Bear, who is just starting to take piano lessons, his friends and family, and Mrs. Treble Beary, his teacher.  In the stories, Little Bear, with the help of his family and friends, learns how to overcome his worries and set positive goals to achieve his musical dream.”

In her studio, Cynthia gives these books to all her new students aged six to eleven at their first piano lesson.  These fun stories help our students understand what piano lessons are like, resolve their worries about starting something new, and help them begin to develop the practice routines and habits that are so critical to their success. 

Her unique Piano Bears Musical Storybooks include the following materials.
 
1. Little Bear’s Musical Garden.
This beautifully illustrated story sets young students at ease and gives them confidence in their own ability to learn piano.  The story follows Little Bear as he begins piano lessons and asks questions that all beginning students have.  Children enjoy reading the storybook with their parents and grandparents, who learn great ways to encourage their children in piano. 
 
Little Bear’s Musical Garden CD-ROM allows children to hear a narrated version of this story.  The CD-ROM also includes a fun, interactive quiz that helps students remember the important story concepts that will help them succeed.  (AND BTW – YOU CAN ALSO GET IT ON DVD!) 
 
2. Little Bear’s Piano Goals. 
 
This beautifully illustrated story continues Little Bear’s adventures as he learns how to tend to his musical garden and achieve his musical dreams.  Little Bear, with the help of his family and his neighbor Mr. Green Bear, a master gardener, learns how to set and work toward the goals that will lead to his musical growth and success. 
 
3. Piano Bear’s Musical Storybook Journal.
 
This illustrated journal provides a fun way to keep track of weekly piano assignments and goals.  It also provides big keyboard pictures that make it easy for their teacher to indicate hand positions, scales, chords, and fingering.  The journal also includes pages for recital photos and achievement stickers, and provides a wonderful memory book for students and their parents to keep forever! 
 
Any teacher or parent can find these materials at http://www.pianobears.com/  or on Amazon.com when you search for Piano Bears Musical Storybooks.   At her website you can join her newsletter and receive some great piano articles as well as discount coupons for her products.