Preschool music curriculum: a free piano lesson plan for ages 3–6
A ready-made piano unit for a preschool music curriculum
A good early childhood music curriculum for ages 3–6 builds listening, steady beat, rhythm and simple patterns through short, repeated activities. Toddler Piano Book Level 1 gives you a piano unit that does exactly that, with pages children can redo on dry-erase and a tempo ladder that shows progress over time.
Below is a free preschool music lesson plan built only from real pages in the book. Use it as is, or repeat it across a week and move up the tempo ladder as students get steadier.
Preschool piano lesson: Steady beat and patterns
Objectives
- Move up and down, and left and right, on the keyboard.
- Tap and play a word rhythm with quarter notes and a triplet.
- Sing and play Hot Cross Buns.
- Match a 5-note visual pattern to the keyboard by counting up or down.
- Keep a steady tempo at tempo ladder #1 (40–60).
Materials
- Toddler Piano Book Level 1
- Dry-erase markers (included with the book)
- An acoustic piano or full-size keyboard
Steps
- Warm-up: Montuno Prep2 min
Move up and down (U/D), then left and right (L/R) on the keyboard. Say the direction out loud together as you go. - Rhythm: Hot Cup of Tea3 min
Say the words in rhythm, tap it on the closed lid, then play it. Listen for the quarter notes and the triplet. - Sing & Play: Hot Cross Buns3 min
Sing it first. Then the teacher or parent plays and the child echoes. Repeat until the child can sing and play it. - Look & Play pattern3 min
Match the 5-note pattern on the page to the keys. “Use your eyes, always count up or down.” Hands together. - Tempo ladder #1 (40–60)2 min
Play the pattern or song 2–3 times at a slow, steady tempo. Move up the ladder only when the beat stays steady. - Celebrate1 min
The child circles the finished activity or draws a smiley face. Then wipe the page clean for next time.
Every page in Level 1
- Rhythm instruction page and song and technique instruction page
- Montuno Prep: moving up and down (U/D) and left and right (L/R) on the keyboard
- Hot Cup of Tea: a word rhythm with quarter notes and a triplet
- Sing & Play: Hot Cross Buns and Mary Had a Little Lamb, both hands
- Look & Play: 5-note patterns, hands together. “Use your eyes, always count up or down.”
- Tempo ladder: #1 (40–60) up to #5 (90–100)
Pages are front and back, laminated, spiral bound and dry-erase. Dry-erase markers are included, and video tutorials show how to teach each page.
The same pages work at home. Families can follow the 10–15 minute parent–child routine so students practice between classes.
Copies for your classroom or program
For a pre-K music curriculum or early childhood program, request a quote for 10 or more copies. To review the book before ordering for a class, order a single copy.
Payment due before production. School purchasing cards accepted.
The quote button opens an email to me at wfsimpleteacher@gmail.com. Include your name, organization, number of copies, ship-to city and state, and the date you need them, and I'll reply with a quote.
Private teachers can see preschool piano teachers. Schools planning family nights can see schools and family engagement. Parents teaching at home can see homeschool piano lessons.
Questions about the curriculum
What should a preschool music curriculum include?
Listening, singing, steady beat, simple rhythm and movement, taught in short sessions and repeated often. Toddler Piano Book Level 1 adds a piano unit with those pieces: warm-ups up and down the keyboard, a word rhythm, Sing & Play songs, Look & Play patterns and a tempo ladder.
How long should a preschool music lesson be?
For ages 3–6, about 10–15 minutes of focused work is a good target. The sample lesson plan on this page runs about 14 minutes.
Can I use this lesson plan without the book?
The plan is built from the book's pages, including the Montuno Prep warm-up, the Hot Cup of Tea rhythm, the Look & Play pattern and the tempo ladder, so it is meant to be used with Toddler Piano Book Level 1.
Does it work for a whole pre-K class?
Yes, with students taking turns at the keyboard while the group sings, says the rhythm words or taps the beat. Each student can have their own wipe-clean copy.
Do you accept purchase orders or invoices?
No. Payment is due before production. School purchasing cards are accepted.
Will I need any other materials?
Yes, two things. First, a metronome. I recommend a wind-up (mechanical) metronome. If you don't have one, free phone apps or web metronome apps work, for the sound only. Second, something to clean off the dry-erase marker writing.
How much do 10 or more copies cost?
Bulk orders are quoted per order. Tap “Request a quote for 10+ copies” and send your name, organization, number of copies, ship-to city and state, and the date you need them, and I'll reply with a quote. A single copy is $129.