Several months ago, a Music Matters Blog reader sent me an e-mail with a reference to a series of piano books for very young children called, The Shape of Music, by Jenni Fansler.
I contacted the author about the books and she kindly sent me a couple of review copies to look over. I am really impressed! The books are so colorful and fun! Influenced by American shape-note music, Charlotte Mason, and Shinichi Suzuki this series is an approach designed to enable children as young as two to enjoy musical experiences at the piano.
The books (so far Volume 1 and Volume 2 are available) are well organized and the layout is clean and beautiful. The three units in the first book cover: Notes, Tempo, and Melody. The second volume covers: Repeated Notes, Rhythm, and Octave. Students learn to play real songs like, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jingle Bells,” Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and much more! Now…what little toddler (and their parent!) isn’t going to love that?!
I love how Jenni guides the teacher or parent through each unit and song step-by-step to make it a successful experience. I am really fascinated by this whole approach and can’t wait to find someone with a 2-year old who will let me try it out on them! 
Now…for the best part. Jenni has offered to giveaway one copy of each volume! Two Music Matters Blog readers will be the special winners this time! Just leave your comment below, and the winners will be drawn using a random number generator on Thursday, August 4, at noon (CST).
Wow. This sounds interesting. Wish I could see a preview lesson.
How wonderful!! I’ve been looking for something like this!!
I’d love to give these books a try!
I’m a member of the Church of Christ, and our hymnals are in shape notes! Many musicians are unaware that early singing schools used shape note notation to teach pitch. Each pitch, Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti had a different shaped head. My 87 year old mother doesn’t read round notes and their placement on the staff…she determines what pitch to sing by the shape of the note! What an interesting concept to introduce a variation of shape note notation to youngsters!
I might be too late but here goes!
What a fun giveaway. I know a certain 3 year old who would love something like this. Thanks!
How fun! I wish I could be creative like this!
This would be perfect for my four year old who’s been begging for lessons!
Being an early childhood music teacher I am very interested in these books. I would love to incorporate them into my lessons.
I would love to try out these books with my children!
I just had an early three-year old in my mini-piano camp this summer. This would be a great book to use with him to begin lessons. I am always excited about new material!
These look lovely. Thank you!
I would love to try these books with some young beginners in my studio!
First of all, I have a 2 yr old that I would let you try it on…too bad we aren’t in the same state
Also, have you looked in Keyboard Games from the Music Moves for Piano series by Marilyn Lowe? I use those books successfully with my youngest students at age 3. She has sample pages on her website…www.musicmovesforpiano.com
These books seem wonderful, thank you for the giveaway.
My students are the sons and daughters I never had. Many have honored me with the nickname of Piano Mom. Many are now parents themselves so winning these books will be allow me to teach a new generation of my Piano Grandbabies! Thank you.
Very interested! I’d be grateful for an opportunity to give this a try!
Sounds great!
We also think these books are fab! Such a great way to get kids into music. Kudos! Great job! Keep up with the posts! Thanks!
Count me in!!! I’m always looking for new ideas and resources. Thanks for offering this. I’m going to look into the books.
I would love a resource like this to try with my 2 year old and 3 year old.
Thanks
This sounds like a fantastic resource!
I am interested to try out this book with my new student.
Loraine
Would love to see these!
It sounds perfect for a four-year-old I am teaching. What a great resource for teaching young beginners. Thanks!
Ahhhh! Would love one!
This sounds like a great opportunity!
Very creative and sounds like a fabulous resource!!
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throw me in the mix. I specialize in teaching very young childre (beginning at age 2) so I will be interested in this music book. Ps Thanks for the coverage on my book. Is it possible for you to put a link to my website re A Piano in Every Room. You have a smart blog in the music matters blog. Rosamond