Pianimals is the name given to the books in the Phonics 4 Piano series developed by Marie Price and Flora Arnold of the Pianimals Music School in Orlando, Florida. The materials are now used enthusiastically by teachers all over. As the name suggests, animal characters are used to introduce concepts, and a specific animal is assigned to each note as a memory aid.
From the very first lesson, children can play along with the CD, and within weeks are able to play many songs. Using the Pianimals materials, they learn to play familiar songs learning one concept at a time, building step-by-step. The materials are designed with simple instructions, so that even parents with no musical background can help children practice at home.
The Pianimals series consists of seven books and supplementary materials. As children progress through the books and learn to read music, they are encouraged to begin other books such as the Pre Time-Show Time series to learn more music of their favorite styles (classical, popular, jazz & blues, holiday, rock & roll, favorites, and more..) By the time children finish the Pianimals series, they are able to read music fluently and have a basic understanding of music theory. Most enjoy singing along, composing and improvising and playing different styles of music as well.
Pianimals is based on the premise that we must have fun with music. Some of the ways this is achieved is by listening and singing along, then playing and singing, using corresponding materials such as games, flashcards, coloring books, writing and drawing musical notes and symbols, and checking a box each time a song is played.
All students meet in groups several times a year to share music with each other, participate in musical activities and become inspired by their peers. Students also perform their favorite pieces for family and friends in studio recitals twice a year.
