LittleTune Books
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The Piano Path

Learn piano with Pip, Rumble, Mo and friends

100 lessons for children: four Foundations units, then four branches to choose from and a Recital at the end. Play on the screen, with a MIDI keyboard, or with any piano through the microphone. The lesson listens, helps when a note is tricky, and remembers every star.

Unit 1 is free. The whole path, with play-along, unit checks, stats and a Music Notebook for up to 4 children, comes with the Lessons plan (sign in to save your stars everywhere). See the plans

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Start the first lesson

Foundations

Four units for everyone, then you choose a branch.

Unit 1

Find your way

High and low, the black-key groups, and your first notes.

Free
  1. High and lowLow keys on the left, high keys on the right4 min · with Dot · up next★★★
  2. Twos and threesThe black keys come in groups of two and three4 min · with Pip★★★
  3. Find DD sits between the two black keys5 min · with Pip★★★
  4. C, D, ED's neighbors, and three notes in a row5 min · with Dot★★★
  5. Check: Find your wayShow what you know: no hints this time4 min · with Dot★★★
Unit 2 · not open yet

Five fingers

Finger numbers, steps and skips, echoes, and Rumble's tune.

  1. Finger numbersThumb is 1, pinky is 5: the C position5 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Steps and skipsNext-door keys are steps; jumping one key is a skip5 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Echo in Dino ValleyListen, then play it back by ear6 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Rumble's stomp tuneA new hand position: thumb on F6 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Five fingersShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 3 · not open yet

First songs

Real songs from the books, one line at a time.

  1. Mo's mail callA three-note call and a walking-down answer6 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Twinkle, line 1The C position with one stretch up to A6 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Twinkle, the whole songThree lines, one hand shift8 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Check: First songsShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 4 · not open yet

Reading notes

Notes on the staff, a first black key, and playing from the page.

  1. Letters on the staffReading C, D, E, F and G on the staff6 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Dot's first black keySharps: F sharp is the black key just above F6 min · with Dot · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Read and playPlaying a tune from the staff, no letters on the keys8 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. The Foundations checkShow what you know: no hints this time8 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★

After Foundations

Four branches to choose from

Songbook

Whole songs from the library, played along with the band.

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Two Hands & Chords

Left hand, chords, and both hands together.

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Read & Rhythm

Reading music, counting, and the bass clef.

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Ears & Make-up

Playing by ear, jamming, and making up your own tunes.

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Songbook · 0 of 25
Unit 1 · not open yet

New places to play

The G and D positions, a first flat, and two more black keys.

  1. The G positionThumb on G: G A B C D6 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Dino Valley's B flatFlats: B flat is the black key just below B6 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Tavi's humThe D position, with F sharp under finger 35 min · with Tavi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Row with IrisA whole line in the D position6 min · with Iris · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: New places to playShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 2 · not open yet

Songs from the library

Whole songs from the books, and the first play-alongs with the band.

  1. Are you sleeping?The F position with B flat, and the bells in the left hand7 min · with Nia · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Pop goes the weaselA whole song in the C position, with a stretch for POP7 min · with Monkey · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Hot Cross Buns with the bandPlaying a whole song along with the band, in Wait mode6 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Mary's lamb, on timePlay-along mode: keeping up with the band7 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Songs from the libraryShow what you know: no hints this time7 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 3 · not open yet

On stage with the band

London Bridge, Rain Rain, the hero hook and Zip's echo, all with the band.

  1. London BridgeA five-finger position from D, and a song with a long first note7 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Rain, rain, go awayQuick notes in pairs, and a skip from E to G6 min · with Wren · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Capes on: the hero hookA climbing tune with a stretch, played with a big band7 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Zip's hello echoCall and answer with the band: the valley sings back6 min · with Zip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: On stage with the bandShow what you know: no hints this time7 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 4 · not open yet

New keys, new songs

Two-four, six-eight, stretches and hops, in F and D.

  1. Polly's kettleQuick notes in two-four time, in the F position6 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. The bear went over the mountainA swingy six-eight song in the F position7 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Baa, baa, black sheepThe D position with a stretch up to B6 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Where did Dot go?A hand move in the middle of a song, in the key of D6 min · with Dot · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: New keys, new songsShow what you know: no hints this time7 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 5 · not open yet

Whole songs

Old MacDonald, the farmer, Cass's song and Bingo, start to finish.

  1. Old MacDonaldA whole verse with a hand shape that skips a key8 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. The farmer in the dellA pickup note before the first beat, in six-eight7 min · with Iris · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Press play!Cass's song: a hand shape from F sharp up to D7 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. B-I-N-G-ORepeated notes in the G position, five letters at a time7 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Whole songsShow what you know: no hints this time9 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Two Hands & Chords · 0 of 25
Unit 1 · not open yet

Two hands

Left-hand numbers, taking turns, and a low note under the tune.

  1. Your left handLeft-hand finger numbers, from the C below middle C5 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Team-up: take turnsLeft hand low, right hand high, one after the other5 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Rumble's stomp, two handsA low left-hand stomp under the right-hand tune6 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Nia's bells: ding, dang, dongA low bell in the left hand after the right-hand tune6 min · with Nia · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Two handsShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 2 · not open yet

Moving hands

Thumb under, the A position, and hopping to a new place.

  1. Mimi climbs the clockThumb under: play more than five notes in a row6 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. The clock struck oneThe A position, and a long line that goes up and comes down7 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Sunrise in Dino ValleyThe F position with B flat, in a whole line5 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Hop to a new placeMoving the whole hand between two positions7 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Moving handsShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 3 · not open yet

Chords

C, F and G chords, broken and all together, and a low root.

  1. Wren's chordsThree-note chords, played one note at a time6 min · with Wren · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Merrily, merrilyA chord from top to bottom, over a stretched hand6 min · with Iris · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Twinkle with a low CA left-hand note to hold up the tune7 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Wren's block chordsThree keys at once: C, F and G chords6 min · with Wren · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: ChordsShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Wren · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 4 · not open yet

Left-hand helpers

A drone, two-chord and three-chord songs, and oom-pah-pah.

  1. Longneck's low droneAn open fifth in the left hand under a tune6 min · with Longneck · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Nia's two chordsLeft-hand C and G7 chords under London Bridge7 min · with Nia · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Teo's three chordsLeft-hand C, F and G chords under Twinkle7 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Mimi's oom-pah-pahA waltz pattern in the left hand: a low note, then two little chords6 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Left-hand helpersShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Longneck · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 5 · not open yet

Hands together

Both hands at the same moment: stomps, buns, rowing and heroes.

  1. Rumble's together stompsBoth hands pressing keys at the same moment5 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Hot cross buns, two handsA left-hand note held under the first note of each bar6 min · with Longneck · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Row with two handsA left-hand fifth under Row, Row, Row Your Boat6 min · with Iris · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Hero hook, two handsLeft-hand roots under the hero hook7 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Hands togetherShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Read & Rhythm · 0 of 25
Unit 1 · not open yet

Steady beat

The beat, quarter, half and whole notes, and rests.

  1. Pip's steady beatPlaying along with a click, every beat the same5 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Ta and ta-aQuarter notes (one beat) and half notes (two beats)6 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Long notes and quiet beatsWhole notes (four beats) and rests (a beat of quiet)6 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Cass's rhythm cardsHearing a rhythm and finding it written down6 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Steady beatShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 2 · not open yet

Reading on

Hero songs, sharps and flats, steps and skips, and the G position on the staff.

  1. Read and play: hero songsReading the G and D positions from the staff8 min · with Nova & Kai · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Read and play: sharps and flatsReading notes with sharps and flats from the staff8 min · with Dot · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Steps and skips on the staffLine to space is a step; line to line is a skip6 min · with Dot · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Reading in the G positionReading G, A, B, C and D, and a song from the staff7 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Reading onShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Dot · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 3 · not open yet

Counting

Eighth notes, counting "one-and", three-four and six-eight.

  1. Ti-ti: two quick notesEighth notes: two notes in one beat6 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Count one-andCounting beats and the "ands" in between6 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Counting in threeThree-four time: three beats in every bar6 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Pop goes the six-eightSix-eight time: two big swings in a bar7 min · with Monkey · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: CountingShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 4 · not open yet

Low notes: the bass clef

The bass clef, five low notes, the grand staff, and reading with two hands.

  1. Longneck's bass clefThe bass clef shows the low notes; C sits in the second space6 min · with Longneck · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Five low notesReading C to G in the bass clef with the left hand6 min · with Longneck · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. The grand staffTwo staffs joined: treble for the right hand, bass for the left6 min · with Dot · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Read with two handsReading a low part and a high part, one after the other7 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: The bass clefShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Longneck · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 5 · not open yet

Read a new song

Pat-a-cake, Mary Mary, Little Boy Blue and Sixpence, read from the page.

  1. Read: Pat-a-cakeReading a song you haven't played before: skips in the C chord6 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Read: Mary, MaryReading a longer line in the G position7 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Read: Little Boy BlueReading F sharp in the D position, in six-eight7 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Read: Sing a song of sixpenceReading a tune that walks down, with dotted notes7 min · with Monkey · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Read a new songShow what you know: no hints this time7 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Ears & Make-up · 0 of 25
Unit 1 · not open yet

Ears and memory

Notes by ear, songs from memory, echoes and same-or-different.

  1. Lulu's monster soundsFinding a note by ear6 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Mo's mail, from memoryPlaying a whole line by ear and memory6 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Zip's echo gameHearing a book's tune in pieces and playing each one back6 min · with Zip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Same or different?Hearing whether two little tunes match5 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Ears and memoryShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 2 · not open yet

Up, down, same

Hearing which way a tune moves, steps and skips, first notes and whole tunes.

  1. Tavi's up and downHearing if a tune goes up, down, or stays the same5 min · with Tavi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Step or skip, by earHearing a step (next door) or a skip (a jump)5 min · with Zip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Mo finds the first noteListening to a tune and finding where it starts6 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Name that tuneRecognising songs from the library by their tunes5 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Up, down, sameShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Tavi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 3 · not open yet

Black-key jam

Making up music on the black keys, call and response, fast and slow, weather sounds.

  1. Lulu's black-key jamMaking up music on the black keys, where every note fits6 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Zip's call and responseAnswering a short musical call6 min · with Zip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Fast and slowPlaying at different speeds, and keeping a beat at each5 min · with Rumble · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Wren's weather soundsMaking music that sounds like something: rain, sun, a storm6 min · with Wren · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Black-key jamShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 4 · not open yet

Make up a tune

Questions and answers, word rhythms, the magic five, and a whole tune of your own.

  1. Mo's question and answerA musical question goes up; an answer comes home to C6 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Pip's word rhythmsTurning words into rhythms6 min · with Pip · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Tavi's five-note songsMaking up a tune with C, D, E, G and A6 min · with Tavi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Lulu's make-a-tuneMaking up a whole tune: a start, a middle, and an ending7 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Make up a tuneShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Mo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
Unit 5 · not open yet

Play by ear

Whole songs by ear, new rhythms for old tunes, and hearing chords.

  1. Hot Cross Buns by earWorking out a whole song by ear6 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Mary's lamb by earPlaying a longer song by ear, one line at a time6 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Twinkle, new rhythmsPlaying a song you know in a new rhythm, by ear7 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Wren hears chordsHearing which chord the band is playing6 min · with Wren · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Check: Play by earShow what you know: no hints this time6 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
The Recital · opens after two branches
Unit 1 · not open yet

The Recital

A warm-up, a piece from each branch, a dress rehearsal, and the show.

  1. Warm-up backstageA pianist's warm-up: finding keys, fingers, and a scale5 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  2. Recital piece: London BridgePolishing a whole song for the show7 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  3. Recital piece: Twinkle with chordsA two-handed piece: chords under the tune7 min · with Teo · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  4. Recital piece: read Mary, MaryReading a piece for the show, straight from the staff7 min · with Mimi · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  5. Recital piece: my own tuneMaking up a piece and playing it the same way twice7 min · with Lulu · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  6. Dress rehearsalPlaying two pieces in a row, like a real show8 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★
  7. The Recital: the showShow what you know: no hints this time10 min · with Cass · with a plan that has lessons★★★

Recorder guides

For soprano recorder, starting with B, A and G. Each guide has a fingering chart and a game from a book; play along with the reader.

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B
First steps · 8 minFirst note: B, with MoOne note, two fingers. Play Mo's "Hel-lo mail!" rhythm on B: short, long, long.
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B
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A
First steps · 10 minEcho in Dino Valley: B and AHello, Dino Valley! is a call and an echo. The grown-up plays a two-note pattern, the child plays it back.
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B
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A
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G
Beginner · 12 minHot Cross Buns: B, A, GThe classic first recorder tune: three notes going down, then a quick run in the middle.
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B
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A
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G
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high D
Beginner · 15 minMary Had a Little Lamb: add high DThe B A G tune with one exciting new note: high D, played with the thumb off and just finger 2.
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B
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A
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G
First steps · 8 minWeather breaths: long, short, calmPlay the weather. A long soft B is a breeze, quick B's are rain, and a slow B A G is the sun coming out.

Teaching a child yourself? The instructor guides have a lesson-by-lesson script, warm-ups and activities away from the keys for every unit. Setting up a keyboard? Keyboard setup.