Every young piano student loves a hands-on activity that makes learning more exciting. Our latest creation, “Note Nibbler: Searching for Steps and Skips,” does exactly that!
“Note Nibbler” transforms note reading into an interactive game. The activity begins with a game board featuring an apple that has been “nibbled” by a worm, leaving behind six empty holes. Below the apple, you’ll find six circles containing musical excerpts—each with a pair of notes that either step or skip.
The objective? Students cut out these musical circles and place them over the correct apple holes, named for the stepping or skipping note structure. It’s a simple, yet engaging activity that makes learning feel like a game.
Why Hands-On Learning Matters
Kids don’t just learn by listening—they learn by doing. When they’re cutting, arranging, and placing musical excerpts on the apple, they’re actively engaging their brains. This hands-on approach helps them recognize stepping and skipping notes in a way that sticks.
Plus, this game-like experience keeps them excited and eager to learn more!
“Note Nibbler” adds a playful twist to note reading, turning it into a puzzle to solve. Kids will love the challenge of finding just the right spot for each note. This activity makes stepping and skipping recognition less of a chore and more of an adventure.
How “Note Nibbler” Builds Musical Skills
By helping students distinguish between stepping and skipping notes, “Note Nibbler” lays a solid foundation for future music reading. It encourages fine motor skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of basic music theory—all while keeping students engaged.
Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce concepts without relying solely on written exercises. When learning feels like play, kids are more likely to remember what they’ve learned and feel motivated to keep practicing.
“Note Nibbler” is available at the bottom of the post but first…
Did The Summer Erase Your Students Note Reading Memory?
Now that your piano students have returned to lessons, you are likely discovering that some students have forgotten how to read notes 🙂
For these students, the best resources for getting back in the groove are “Andrea and Trevor Dow’s Timed Note Reading Tests For Piano”. With simple, daily homework tasks that take very little time to complete, your students will become note reading stars.
Click on a cover below to learn more about Andrea And Trevor Dow’s Timed Note Reading Tests For Piano.
Get Note Nibbler Today
Click here or on the image below to download Note Nibbler from the Teach Piano Today Homework Pages.
Remember to enter the password found in bold in the email you received today.
Not yet a member? Want access to this printable and more? Join here.
And don’t forget to check out Andrea and Trevor Dow’s Timed Note Reading Tests For Piano.
