The Pre Twinkle for Keyboard  exercise is the first exercise from Musical Improvisation For Children and depicts a thunderstorm. Though designed for a keyboard, this can be played on any instrument using open strings or the key of C.

The music begins with a representation of thunder and lightning, followed by rain falling with increasing speed. As the storm fades away, the children’s song “rain rain go away, come again some other day” can be heard, followed by a rainbow and clearing skies.

This piece has the unique characteristic of allowing the child to approach the keyboard with palms and fists as they usually do when starting out. Their improvisations will still sound interesting and musical. As their physical abilities grow, they can create raindrops and more with their fingertips! Use the white keys of the piano only!

Exercise 1