Any teachers of "classical piano" incorporating improvisation into their lessons for kids playing at the Fur Elise/Album for the Young level? If so, how do you go about incorporating it? Anyone have experience with "Jazz Kids" series or other series for improvisation with kids?

Try - create the music to describe a planet no one's ever heard of.

I suggest you Google: Akiko & Forrest Kinney

Their first books were on improvisation.
They have now also recently published "Pattern Playing".
They were speakers at the recent MTNA Conference last month in Albuquerque. My opinion is that they know a lot about improvisation having seen them in a workshop working with students with their improvisational book as the resource.

Betty Patnude

I see you're in California.

I use the MTAC Improvisation Syllabus and another book they publish called 'Games & Activities For Improvisation'. It's leveled Prep - Advanced and has tons of ideas for activities. You can order it here: http://www.mtac.org/shopping/

MTAC also has an annual Improvisation Evaluation where students can send in their recorded improvisation to be critiqued by a judge. High scoring students are then invited to perform their pieces at state Convention in July.

Yes I do improv with even the youngest beginners. Not necessarily every week, but at least 2x a month on average. I just think it's an important skill...

I don't use a particular method, I describe stories or moods or objects, or if they're older, give them a key and a few chords, etc etc. I come up with it based on the student's age and ability.