Attend a Summer Workshop!
Piano Adventures clinicians hit the road to bring you the latest techniques and teaching materials.
The Super-Duper Bugle Boys!
Setting up the ending is a good way to prepare for a performance of this piece. Philip follows the teacher’s model, then moves on to his own. It’s important to remember that as the left hand descends, the dynamics need to reflect the departing buglers. The piccolos announce the start of the parade, and they’re […]
Jumpin’ Jazz Cat
Add a dash of syncopation to your scales and you’ll soon have a really cool cat! Right-hand scales scurry down to dissolve into a snappy motive. Harmonies add just the right spunky touch. Ingrid’s left hand tops her right-hand skills by climbing in longer scale passages, followed by swirling hops and skips. Why are these scales […]
Mouse Missions
These four missions are a great way to blast off into Level 1! Charlotte practices naming and singing the treble clef line notes with the help of E-G-B, the mouse. These missions can be repeated and reviewed throughout the level to develop confident note readers. From Piano Adventures Level 1, Lesson Book pages 6-7.
“Hey Diddle Diddle, D’s in the Middle!”
“Hey diddle diddle, D’s in the middle!” This piece, “Magic Rhyme for Bass,” not only helps the student remember where Bass D lives on the staff, but also packs in six other learning points in its six short measures. Watch as Charlotte and Soleil practice the use of arm weight, dynamic changes, rhythm patterns, keeping […]
Summer Workshops for Piano Teachers!
Are you looking for a unique professional development opportunity? A live event where you can connect with other piano teachers in your area? A chance to learn about new teaching techniques and materials for the Fall? Then you’ll want to attend a Piano Adventures workshop! Our clinicians will be hitting the road this summer to […]
Wild Flowers and Weighted Tones
In this video, Randy explains the nuances of the “Weighted Tone and Empty Fingers” technique secret from Technique and Artistry Level 4. While arm weight is a technique taught from the very first lessons, Randy makes note of balancing the use of arm weight and when to take it out of the keys. He demonstrates an application of […]
A “Con Forza” March
The musical focus is on how the composer repeats and extends phrases to build to the “heroic” ending. Sam’s body language shows his involvement and how quickly he catches on as he tries out the dynamic scheme. The accompaniment adds to the “con forza” entrance as the hero struts right in. The repeated phrase is […]
All Three on Middle C
This piece introduces Middle C and reading on the Grand Staff. From the start, Kai learns that any finger in either hand can play Middle C. After the teacher’s dynamic performance, Kai tries out the piece, feeling the rhythm and checking the music and her hands. Alexis first practices changing fingers on the fallboard, then […]
Mozart’s Musical Patterns
In My First Piano Adventure Book B, students are taught how to recognize and memorize short patterns at a young age. Using colored shapes to symbolize rhythmic and melodic patterns, the student is able to visually grasp the concept of reoccurring notes as a group. Grouping and pattern recognition allows for quick memorization and the ability […]
Finger Fireworks
Watch as Randy presents a teaching demonstration of the first technique secret, “Finger Fireworks,” from Level 3B. Randy starts by having Ian experience the cupped hand shape off the piano, with the hand upside down. With practice, Ian is able to master the closed-hand technique which gives ease and speed for scalar passages. From Level 3B […]
