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Relaxing in Contrary Motion
In this video, Nancy coaches Philip on his 16th note, 2-octave contrary motion scales. The 8th note added in between allows the student to be mindful of relaxing the wrist while playing fast 16th notes. Often times, scale practice focuses solely on fast fingers, however we see artistry displayed along side of technique as Philip phrases […]
Go Team, Let’s Win!
Vivian has fun responding to the challenge of the chant. She begins to expect the rests to follow a pattern, but catches the change. That’s careful listening! When she plays the chant on the piano, it’s clear from her body language that she’s feeling the rests. Playing “Come On, Tigers!” is easy and full of energy […]
Queen Treble Clef Had a Fine Swirly Dress
Treble and bass clefs come to life with swirly dresses and handsome vests dancing high and low on the grand staff. The twins are introduced to the two clefs and the corresponding concepts of high and low sounds written on the staff — through imagination, play and listening. They sing and move their clefs along […]
Singing Sakura
Nancy sparks Vivian’s imagination as she describes the imagery within the music — the cherry blossoms floating upwards on a breeze, matching the echoes of music in the upper register. Vivian practices the ostinato in the left hand and sings the melody first before playing the piece hands together. Vivian’s singing prompts lyrical playing, and trains her […]
Merrily We Roll Along
Vivian is introduced to the C-D-E groups in a more challenging melodic contour, and the rhythmic feel for quarter, half, and whole notes is reinforced. Large rocking motions prepare her to sense the underlying musical pulse. Pointing to the notes while singing finger numbers strengthens the understanding of directional reading. Because the middle fingers are […]
Will You Play This Beautiful Duet with Me?
At a young age, Calvin’s sensitivity to artistry is evident as he asks his teacher to play this “beautiful” duet with him. As he plays, he sings the half note beats and bobs along with the melody. As teachers, we set examples of artistry and beauty for our students, even to the youngest pianists. Playing with […]
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 […]
